What are the top 5 things I should not do in life?

Life, like a winding mountain road, throws up breathtaking vistas and unexpected hairpin turns. While every path holds its own adventure, some forks in the road can lead you astray from a fulfilling journey. Here are five crossroads I wouldn't recommend navigating on your grand adventure:

1. Sacrificing your passion on the altar of security:

There's a siren song of stability that beckons many of us early on. We chase "sensible" careers, prioritize financial security over creative pursuits, and build lives that tick the boxes of societal expectations. But deep within, a spark flickers, yearning to be fanned into a flame. Don't ignore that spark. It's the compass that points towards your true north.

Think of Maya Angelou, who traded the safety of a stable job for a poet's pen. Imagine Van Gogh, choosing a life of vibrant colors over a life of dull conformity. Remember, security can be built on passion, not the other way around. Invest in your dreams, nurture your talents, and find a way to make your passion your paycheck, even if it takes time and grit.

2. Building walls instead of bridges:

Humans are social creatures, wired for connection. Yet, fear and insecurity often drive us to build walls, isolating ourselves from the richness of human interaction. We judge, we criticize, we push away those who seem different. But in doing so, we deny ourselves the tapestry of experiences and perspectives that come from genuine connection.

Imagine a world where the walls crumbled, replaced by bridges of empathy and understanding. Imagine the symphony of stories shared, the wisdom gleaned from diverse experiences, the laughter ringing through open doors. Open your heart to the world, embrace its diversity, and build bridges instead of walls. You'll discover a wealth of human connection waiting to enrich your life.

3. Silencing your inner voice for the applause of others:

It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of external validation. We chase trends, conform to expectations, and strive to fit the mold of what others perceive as "successful." But in doing so, we risk losing the most important voice – our own.

Think of Galileo, facing the flames for daring to whisper the truth. Think of Frida Kahlo, painting her pain into vibrant canvases, refusing to conform. Remember, your voice matters, even if it trembles at first. Speak your truth, embrace your quirks, and let your inner light shine. The world needs your unique melody, not a chorus of conformity.

4. Chasing fleeting pleasures at the expense of lasting meaning:

Life can be a whirlwind of instant gratification, a constant barrage of temptations that promise fleeting highs. We chase thrills, accumulate possessions, and seek validation in the ephemeral. But true happiness, the kind that sustains us through life's storms, comes from something deeper, something more enduring.

Think of Viktor Frankl, finding meaning in the darkest depths of Auschwitz. Think of Mother Teresa, dedicating her life to serving others. Remember, joy isn't a fleeting sugar rush, it's a deep wellspring of purpose and connection. Seek experiences that nourish your soul, contribute to something bigger than yourself, and build a life that resonates with meaning.

5. Holding onto regrets like shackles:

The past is a shadow cast by the light of the present. We all stumble, we all make mistakes, and we all carry scars from the battles we've fought. But clinging to the regrets of yesterday can weigh us down, preventing us from embracing the possibilities of tomorrow.

Think of Nelson Mandela, emerging from prison with a heart brimming with forgiveness. Think of Maya Angelou, transforming her pain into poetry that uplifted millions. Remember, regrets are lessons learned, not sentences etched in stone. Forgive yourself, let go of the past, and step into the future with a lighter heart.

These five crossroads are not dead ends, but opportunities for conscious choices. Choose passion over security, connection over isolation, authenticity over validation, meaning over fleeting pleasures, and forgiveness over regret. Chart your course with intention, embrace the detours, and remember, the most beautiful journeys are often the ones less traveled.

Live your life with open arms, a curious mind, and a heart full of courage. The world is waiting for your unique melody, so sing your song loud and clear.