What is the metric of decision-making in our lives? What bearing do we follow? How do we hear our inner guidance among the cacophony of others? How does one approach risk? Navigating one’s life is tricky business.
Artist/author Elle Luna addresses this very topic in her recent book “The Crossroad of Should and Must, Find & Follow Your Passion.” I was listening to her interview on the Beyond podcast and perked up my ears. I don’t think I have ever heard anyone address this issue in such a concise way. Rather than head vs heart or gut vs brain she defines the quandry as what you SHOULD do VS what you MUST do. This could be as huge as choosing a profession to choosing to take a break and read for 30 minutes, or should I finish this blog post or go out and work in the garden? (I chose the former.)
I purchased the book and have been very pleased with both the content and its presentation, a mixture of type, Luna’s illustrations, handwritten text, and memorable quotes in a recycled tag board binding. It’s a quick reference to navigating the yearnings of one’s soul.
Age has made that process easier for me to distinguish between the voices of head and heart as I have the luxury of looking back over decades. Still, it is always nice to have a guidebook when you have lost your way. I’ve added it to my bookshelf alongside The Artist’s Way and Austin Kleon’s books. It’s worth a read- especially if you’re a creative type.
Check it out!
At the Crossroads
I choose
having tasted the straight, well-traveled road of should
and the starvation that came with it
the unmapped one calls to me
a winding path fraught with obstacles
marked with warnings
I have only my compass
traverse unknown terrain
and stumble often as
scars collect on my body
brought to skinned knees
by vista after vista
but I am satisfied with my choice
and despite injuries
I revel in the challenge
my curiosity sated with memories
feeling fully alive
on this road I’ve taken
and that has made all the difference
Check out my other blog, onesweetearth on sustainable living
Photos by author- most from the book At The Crossroads of Should and Must
By Alanna Pass 