10 Things I Learned As A Digital Nomad
I embarked on a life-changing adventure to become a digital nomad three years ago. The decision was born out of chaos and uncertainty in my surroundings. It became both an escape route and an audacious leap of faith to live freely and explore the world.
Since childhood, I harbored a deep longing to travel the globe. As the years passed, this yearning only intensified, yet the timing never felt quite right. The weight of structures, routines, responsibilities, and numerous aspirations made the nomadic lifestyle seem like an unattainable dream. It was as if these commitments and obligations held me tightly, inhibiting my pursuit of a different path. It wasn't until I realized that it was my attachment to these things that held me back. The sense of obligation, the feeling that I "must" adhere to certain norms and expectations, confined me. Embracing the life of a digital nomad demanded shedding all the "what ifs” and societal expectations of what people "should" do.
While many would have encouraged me to adopt a fiercely independent mindset and rely solely on my resources, I chose a different path. I resolved that if I had the opportunity to depart with what I possessed, to make a living with those resources, and to wander, then that's exactly what I would do.
And so I did. Throughout my journey, I lived lease-free primarily in the United States. One bold leap took me to Costa Rica for six transformative months, and I even ventured to Colombia for a brief visit. I experienced life as an international nomad during this period, which differed significantly from traversing the states. Each destination, whether a state or a country, enriched me with invaluable knowledge and diverse experiences.
From a spiritual lens, here are 10 Things I Learned As A Nomad:
Freedom is in your choices. There is typically a choice, yet often, we let our allegiance and loyalty to rules, other people’s desires, the disconnect between reality & desires, and old ways cage us. In doing so, we sacrifice our freedom and internalize it as “others” restricting us. True freedom is in our desires and actively choosing them. This is one people rarely like to hear because it’s a frustrating perspective to come to terms with, so I rarely bring it up. As someone who aims to live freely and must look freedom in the eye to do so, there are many uncomfortable truths and desires to own. It’s a lot of unraveling desire and aiming to align desire with the current reality, the current people around, etc. That requires active choices toward desire. Otherwise, one won’t feel free. It’s all in choice.
The things you dream of experiencing or acquiring exist somewhere, for someone. Don’t let anyone tell you there is no way or that it isn’t possible here. I’d always dreamed of simple things, like renting without credit checks and $10,000 to move in (shoutout the West Coast). Seeing that come true in other countries and spaces showed me it exists and can happen. Going to the pharmacy and picking up medications without the wildly long process of U.S. medical procedures saved me as well. Access is possible. So many things are possible in this life. We may only know what we’ve normalized, but there is so much more outside the norm.
Routine is essential for stability, regardless of where you are.
Hold onto hope, even in the final hour.
Letting go is the key to allowing everything to come in. Let go of the timing. Let go of the expectations. Let go of the concrete details. Hold onto the wish and the hope, but let go of the rest.
Regardless of the material items you “lose,” never lose yourself. Losing nearly everything is one of the most jarring experiences, and there are many times of crying and screaming, “I have nothing.” When you say you have nothing, you hear yourself. This moment of “I have nothing” feels and translates to “I am nothing.” It is a form of self-abandonment and disrespect to all that you are. Regardless of what material things are around, you have yourself. You are of value. You are something. In those moments, it may feel like that’s not enough, but what does that tell the self? It tells the self, “I am not enough.” It feels that way too. This entire journey acted as a mirror to show me who and what I am, without it all. I abandoned myself through the journey and only after returning in the last year, did I start receiving. Self-abandonment is where many problems start, but it’s also where problems can end.
People, at their core, are very similar. Not much separates us. “Othering” is killing people. With this, I think of all the beautiful, deep conversations I have with people in other countries. Holding a phone translator while engaged in conversations about family, healing, politics, spirituality, and yet, it felt like we spoke the language. No matter the culture, you find that life themes, relationship dynamics, dreams, and hopes remain the same. I find it so beautiful.
The key is to know people all over the world (or states). I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to know and connect authentically with people. Community saves every time. The abundance is in your community. That’s something I learned before being a nomad due to the online and in-person community, but being a nomad truly solidified that. Your people are out there.
When Spirit says to move, move. Flow with your timing. It may not make sense to others, and there may be a situation that calls you to move faster than you typically would. There will be times when things move very fast in life and other times when things move slowly. When everything is presented to you and the field is wide open, run with it. When Spirit says to stay put, stay put. If all you can do is wait, wait. What remains the same is how you move when the calling arrives. You are dynamic and life is so situational. Stick to the callings within.
Home is wherever you are. Home is so much more than a house. Home is an experience. It’s a moment. It’s an embodiment. It can be cultivated anywhere you choose to create true comfort, love, and fulfillment. It’s not about what you have. What feels like home is dependent on what you grow there. What you value and how you move is what makes it fruitful. That’s what makes home feel like home.
So..
In embarking on the digital nomad lifestyle three years ago, I took a leap of faith that transformed my life. What began as an escape from chaos turned into a journey of self-discovery, freedom, and profound experiences across the United States, Costa Rica, Colombia, Thailand, and Bali.
Throughout this journey, I learned that true freedom lies in our choices and the ability to let go of societal expectations. Routine provides stability, but it’s our connections and community that truly enrich our lives. People, despite cultural differences, share core similarities that can bridge divides and foster deep, meaningful relationships.
Holding onto hope, letting go of material attachments, and valuing oneself are crucial lessons I've embraced. Home, I’ve discovered, is not tied to a place but is an experience we cultivate within ourselves.
And as I continue to wander, I carry these insights with me, grateful for the freedom, connections, and self-worth that this lifestyle has offered. The journey has shown me that living authentically and embracing the unknown can lead to a life filled with fulfillment and purpose.
If you’re thinking about it, and need resources, click here for a free ebook. Or if you have any questions, hit me up! Happy Wandering Friends!