The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna

Last updated: Sep 10, 2023

Summary of The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna

The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna is a self-help book that explores the concept of following one's true calling and finding personal fulfillment. The author presents a dichotomy between "should" and "must," representing the societal expectations and obligations versus one's inner desires and passions.

Luna begins by sharing her personal journey of leaving a successful career in design to pursue her true passion for painting. She emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice and taking the leap to follow one's must, even if it means going against societal norms and expectations.

The book then delves into the various factors that influence our decision-making process, such as fear, self-doubt, and external pressures. Luna encourages readers to confront these obstacles and embrace vulnerability in order to discover their true must.

Throughout the book, Luna provides practical exercises and prompts to help readers reflect on their own lives and identify their must. She emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and self-expression, urging readers to explore their passions and talents without fear of judgment or failure.

Luna also explores the concept of the hero's journey, drawing inspiration from Joseph Campbell's work. She encourages readers to view their own journey as a transformative experience, filled with challenges and growth. By embracing the unknown and taking risks, individuals can find their true purpose and live a more fulfilling life.

The book concludes with a call to action, urging readers to make a commitment to their must and take concrete steps towards pursuing their passions. Luna emphasizes the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of obstacles, reminding readers that the journey towards self-discovery is ongoing.

In summary, The Crossroads of Should and Must is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to question societal expectations and follow their true calling. Through personal anecdotes, practical exercises, and inspirational insights, Elle Luna encourages readers to embrace vulnerability, confront their fears, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.

1. The Difference Between Should and Must

In her book, Elle Luna explores the concept of Should and Must. Should represents the expectations and obligations imposed on us by society, family, and ourselves. It is the path we feel we should take, often driven by fear, practicality, or external validation. On the other hand, Must is our true calling, our inner voice, and the things we feel compelled to do. Must is driven by passion, purpose, and authenticity.

Understanding the difference between Should and Must is crucial because it allows us to identify the areas in our lives where we are not living authentically. By recognizing the Shoulds that are holding us back, we can start making choices that align with our Musts. This shift can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

2. The Importance of Listening to Our Intuition

Elle Luna emphasizes the significance of listening to our intuition when it comes to making decisions. Our intuition is our inner compass, guiding us towards our Must. It is the voice that knows what truly resonates with us and what will bring us joy and fulfillment.

However, in a world that often values logic and reason over intuition, we may find it challenging to trust our inner voice. Luna encourages us to cultivate a relationship with our intuition by paying attention to our feelings, desires, and gut instincts. By listening to our intuition and following its guidance, we can make choices that align with our true selves and lead us towards a more authentic and purposeful life.

3. Embracing Uncertainty and Taking Risks

One of the key takeaways from Luna's book is the importance of embracing uncertainty and taking risks in order to pursue our Must. Often, the fear of the unknown and the comfort of the familiar hold us back from pursuing our true passions and dreams.

Luna encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the uncertainty that comes with following our Must. She reminds us that growth and transformation happen outside of our comfort zones and that taking risks is essential for personal and creative fulfillment. By embracing uncertainty and taking calculated risks, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities that can lead us towards a more fulfilling and authentic life.

4. The Power of Self-Expression

Another important insight from Luna's book is the power of self-expression. She emphasizes that our Must is unique to us and that expressing ourselves authentically is essential for personal fulfillment and creative growth.

Self-expression can take many forms, whether it's through art, writing, music, or any other creative outlet. Luna encourages us to explore and embrace our unique talents and passions, allowing them to be a vehicle for self-expression. By expressing ourselves authentically, we not only find joy and fulfillment but also inspire and connect with others who resonate with our message.

5. The Role of Fear in Our Journey

Fear is a natural part of pursuing our Must, and Luna acknowledges its presence in our lives. She reminds us that fear is often an indicator that we are on the right path, as it signifies the importance and significance of what we are about to undertake.

Instead of letting fear hold us back, Luna encourages us to embrace it and use it as fuel for our journey. She suggests reframing fear as excitement and curiosity, allowing us to approach challenges with a sense of adventure and possibility. By acknowledging and embracing our fears, we can navigate through them and continue moving towards our Must.

6. The Importance of Self-Care

In the pursuit of our Must, it is crucial to prioritize self-care. Luna emphasizes that taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally is essential for maintaining our well-being and sustaining our creative energy.

Self-care can take various forms, whether it's practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, engaging in activities that bring us joy, or seeking support from loved ones. By prioritizing self-care, we ensure that we have the energy and resilience to pursue our Must and navigate the challenges that come with it.

7. The Power of Small Steps

Luna reminds us that pursuing our Must is not about making drastic changes overnight but rather about taking small steps towards our goals. She encourages us to break down our Must into manageable tasks and to focus on progress rather than perfection.

By taking small steps, we build momentum and gain confidence in our abilities. Each small step brings us closer to our Must and allows us to learn and grow along the way. Luna emphasizes that consistency and perseverance are key in the pursuit of our Must, and that even the smallest actions can have a significant impact over time.

8. The Importance of Finding Our Tribe

Lastly, Luna highlights the importance of finding our tribe, a community of like-minded individuals who support and inspire us on our journey. Our tribe can provide us with guidance, encouragement, and accountability as we pursue our Must.

Luna encourages us to seek out communities, whether online or offline, where we can connect with others who share our passions and values. By surrounding ourselves with people who understand and support our journey, we create a network of support that can help us overcome challenges and celebrate our successes.