Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” (and Feel So Much Lighter)

We’ve all done it… played the mental game of “I could’ve done that better” or “I should’ve said no.” Sometimes it’s over big things. Sometimes it’s just... fries.

But every third Saturday in July, we get a chance to pause and say: No more.

Welcome to Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day; a not-so-random reminder that regret isn’t required baggage.

Why This Day Exists

Created by Martha J. Ross-Rodgers to encourage release. Not just for forgiveness, but for freedom. This day encourages us to let go of guilt, self-blame, and backward thinking. Because here’s the truth: beating yourself up over the past won’t change what happened. But it will absolutely steal your peace in the present.

Why Let Go?

Mental clarity: Regret creates mental clutter. Letting go makes space to focus and breathe.

Breaking patterns: Sometimes we stay stuck in loops out of habit. Letting go breaks the cycle.

Protecting your peace: It’s not always about guilt, sometimes it’s just about preserving your energy.

Reclaiming power: When you let go, you stop giving that situation or person control over your present.

Making room for growth: You can’t carry new joy if your hands are full of old baggage.

Being fully present: Peace, connection, joy; they all live in the now. Letting go lets you live now.

Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. It doesn’t mean pretending something didn’t matter. It just means you're done letting it drain you.

What You Can Do:

✍️ Write down every “could have” and “should have” that’s been lingering.

🔥 Then crumple it. Rip it. Burn it in a safe fire pit. Shred it with flair.

💨 Breathe. Seriously - deep inhale, long exhale. Let. That. Go.

Want something to write on?

Tap and hold (mobile) or right-click (desktop) the image below to save or print. (And NO… I won’t be asking for your email for it)

Use it as a little worksheet you can use as your own personal “mental dump zone.”

Bonus Challenge:

Share what you’re releasing (if you're feeling brave) and tag it with:

#CouldHaveShmouldHave or #TossItAndThrive

You never know who else you’ll inspire to let something go.

Final Thought:

You don’t owe your past self an apology. You owe your present self a fresh start.

Be kind. Be free. Toss it and move forward.