Knee-Deep in a “Should” Storm

My Reiki master says, "'Shoulds' cause sore shoulders. Don't should on yourself."

Have you ever found yourself knee-deep in a "should" storm? 

What's a "should" storm? It's a mind game of all of the spiraling thoughts of the things you think you "should" have done differently. 

I certainly did last week.

A little background: Two dear friends of mine, who are fellow coaches, had big launches recently. Watching them succeed was incredible. Then a few hours later, I felt a wave of thoughts of what I "should" have done.

I should have launched big back in January.
I should have made a grand announcement.
I should have... 

I could go on.

Instead, I had a quiet launch, just spreading the word through friends.

Then I did a call for clients in April and I found some wonderful clients this way. And still those "should" thoughts nagged at me.

I was kidding myself thinking if I was busy they would go away. 

I had a fantastic weekend, including a fun trip to see Moulin Rouge with my sister and mom (highly recommend if you love musicals!). But in the quiet moments, my mind was on overdrive. 

It wasn’t until I was meditating before my Reiki Level 2 training on Sunday morning that I had a breakthrough. 

During meditation, I received a clear message: I’m doing it exactly the right way for me. 

I don't need a big launch. 

I’m proud of my friends, and at the same time I'm reminded that my path is uniquely mine.

Working with a messaging coach recently also helped me see things about my approach that I was too in my head to notice. 

This clarity was further reinforced during my Reiki training, aligning perfectly with my dream of incorporating distance Reiki into my coaching.

The storm was beginning to finally clear.

By Monday, as I sat with a client discussing the centers in Human Design, the clouds were gone and it was sunny. 

The centers are one of my favorite parts of Human Design.

And this client session was a great reminder of exactly what I’m meant to do. 

I am in the right place, at the right time, FOR me.

The "should" storms will come back. They always do. 

With an undefined ego center in Human Design, I know I can get stuck in feeling the need to prove myself. 

One of the biggest lessons Human Design has taught me is that I don’t need to prove anything to anyone. 

We are all on this journey together, stumbling to embrace our authentic selves, and here to support each other through the "should" storms.

When the "should" storms rise for you. 

Honor the need to go through the it, see if you can be gentle with yourself knowing it will pass, and know those dark clouds will clear. 

Many times the best way to get out of your head is to get into your body. Move – go for a walk, dance, yoga – or rest – yoga nidra is my favorite.  

Because you are whole and complete just as you are!