Ep 103: From Should to Could - An Episode in the Mindfulness Moments Series, with Dr. Michelle Quirk

How often do you hear the word should in your own head? I should go for my run. I should run farther. I should be faster. I should answer those emails. I should finish my notes. I should spend more time with my family. I should make more time for myself. I should be able to handle this. I should be doing more. I should be doing better. For women physicians and other high-achieving women, the list of "shoulds" can feel endless. In this Mindfulness Moments episode, we're exploring what happens when we replace should with could. "Should" can sound like a rule. It can leave very little room for curiosity, compassion, or choice. But "could" creates an opening. I could go for a run. I could take a rest day. I could ask for help. I could choose one thing that matters most today. I could make some space for myself. The goal isn't to eliminate responsibility or always choose the easiest option. It's to pause long enough to make a choice rather than automatically obeying every "should" our brains offer us. In this episode, I'll guide you through a short mindfulness practice to help you notice your own "shoulds," soften the language, and ask, What would support me today? In this episode: Why "should" can be such an exhausting word The difference between "should" and "could" How productivity and achievement can make it difficult to tolerate blank space A guided practice for noticing the pressure you're carrying Reframing "I should" into "I could" Giving yourself permission to make choices without comparison or justification RestRx Spring Reset If this practice leaves you longing for more space to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and explore what you actually need, that's exactly the kind of space we're creating at my RestRx retreats. The next RestRx retreat will be a one-day Spring Reset on March 6, 2027, at Normandy Farm in Blue Bell, PA, created specifically for women physicians. The September RestRx retreat is sold out, but the VIP waitlist is now open for the Spring Reset. Join the waitlist to be the first to hear when registration opens. https://mailchi.mp/9db5f7f1130c/retreat  Keep up with Coach Michelle's adventures over on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mindful.Marathon *** The information contained in this podcast is intended to serve as educational information and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should consult your primary care physician before undertaking any fitness regimen or exercise, which can pose serious health risks if undertaken or performed improperly. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in the videos is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/advanced practice provider. ***