"Madness is never that far away. It’s as close as saying yes to the wrong impulse."

Madness can creep up on any of us. It’s right there, lurking in the shadows, just waiting for that one moment when we say yes to something we know we shouldn’t. You know how it goes—one small, seemingly insignificant decision can set off a chain reaction that spirals out of control. It’s like standing on the edge of a cliff, just one step away from a long, terrifying fall.

This idea might remind you of the ancient Greek tales of hubris. Think of Icarus, who ignored his father’s warnings and flew too close to the sun on wings made of wax. His brief moment of euphoria came crashing down—literally—when his wings melted, and he plunged into the sea. Sometimes, our impulses can be just as disastrous.

Picture this: a successful businessperson, let’s call him John, has it all—a thriving career, a loving family, financial stability. One evening, during a business trip, he finds himself at a bar. The drinks are flowing, and the atmosphere is charged. A colleague suggests they take the party elsewhere, to a place John knows he shouldn’t go. In that split second, he decides to say yes. What’s the harm, right? The next thing he knows, he’s waking up with a pounding headache, vague memories of regrets, and a text message from his boss about an embarrassing video making the rounds online.

John’s life took a nosedive from that one moment of weakness. His career’s in jeopardy, his family’s trust shattered. All because of one poor decision—one wrong impulse.

So how do we avoid these pitfalls? First, it’s crucial to be aware of your impulses. Think of them as pop-up ads on your computer screen. They’re there, they’re annoying, and sometimes they’re tempting. But you don’t have to click on them. Pause. Take a deep breath. Ask yourself, “Is this something I’ll regret tomorrow?”

It might help to have a mental checklist. For example, if you’re about to make a decision that feels even slightly off, run it through your personal values. Does it align with them? Or does it feel like it’s taking you off track? When you’re in the heat of the moment, having these guardrails can save you from making a disastrous choice.

Let’s get more concrete. Imagine you’re at a party, and you’ve had a couple of drinks. You’re having fun, but then someone offers you something stronger—something illegal. In that moment, you remember a story your friend told you about someone who got into deep trouble because of a similar situation. You picture their downfall, the chaos that followed, the relationships ruined. You take a deep breath and say, “No, thanks.” You’ve just dodged a bullet by being mindful of that impulse.

We all face these moments where the line between sanity and madness blurs. But remember, you’re in control. You have the power to pause, reflect, and choose wisely. So next time you feel that pull towards something you know isn’t right, think about the bigger picture. Trust yourself to make the decision that keeps you on solid ground. It’s just one step, one choice—but it makes all the difference.