In the vast landscape of life, every individual finds themselves at the crossroads between ‘should’ and ‘must’. It is a junction where the voices of society, expectations, and responsibilities intersect with the deep desires and passions that reside within one’s soul. Exploring this profound dilemma is both thought-provoking and exhilarating as it unravels the essence of human existence. Today, we embark on a captivating journey to delve into the enigmatic realm of ‘The Crossroads of Should and Must’, where we will endeavor to understand the choices, challenges, and epiphanies that accompany the pursuit of our true calling. Through engaging interviews with individuals who have dared to follow their ‘must’ instead of succumbing to societal ‘shoulds’, we will explore the boundless possibilities that lie at this interstice, inspiring us all to discover our authentic path and embrace the fullness of our potential.
The Crossroads of Should and Must is not just a book; it is a journey of self-exploration and discovery. Written by Elle Luna, an artist and designer, this book dives deep into the universal struggle between what we think we should do and what we feel called to do. It poses the question: are we living the life we truly desire or are we following the expectations and pressures of society?
Luna describes the crossroads as the intersection where our obligations, fears, and doubts clash with our passions, dreams, and true purpose. It is at this crucial junction that we are faced with a decision – to continue down the path of should, or embrace the path of must. Should, being the path that society expects us to take, often guided by external influences, and must, being the path that aligns with our innermost desires, our authentic selves.
In this thought-provoking book, Luna shares her personal journey of transitioning from a successful, yet unfulfilling career in start-ups, to pursuing her passion as an artist. She delves into her own experiences and provides practical tools, exercises, and insights to help readers navigate their own crossroads and discover their true calling.
Through heartfelt anecdotes and captivating illustrations, Luna delves into the power of intuition, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to let go of societal expectations. She prompts readers to reflect on their own shoulds, fears, and aspirations, and challenges them to step outside their comfort zones and follow their musts – their calling.
The Crossroads of Should and Must is not just a guidebook to finding purpose and fulfillment; it is an empowering reminder that we have the choice to create the life we truly want. Whether you are seeking a career change, longing for more creativity, or simply searching for deeper meaning in your life, Luna’s book offers a roadmap to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of the crossroads. It inspires readers to break free from the norms, embrace their true selves, and embark on a journey towards a life filled with passion, purpose, and authenticity.
10 Thought-Provoking Questions with The Crossroads of Should and Must
1. Can you provide ten The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna quotes to our readers?
1. “Should is how others want us to show up in the world… Must is who we are, what we believe, and what we do when we are alone with our truest, most authentic self.”
2. “Should is easy, comfortable, familiar, and safe. Must is difficult, challenging, unfamiliar, and risky.”
3. “Should is the expectations and obligations of the world. Must is the calling of our soul, our true purpose.”
4. “Should is driven by the fear of judgment and the need for approval. Must is driven by passion, intuition, and inner wisdom.”
5. “Should is conformity. Must is originality.”
6. “Should is about the past and the future. Must is about the present moment.”
7. “Should is the well-trodden path. Must is the uncharted journey.”
8. “Should is listening to the voices outside. Must is listening to the whispers within.”
9. “Should is living someone else’s life. Must is living our own.”
10. “Should is a path that has been traveled before. Must is the path that only we can forge for ourselves.”
“The Crossroads of Should and Must” was written by the artist and author Elle Luna. The book explores the idea of finding one’s true calling and following the path that feels authentic and fulfilling, the Must, rather than succumbing to societal expectations or obligations, the Should.
Elle Luna’s inspiration for writing the book came from her own personal journey. After working at a tech startup, she found herself unfulfilled and yearning for something more meaningful and creative. This led her to seek out her Must, her true passion for art and design.
Through her own experiences, Luna realized that many people struggle with this same dilemma – the conflict between what they feel they should do versus what they must do. She felt compelled to explore these topics because she believes that everyone has a unique purpose, a Must, waiting to be discovered and pursued.
The Crossroads of Should and Must” aims to inspire and empower individuals to listen to their inner voice, overcome fears, and take the leap towards their Must. It serves as a guide, providing insights, stories, and practical tools to navigate the journey of self-discovery and find fulfillment in life.
In life, “Should” represents the expectations placed on us by society, family, or ourselves; it is the responsible and practical path. On the other hand, “Must” encompasses our true passions, dreams, and desires. It is the path that speaks to our hearts and souls, leading us to a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose.
To identify and embrace our “Must,” we must first pause and reflect on our innermost yearnings and aspirations. We can explore our deepest interests, curiosities, and talents, paying attention to what energizes and excites us. Recognizing that our “Must” often lies outside our comfort zone, we must confront our fears and break free from the constraints of others’ expectations.
Listening to our intuition is crucial, as it will guide us towards our authentic path. Creating space for self-discovery through practices like journaling, meditation, or engaging in meaningful conversations can also assist us in uncovering what truly resonates with our core selves.
Once identified, embracing our “Must” requires courage, commitment, and a willingness to take risks. It might not be a linear journey, but by embracing our passions and aligning our actions with our authentic selves, we can experience a profound sense of fulfillment and live a life true to ourselves.
The journey of self-exploration and uncovering your unique “Must” in life begins with introspection and curiosity. Start by creating space and time for self-reflection. Engage in practices like journaling, meditation, or simply taking long walks alone to ask yourself meaningful questions. What makes your heart sing? What activities or interests give you a sense of fulfillment and purpose?
Listen to your gut instincts and inner voice, as they hold valuable insights. Pay attention to moments when you feel most alive and aligned. Explore new avenues and experiment with different hobbies, projects, or experiences. Embrace failure as a tool for growth and learning, as it often helps uncover our true passions.
Seek inspiration from others who have found their own “Must”. Read books, listen to podcasts, or engage in conversations with people who inspire you. Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages personal growth.
Remember, the path to discovering your “Must” is not linear or static. It evolves and changes over time, so embrace the journey with an open mind and patience. Be authentic, trust yourself, and have the courage to follow your own unique path.
5.In your book, you discuss the role of creativity and passion in pursuing one’s “Must.” Can you provide insights into how individuals can harness their creative energy and align it with their true calling?
6.Your book touches on the idea of fear and resistance that often accompany the pursuit of “Must.” What are some practical strategies and practices you recommend for readers to overcome fear and self-doubt as they pursue their authentic path?
7.”The Crossroads of Should and Must” encourages readers to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. How can individuals cultivate vulnerability and authenticity in their lives, as described in your book?
8.Your book addresses the role of courage in choosing “Must” over “Should.” Can you share stories or examples of individuals who have found the courage to follow their “Must” and the transformative impact it had on their lives?
9.”The Crossroads of Should and Must” aims to inspire readers to live more purposefully. Can you discuss the overall personal and creative growth that individuals can experience by embracing their “Must” and making it a central part of their lives, as outlined in your book?
1. “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert – This book explores the importance of embracing creativity and living a fulfilling life by following your passions. It shares insights, stories, and practical advice to inspire readers to overcome fear and pursue their own creative journeys.
2. “The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles” by Steven Pressfield – In this book, Pressfield dives into the concept of resistance that holds artists and creatives back from reaching their true potential. It offers valuable strategies and insights to help overcome self-doubt, procrastination, and other obstacles that hinder creative expression.
3. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” by Julia Cameron – Cameron presents a 12-week program designed to unblock and unleash creativity in artists and individuals alike. Through a series of exercises, reflections, and guidance, it encourages readers to tap into their inner creativity and rediscover their passion.
4. “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead” by Brené Brown – This book dives into the power of vulnerability, embracing imperfections, and living wholeheartedly. It explores how embracing vulnerability can liberate individuals from self-doubt and societal pressures, empowering them to take risks and follow their true desires.
5. The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho – A timeless classic, “The Alchemist” tells the story of Santiago, a young shepherd who embarks on a journey to discover his personal legend. This inspiring tale teaches readers about the importance of listening to one’s heart and following their dreams, even when faced with obstacles and uncertainty.