Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda

How many times have I thought those words to myself during my yo-yo years.  Shoulda, woulda, coulda.

I shoulda never gone off my diet _________ (insert date here); I woulda been thin today and I coulda had this weight thing conquered already.  I shoulda not gone off my diet the time before that.  And the year before that.  And the time before that…

I shoulda started eating healthier years ago.  I woulda been happier and healthier and I coulda avoided a lot of emotional anguish.

I shoulda fed my boys differently when they were little and I coulda still made a difference in their lives.  I woulda not been kicking myself that they don’t eat well and I coulda had an easier time planning healthy meals for us all.  I shoulda experimented more with vegetable recipes and preparation.  I shoulda included them in meals on a regular basis.

I shoulda joined a gym sooner.

I shoulda started yoga years ago.  I woulda been much more flexible now.

I shoulda not had that cookie, that piece of cake, that brownie, that “whatever.”  I shoulda stopped at one.  I shoulda stopped after one day of binging.  I shoulda.

I shoulda not jumped off the chair lift.  I woulda not broken a bone and had months of shoulder recovery.  I coulda been lifting weights and doing yoga instead of physical therapy.  I coulda saved thousands of dollars in medical bills.

I shoulda figured out an alternative to eating when I am bored.  I woulda been less likely to eat if I had something else to occupy my time.  I coulda kept from gaining as much weight.

I shoulda kept going to Weight Watchers after I reached my goal weight years ago.  I woulda not gained back what I lost.  I coulda avoided all the subsequent dieting ups and downs.

I shoulda buckled down and stayed on track last month.  I shoulda met my Spring Challenge goal every week.  I coulda seen a lower number on the scale today.  I woulda had a little cushion going into some weekends away coming up.

I shoulda started my blog long ago.  I woulda found this outlet and community sooner.  I coulda used the support and friendship and motivation:)

The reality is there are many little shoulda, woulda, couldas in my past.  I used to think about them often.  But the past is over.  No sense kicking myself over it.  Hindsight is 20/20 but doesn’t do anything for me going forward.  The only reason to look back is if I am truly using it to learn from my mistakes and to discover what I should, would, could do differently now in my life.  I shall, I will, and I can.  Sometimes it is easier said than done, but I SHALL work on it because I WILL accomplish things if I set my mind to them and I CAN do this!

What about you?  Shoulda, woulda, coulda?  Shall, will, can?