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Author and Sobriety Coach, Christy Osborne

Two simple tweaks that have been life-changing for many of my clients

Today, I want to share two simple tweaks that have been life-changing for many of my clients: eliminating the words “should” and “have to” from your vocabulary.

How often do you catch yourself thinking, “I should lose 10 pounds,” or “I should go to the PTA night”? Pause for a moment and ask yourself, is this really true? Who says you should? The pressure we feel is often self-imposed, burdening us with expectations that aren’t even our own. The truth is, you don’t have to do most of these things. What would happen if you gave yourself the space to question these “shoulds” and see if they align with who you want to be?

Here’s the second tweak. Every time you hear yourself thinking “I have to,” try swapping it out with “I get to.” This small change in language can transform your entire perspective. “I have to go to the dentist” becomes “I get to take care of my health.” “I have to make dinner for the kids” turns into “I get to nourish the people I love.” Suddenly, the tasks on your to-do list feel less like obligations and more like privileges.

These two tiny tweaks in your thinking—removing “should” and replacing “have to” with “get to”—might seem small, but they can have a massive impact on your mindset and well-being. It’s about giving yourself the grace to live in alignment with your values, creating boundaries that allow you to show up as the woman you want to be.

This also applies to taking a break from alcohol. You don’t have to—you get to. You get to experience the clarity, energy, and well-being that comes from reducing or eliminating alcohol. You get to wake up without regrets, feel fully present with loved ones, and give your body the care it deserves. Taking a break from alcohol can be one of the greatest gifts you give yourself for both your physical and mental health.

You don’t have to do this—you get to, and that’s a beautiful thing.