“Should” is a heavy word. It carries the weight of expectations—expectations from society, family, and even ourselves. I’ve spent so much of my life living by “shoulds.” I should follow this career path. I should create art that people will like. I should prioritize productivity over rest.
But here’s the truth: “Should” keeps us stuck. It ties us to roles and expectations that don’t always reflect who we are or what we truly want.
When I started painting, I felt the pressure to create art that fit a specific mold. But as I let go of the “shoulds” and allowed myself to experiment, my work began to evolve. The freedom to paint what felt true to me, rather than what I thought others expected, was transformative.
The same principle applies to life. Letting go of “should” isn’t about ignoring responsibilities—it’s about prioritizing what aligns with your heart. It’s about asking yourself, What do I truly want? What feels meaningful to me?
Take a moment today to reflect on the “shoulds” in your life. Which ones feel heavy? What might happen if you let them go?
Discover art that celebrates freedom and self-expression at sarahandreas.com. Let it inspire you to release the “shoulds” and embrace what feels true to you.
