We're particularly interested in why, when faced with the hem and haw of the SHOULDS, it is so very difficult to summon a definitive "yes" or "no". I have had - and done - my share of shoulds. For instance, for many years, I was overly concerned about the opinions of others. Sadly, the pressure to have others think well of me made me go against my instincts and hunches, against my 'wants' and 'don't wants', and frankly, against my very essence in some cases.

It wasn't until I realized that the short-term pain of addressing its source was worth the long-term gain of being free of it, that the "should" finally faded. Don't get me wrong - I still have them, and I still allow them to drive choices when I'd really rather not, but I'm happy to report that over time, their frequency and power continues to fade.

So here, in hopes you'll decide to take a clarifying (and freeing) look at the pressures behind your shoulds, is our June 2014 article.