Remember when this was all a dream?

Ever had one of those days when you're sitting in a cozy café, and realize you've got a Zoom meeting overlooking a white sand beach?

And then... it hits you.

Wait, I'm actually living the life I used to just dream about.

I'm not talking about a fleeting sense of gratitude. I'm talking about a genuine "pinch me" moment when you remember that not so long ago, this was all a fantasy. You were sitting in a dark office, looking at the time on your phone, hoping that day at work would end soon.

But here's the kicker: it's ridiculously easy to lose sight of that.

We're all wired to adapt. It doesn’t matter if we are the luckiest people in the world or if we are living a life of constant struggle.

This psychological principle is real and it’s called hedonic adaptation.

That incredible view? After a while, it's just your everyday backdrop. The freedom to work from anywhere? It becomes your norm.

And the danger of that? We stop appreciating the extraordinary in the ordinary. The magic fades.

So, how do we fight this? How do we stay present in the awesome? Here's what's worked for me:

• Create rituals of reflection. Schedule time each week (mine's Friday mornings) to journal about what I'm grateful for. It forces me to look at my life through a lens of appreciation.
• Remember your "Why". What were the reasons you chose this lifestyle? Write them down, and keep them somewhere visible. I have a note on my iPhone that says, "Freedom to explore. Work on my terms."
• Chase the new. This doesn't mean constant travel (though that's fun too!). It could be exploring a new neighborhood, learning a local recipe, or taking a Muay Thai class. Novelty jolts us out of complacency.
• Share the stoked. Talk about your experiences! Share your wins, your struggles, your favorite hidden gems with the community. When we celebrate together, it amplifies the joy.

We all know that the digital nomad life isn't all rainbows and coconuts. It's got its challenges. But it's also pretty freaking awesome.

Let's not forget to savor the awesomeness and keep appreciating.

✨ Nomad Quote of the Week

"Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you." – Walt Whitman

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Written by Luca Mussari

Digital nomad and co-founder of Freaking Nomads. After leaving a corporate job in London, I co-created Freaking Nomads to inspire others to embrace remote work and find happiness wherever they go.

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