Lately, I’ve been reflecting on where I place my energy. Life has a way of sweeping us up in the busyness of it all—the constant mental chatter about what has happened, worrying about what is happening now, or getting stuck in the biggest myth of all: the future. I’ve realised that in all this mental clutter, I often forget to focus on the things I can control—what I value, what nourishes me, and what feels truly important.

It’s easy to get caught up in the things we have little to no influence on, but I’ve decided to shift my energy toward those areas where I do have control. It’s about being more intentional with my time and focus. I was recently reminded of something Buddhist nun Pema Chodron said in one of her talks: “Too busy to live life.” This really struck a chord with me when I first heard it. How often do we get lost in the whirlwind of worries and tasks, losing sight of simply being?

It reminds me of a piece of wisdom my mother once shared: “This is not a rehearsal.” Life isn’t a practice run—it’s the only real show we’ve got. And if we give ourselves time to recognise that, the more we can start truly living it.

In my pursuit of a more meaningfulness, I’ve come to understand the importance of moments of pause. Pausing creates space for us to tune into who we are, to reconnect with our intuition, and to stay grounded amidst the chaos. It’s something we desperately need in a world that moves so fast, where the pressure to be constantly productive can easily overwhelm us.

I was recently delighted by a comment from an attendee of one of my art workshops. She shared that since we last met, life had been particularly challenging for her. But spending three hours focused on creativity, experimentation, and play during the workshop was exactly what she needed for her well-being. These moments of pause aren’t about escaping life, they give us the opportunity to recalibrate and reconnect with it.

This is something we should all keep in mind. Pausing doesn’t mean avoiding life; it’s about fully engaging with it, giving ourselves the space to reflect and find our true selves. It’s a form of self-care that allows us to show up more authentically in every part of our lives.

On a podcast I recently listened to, artist Laurie Anderson shared an insightful philosophy that she and her late husband, Lou Reed, lived by. Though I can’t recall her exact words, here’s my interpretation of their guiding principles:

1. Don’t be overwhelmed by others’ power and authority – We are all human beings. Engage with others as equals, adult to adult, and never diminish yourself to appease anyone.
2. Trust your intuition – Don’t settle for anything that doesn’t align with your inner truth. Trust yourself and your instincts.
3. Do what nourishes you – Pursue what feels right for you, not what others expect of you. Do what brings you joy and fulfilment.

As I reflect on Laurie Anderson’s wisdom, I realize that these principles are what we’re all striving for in some way—whether in life or in art. We want an honest expression of ourselves, one that gives dignity to our lives and the people we share them with. So, I’m learning to take more time to pause, to check in with my thoughts and actions, and to tune into what makes life truly worthwhile for me.

The path toward authenticity isn’t always easy, but it’s deeply rewarding. As we continue through the busyness of life, let’s remember to pause, reconnect, and live in alignment with what nourishes us. After all, this is not a rehearsal. Life is happening right now. Let’s make it count.