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5 Words of Digital Freedom

I am a digital nomad, but I don’t like the title and would never call myself such. Everyone seems to have jumped on the “digital nomad” bandwagon lately. The internet is raging with them – some legitimate and some fake. I don’t really care who calls themselves what, but I am calling myself something else.

My home is in one place – Chiang Mai. There is nothing nomadic about it. I do not work on a beach with a piña colada at my side. The beach is actually a terrible place to work. Sand getting in my keyboard, the sun glaring off my screen, and girls prancing around near-naked sounds like the most anti-productive environment ever.

Man-on-beach
I think I’m getting so much done.

The lifestyle I choose to live has many more layers. I took a lot of time to think about why I am living this type of lifestyle. Recently while working, I asked myself some deep questions and perhaps came up with some deep answers.

I had to ask, not just who I was, but why I did it? Not just what I did, but who I did it for?

From these questions, I created of a flowing set of words that evolve from one to the next. A progressive description of why I work on my laptop day after day. These are the 5 words of digital freedom.

1. Oneness

My laptop is an extension of my mind and body that enables me to reach infinitely outside of myself.

2. Growth

As I am one, my laptop teaches me anything and everything I wish to know.

3. Creativity

As I grow, my laptop gives me tools to create through writing, art, design, and building value.

4. Voice

As I create, my laptop gives me a voice that millions of people around the world can hear.

5. Freedom

As I contribute to the world, my lifestyle affords me freedom of expression, freedom of choice, freedom to earn, and freedom to create purpose in life.

~~~

There is something lacking about the selfish digital nomad life. Not in those who label themselves as such, but in the idea behind the title. There is not enough spirit within it. Not enough purpose.

We are more than nomads

Most of the so-called digital nomads that I’ve met are more than meets the eye. They are not just out to make money, drink piña coladas, and live the “good life” on the beach. The people I have met are a community of freedom seekers. They actively come together and contribute in many ways to helping each other. They have the courage to do what they love on their own terms. They contribute their unique voice and value to the world.

I live a Digital Freedom Lifestyle, not because I travel around Southeast Asia working from a MacBook, but because I combine technology with my passions to actively improve the lives of  people around the world.

Why do you live the lifestyle? Leave a comment below.

Cheers,
Tharyn

 

  • Xavier See

    Great post Tharyn! I resonate strongly with your values and I am blessed to be connected with you as we walk this unconventional path to success . Looking forward to greater success in building a greater World for us all :-)

    • Thanks Xavier! Glad to know there are more “nomads” who agree. And who are walking their walk like you. Can’t wait to see what the future holds.

  • Couldn’t agree more with “We are more than nomads” !!

    Seems like the general population assumes those who pursue a life of freedom are just lazy and want to run away from responsibility. Love that you provide value by educating us all on the benefits of meditation – fantastic (and accessible) way for all of us to grow :)

    Glad I found you! Along a similar path myself. I partner with hostels to provide free yoga to hostel guests. Considering including a beginner mindfulness session as part of our services.

    • Hey Brandon, good to hear from another “nomad” haha. Hostels are awesome places, full of really creative people. I was just in a Bangkok hostel and met lots of people who were very similar to me. They were super interested when I said I actually lived in Thailand working online. The movement is growing.

      And, yes, include a mindfulness session after the yoga. I think everyone would enjoy that very much. Cheers! :)

      • Love to hear the movement is growing, motivates me to keep pushing forward. How long are you going to be living in Thailand?

        We’ll be in India until March/April then heading east and plan to live/work a few months in either Chiang Mai or Siem Reap. Would be cool to meet up!

        • Yeah, I might still be here during that time. Drop me a FB message anytime.