Words a Woman Over 60
Should Never Use Again
Words a Woman Over 60 Should Never Use Again
We’ve been bossed around by words our whole lives. Words that shrink us, box us in, or whisper that we’re not enough.
At this stage of life? Certain words need to be deleted from our vocabulary—forever.
Quick pause before we dive in—because tomorrow is Labor Day, and a new season begins. Here’s how we’ll be gathering as women over 60 this fall…
Here are five I refuse to use anymore—and what I say instead. Perhpas you will see the value of chaning old habits- we all have- into a friendly and kinder manner of speaking to others, AND! to ourselves.
1. Must
Every “must” is somebody else’s demand. “You must fix this. You must try that. You must act this way.”
Now, instead of saying “must,” I say: “Perhaps you’d like to…”
Example: Instead of “You must try meditation,” I say, “Perhaps you’d like to try meditation—it helped me.”
It leaves the choice in your hands, not someone else’s.
2. Should
“Should” is the sister of shame. “I should exercise. I should call her back. I should be further along by now.”
Now, I swap it with: “I’d like to…” or “I might…”
Example: Instead of “I should exercise,” I say, “I’d like to move my body today.”
That one shift turns guilt into possibility.
3. Supposed To
We’ve lived under a thousand “supposed tos.” “You’re supposed to act your age. You’re supposed to stay small. You’re supposed to be quiet.”
Now, I ask instead: “Do I want to?” or “Does this align with me?”
Example: Instead of “I’m supposed to stay quiet,” I ask, “Do I want to share my voice here?”
4. Too Much
We’ve all been told we’re too much. “Too opinionated. Too loud. Too visible. Too colorful.”
Now, if I hear it, I grin and reply: “Thank you.”
Example: If someone says, “You’re too much,” I smile and say, “Thank you—exactly who I intend to be.”
5. Still
“You’re still working? You’re still dressing like that? You’re still chasing dreams?”
Now, I flip it.
Example: If asked, “You’re still working?” I reply, “Yes—and I’m still alive enough to want it.”
Deleting these words isn’t about semantics—it’s about sovereignty. It’s about refusing to carry someone else’s script into the next act of our lives.
✨ My new rule: If the word makes me feel smaller, I delete it. If it makes me feel alive, I use it twice.
And because I want you to keep this close at hand, I’ve created a Word Swap Cheat Sheet you can print and tape to your fridge! ( that whole memory thing is a devil! )
This Word Swap Cheat Sheet is completely free. Gumroad may prompt you for a tip or show you a pay window—please know you are under no obligation to pay. Simply enter “0” and it’s yours as my gift. If you’d like to tip, you’re always welcome to—but it’s not required.
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