Life in the Slow Lane
How a lap of Australia turned into a way of life.
Sharing our story at Ottway the Label’s Art of Living event: a gathering of creators..
Creativity, adventure, and meaningful connection — these are the core elements of Ottway the Label’s Art of Living event, a gathering designed to inspire and celebrate the journeys of creators, dreamers, and doers. We had the privilege of sharing our story at this incredible event, diving into how a single decision to hit the road changed our lives forever. Our goal? To show others that sometimes, the best way forward is to slow down, embrace uncertainty, and follow the spark of what truly excites you.
There’s something about the open road—the endless horizon, the promise of adventure, the slow unraveling of time. For us, what started as a simple lap around Australia turned into a whole new way of living. This is our story, the one we shared at Ottway the Label’s Art of Living event, where we spoke about chasing dreams, embracing change, and saying “hell yeah” to life.
The Beginning: Lost and Looking
Kendall—young, naive, and completely lost. Glenn—slightly less young, slightly less naive, but still completely lost. That was us ten years ago. We had settled into city life in Sydney, but by 2017, it became clear that the fast-paced urban grind wasn’t for us. We craved something different—something more aligned with who we really were.
Enter Vance:
In 2018, we found our ticket to freedom: a 1982 VW van named Vance. We packed up, left behind the familiar, and hit the road to explore Australia. What was meant to be a year-long adventure quickly turned into something much bigger…
A Detour Called 2020
Three months in, the world hit pause. The “spicy cough” (yep, we all remember) made its debut, and suddenly, our journey was on hold. But instead of heading back to Sydney, we waited, explored new corners, and adapted to a life where time stretched and moments deepened. When borders reopened, we had a choice: return to the city or keep going. The answer was easy - keep going.
Finding Creativity on the Road
The next two years were the best yet. We traveled slowly, met lifelong friends, and discovered something unexpected, our creativity flourished. This journey wasn’t just about places; it was about shaping dreams. In 2022, we took another leap, swapping our beloved van for an equally old (but much more capable) 4WD, Nigel. In just a month, we transformed it into our new home on wheels and continued our adventure.
The Road to Now
From 2022 to 2024, we continued exploring, living, and creating. And finally, after years of meandering through the most incredible landscapes, we finished our “lap” of Australia. But the journey didn’t end there — it simply evolved. Now, in 2025, we’ve transitioned from one tiny home on wheels to another, carrying with us the lessons, memories, and creative fire that life on the road has given us.
Key Takeaways from the Art of Living Event
Reflecting on our journey, we realised that every decision—big or small—was shaped by one simple guiding principle: If it’s not a hell yeah, it’s a hell no.
Long-term goals can be limiting. While SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) are great, life is unpredictable. Instead of overcommitting to rigid plans, we focused on what truly excited and fulfilled us. This mindset shift removed expectations that often lead to burnout or disappointment and instead allowed room for organic growth and new opportunities.
Not every “hell yeah” leads to success—and that’s okay. Some experiences are simply stepping stones, learning curves, or chapters in your story. By removing pressure and expectations, every adventure remains a positive and necessary part of your personal and creative evolution.
Commitment follows true fulfillment. When something genuinely excites you, commitment becomes second nature. This is where real progress and deeper fulfillment happen—not necessarily “success” by traditional standards, but a journey that feels worth every ounce of energy you put in.
Make your Plan B as unappealing as possible. Pursuing your passion isn’t easy. If your backup plan is too comfortable, it becomes tempting to fall back instead of pushing through the tough moments. Make your “hell yeah” the only real option.
Chasing your “hell yeah” doesn’t mean being impulsive. Every decision we made was carefully considered. If, after weeks or months of thinking and researching, we still felt excited, then we knew it was truly a “hell yeah.” Taking time to sit with an idea ensures that it’s not just a fleeting whim, but something truly worth pursuing.
Chasing Your Own ‘Hell Yeah’
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this: life isn’t about sticking to the original plan. It’s about adapting, embracing the unknown, and following what makes you say “hell yeah.” So, whether it’s hitting the road, starting a new creative pursuit, or just slowing down enough to truly live—go chase it. Because the best adventures begin when you say yes.
Thanks for following along on our journey. Now, go chase yours.
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