Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves”

Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” is celebrated every third Saturday in July. In 2026, this date falls on July 18. This day offers a simple, practical ritual: identify the regrets that hold you back, name them, and release them so you can focus on present choices and future possibilities.

History of Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves”

Author and motivational speaker Martha J. Ross-Rodgers created Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” as a prompt for people to stop dwelling on the past and to live in the present. The observance is set on the third Saturday in July, a date chosen to give people a weekend moment for reflection and a symbolic fresh start.

Early descriptions of the day emphasize a straightforward exercise: write down your "could haves" and "should haves," then discard the list and make a resolution to live more intentionally. That ritual—paper, pen, and a deliberate act of disposal—serves as both metaphor and action, helping participants move from rumination to decision.

Why is Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” important?

Regret can trap attention in what cannot be changed and weaken confidence about acting now. This observance encourages a break in that pattern by converting abstract remorse into a concrete, finite activity that signals permission to move forward.

The day also highlights mental well-being by promoting mindful awareness: identifying recurring "what if" thoughts, noticing their emotional weight, and choosing present-focused goals instead. Small acts of symbolic release can reduce stress and free energy for constructive planning.

• It creates a clear moment to stop revisiting past mistakes.
• It encourages a tangible ritual that signals change of mindset.
• It promotes goal-setting oriented toward the present and future.
• It supports mental health by reducing rumination.
• It invites community sharing and mutual encouragement for forward movement.

How to Celebrate Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves”

Start by finding a quiet place and a pen and paper. List the regrets or "shoulds" that recur in your thoughts, then perform a symbolic disposal—tearing, shredding, or recycling the paper—to mark an intention to stop dwelling on those items and to act differently from now on.

Make a short, positive pledge to replace those regrets with attainable actions: set one small goal that directs your energy toward a concrete next step. Share the pledge with a friend or on social media using the day’s hashtag to build accountability and to invite others to join the ritual.

• Write down specific “could haves” and “should haves” on a single sheet of paper.
• Choose a symbolic way to discard the list that feels meaningful to you.
• Create one practical goal to pursue in the next 30 days and note the first step.
• Invite a friend to do the exercise with you or discuss your pledge afterward.
• Use mindfulness or a short guided meditation before or after the ritual to ground the intention.

Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Dates