Comments on: ‘should’-free diet: you deserve it!

By: Amber

Amber — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:16:13 +0000

This is great. It’s amazing how the change of one word can make a difference in your perspective.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:09:45 +0000

So very true! Thanks for this post.

By: Tony

Tony — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:00:24 +0000

Jenna, I think you have a point about using words like “should” in a morally neutral context, such as whether to do a chore or apply for a job. Bringing morally charged terms into a neutral area such as household chores does indeed add unnecessary stress and guilt. On the other hand, words like “should” and “ought” have a valuable role when addressing truly moral areas involving right and wrong. Do we think that damaging the planet and environment is wrong? Then it’s appropriate to say that all socially and environmentally conscious people “should” try to do things like recycle, conserve energy, etc. Do we believe that discrimination against a minority population is wrong? Then, it’s appropriate to say that our laws should protect equal rights (not just that we “deserve” laws that protect equal rights). Do we believe that killing or raping a child is evil and wrong? Then, it’s important for us to say that people should never do such a thing (not just that we all deserve a world without violence). The word “should” serves a valuable purpose when we, as conscientious and moral minded actors, want to point out wrongful and evil acts in the world and point the way toward the right and moral way for people to conduct themselves. Without words like should, everything is cultural relativism. Nothing is wrong; nothing is right. There is no good or evil in the world, only opinions. I prefer a world with some common understanding of right and wrong, a common belief in shared fundamental values about things like protecting rights, life and the environment.

By: CC

CC — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:28:23 +0000

Unbelievable! Thanks so much for that!

By: Patricia

Patricia — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:28:02 +0000

Jenna, this is by far my favourite blog post to date!!

Thank you!!!

By: Carlson

Carlson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:43:30 +0000

Yeah!!! we all deserve clean dishes!!!!

By: Luisa

Luisa — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:37:25 +0000

So inspiring!!! i am going to start this diet because we all deserve to be positive!

By: Michelle @ Find Your Balance

Michelle @ Find Your Balance — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:23:36 +0000

Love this! I deserve clean dishes too, come to think of it…

By: Jenna

Jenna — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:34:04 +0000

Isn’t it amazing that such a small change can have such a big impact!
Glad you all loved this post. It is such a great reminder to keep one motivated, positive and focused, as well as enjoying your life

By: Marisa

Marisa — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:15:00 +0000

i need to start this should-free diet, stat! i deserve it! thanks for sharing jenna and changing my perspective on things.

By: sheena

sheena — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:38:33 +0000

this is so great!!!

By: Shawna

Shawna — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:36:01 +0000

Jenna, what a great post! It it such a simple thing to do and sometimes we all need to be reminded that we have the power to change our way of thinking. Thank you.

By: Suzanne

Suzanne — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:22:03 +0000

I love this. We all DESERVE this kind of positive thinking in our lives!

By: Mandy

Mandy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:21:36 +0000

Wow. This is EXACLY what I needed to hear today. What an awesome way to change perspective. THANK YOU for this wonderful blog!

By: Vivian

Vivian — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:02:29 +0000

Great post, thanks for that! I’ll start incorporating that substituion into my thoughts…It just goes to show how perspective is everything.