Declaring Independence from "I Should": A Letter from Addie Durant

 As we get deeper into summer, the heat continues to rise, and so does our sense of obligation. We feel like we need to maximize our summer and our time, and get as much done as possible. Oftentimes, we view the winter as a time to cuddle up and summer as a time when people feel pressured to get out of the house, see friends, and have fun. This can show up in different ways for different people. It can feel like you can’t say no to plans, you have to clean out your house, you have to get in shape. Oftentimes, these expectations and “I shoulds” have the opposite effect and make people feel more exhausted instead of rejuvenated. 

When you do something purely out of obligation, it often makes you feel worse. While summer offers more daylight and a sense of energy, all of the expectations surrounding the season can also feel draining. Instead of doing something because you think that you should, try to tune into your body and what it actually needs. If you need to take this time to recharge instead of maximize your day, it is important to listen to that instinct. 

Even though it can be difficult to say no and listen to what you need, it gets easier with practice. The majority of the time these obligations are self-imposed because of the expectations we place on ourselves or what we see others doing. It’s easy to feel like we should be doing more and we don’t measure up. Focusing on what your body needs instead of what you feel like you should be doing is often more healing than forcing yourself to do things you don’t want to do. This July, we are declaring independence from I should and focusing on I need.