I once viewed my life as a disjointed collage of incompatible desires. I wrestled for years to combine a need for financial security, an obsession with creating music, and a love for travel.

The central conflict: how can I keep making music while holding a job and traveling? I can’t bring all my production gear and instruments everywhere I go.

Two things have resolved this internal battle: self-acceptance and the imperative to create regardless of circumstance.

I had to accept the full truth of what I wanted: to be an artist, to have financial stability, and to travel. This means I probably won't become the kind of musician that practices 8 hours a day. It means I need to have a way to make money that gives me enough time to make music. It means that I need to be able to continue my musical and financial projects remotely.

I now accept that I must create. It is not an option. The downside is too steep -- unhappiness, unfulfillment, and a frustration that permeates all aspects of my life.

This internal directive—to create, no matter where I am—is the thread that ties everything together.

Devotion is the bedrock of my creative practice. It is the sustainer that keeps me steadfast.

More than anything, this blog has taught me that. When I committed to writing at least one piece every day, I could not have foreseen how much power that practice would've given me. It taught me that daily creation is possible with the right mindset. The point of creating is not to meet some standard. It is simply to create. I gave myself permission to write for the trash can. And now I have hundreds of published posts, many of which I quite like.

I have made a similar commitment to my music. I committed myself to shipping one album of new music per year. My mind is now primedto look for ways to meet this goal. Sometimes it means going into the studio without any plan -- three days of recording improvised music. Sometimes it means editing and mixing tracks on the go. Sometimes it means having a guitar with me and sketching out new ideas.

My devotion is my anchor. No matter where I am, I will be creating. Sometimes it’s writing. Sometimes it’s music. Sometimes it’s just filming whatever’s in front of me.

I pause as I struggle to find the words to express my excitement and optimism. There is a sort of magic when you commit yourself to something. Priorities become clear. That “no matter what” attitude is deeply empowering.

The shape of creating may change, but the practice of it remains the same.

Wherever I go, the practice travels with me.