Because You Should

by Karen Andes

Getting fit because we “should” isn’t a good enough reason. “Should” stirs up guilt, obligation, getting serious, buckling down. It’s our mother’s tone of voice, our father’s lifted eyebrow: the look that needs no words but says, “get in here right now young lady. Just what do you think you’re doing?” “ Should” the whip at our backs, is hidden beneath every self-criticism and resolution, runs counter to every craving, pits the taskmaster against the devil.

Some people thrive on “Should.” Rigid personality types who like routine, clear boundaries, and restrictions find it’s a turn-on because it structures their world. More carefree personalities tend to be oblivious to the concept, order another bottle of wine, eat the whole box of chocolates, and buy lavish gifts for friends. “Should” hardly enters into the vocabulary, but it probably “should” more often.

It’s nice to know that when we’re motivated to get fit “because it’s good for us,” our time is wisely spent. But let’s not suck the joy right out of it because we “should.”