Celebrating Ten Years of Dedication: My Top Ten Tips for Remaining True to the Way

As I move into a new decade next year and reflect on the past ten years with Temple Lah, I see how a non-negotiable dedication has allowed the work to endure and continue. Navigating full-time work while juggling multiple commitments, relocating interstate, living through a pandemic that demanded reframing, and meeting the quiet expectations of life that required me to step away at times, has been an interesting ride. One that has been deeply rewarding, and a testament to staying on the way, allowing the work not only to survive, but to continue to flourish.

Here is my top ten tips for keeping on track!

Art is a conduit

It is a channel for expressing authenticity; an invitation to create moments of openness, truth, and presence.

Creativity is all-access

It belongs to everyone, at any time. When inspiration arrives, honour it—write it down, sketch it out, save the spark.

Authenticity creates deep connection

If something doesn’t feel aligned, step away. Returning with clarity is part of the process.

Freedom fuels expression

The more free you feel within, the more liberated your art will become.

Art is not a competition

It is not a sport. The only invitation is to be better than you were yesterday.

Focus on your own way, this is where your truth lives, and truth is alluring.

Knowing thyself is essential

Take time to simply live, observe, and be. Self-awareness deepens creative integrity.

Art is subjective, so find your tribe.

Seek those who resonate with your vision.

Keep them close, nurture those connections, and shower them with love.

Be you, and celebrate yourself through your work.

Your art is all you, until one day it isn’t. That’s not loss; that’s growth.

Meditation keeps the channels open

In any form, stillness clears space for insight, intuition, and flow.

Nature is your greatest ally

It restores rhythm, renews energy, and recalibrates you to produce your best, most honest work.

As every space has an emotional tone and new landscapes, places can reset the senses.

Ideas on the go and the practicality of keeping a notebook!

Exploring the ever-expanding creative pool of possibilities at hand, whether a notebook, a scrap of paper, notes in an iPhone, a scribble on the back of a receipt, or even a napkin — everything becomes part of the unfolding dream.