Letting Go of "Supposed To"

There is nothing that kills imagination and creativity quicker than the phrase, “Supposed to”.

“Supposed to” limits one’s possibility to that which has already been done. “Supposed to” may make one relevant but it never gives way to the unique creative genius.

“Supposed to” is attractive…it shows us the way, but this is precisely the problem. If the way is easy and can be shown so simply then there is a good chance no new thing will be discovered.

“Supposed to” is for those who want to fall in line, do as they’re told, and live a nice happy life. “Suppose to” doesn’t ask that much of you, just the status quo really. It doesn’t require you to think or to dream; and it certainly doesn’t rock the boat.

And while you are doing what you are “Supposed to” there are others doing what hasn’t been done, doing what they were told shouldn’t be done, or even more: what couldn’t be done. It is those who leave the confines of “Supposed to” that find their soul in the middle of a chorus…singing life out loud.

Living life outside of the “Supposed to” doesn’t mean that life is up for grabs; there are indeed some things we should be about. We should be generous, kind, and supportive of others. We should be encourages of children and our word should stand by exactly what it says.

Life free from the “Supposed to” doesn’t mean that we live life outside of the box, but rather that we dance along its edges. It means that when we go to work, school, or manage the household we will take care of more than our responsibilities…and not because they are a “have to”, but rather because they are an opportunity. An opportunity to do more than the minimum of the “supposed to” but to offer the fullness of our unique self to others.

May you live a life fare away from the demands of the supposed to and learn to live from the unique self God has placed within you.