The art of letting go

As digital nomads, change is our everyday reality. That's what we do: we pack up our lives and dive into new adventures. But even as we embrace these new experiences, there's a challenge: holding on to who we are while letting go of what no longer serves us.

There was a time when I feared that by letting go of old habits or expectations, I’d somehow lose a piece of myself. However, after moving, reinventing, and living out of a suitcase more times than I can count, I’ve discovered that letting go isn’t about erasing our identity, it’s about making room for growth.

I remember leaving my routine in London, clinging to every familiar detail out of fear. Then came moments in places like Ko Lanta, Weligama, and Sal where I realized that releasing the past allowed me to uncover strengths I never knew I had. It made me more adaptable and helped me see clearly what truly matters.

For me, letting go means creating space for fresh ideas, experiences, and opportunities that better align with who I am becoming. It frees us from the weight of yesterday and the worries of tomorrow, inviting us to fully live in the present. This process isn’t a one-off event. It’s a daily choice to stay grounded and open to life’s endless possibilities.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the constant whirlwind of change or worried that letting go might mean losing yourself, know that it’s a vital part of our journey. Embracing change isn’t about weakness, it’s a courageous step toward growth and self-discovery.

🗞️ What's new in the nomad world

• Thailand’s Digital Arrival Card stirs up chaos: Launching May 1, the new TDAC system replaces the old TM6 form, requiring travelers to submit personal details, flight info, and accommodation plans online. Yet, with no clear platform announced and questions about QR codes and airline compliance, travelers are left scratching their heads.
• Gen-Z CEO claps back at remote work critics: Vicky Owens, the 24-year-old founder of Socially Speaking, isn’t having it with outdated takes on productivity. “Suffering through a commute doesn’t make you productive,” she says, championing flexible work as a mental health and performance booster.

👀 What else...

• Still debating which travel insurance to get? We put SafetyWing and Genki head-to-head to see which one truly has nomads' backs. From medical coverage to claims processing (and a real-life accident that tested them both), we break down the pros, cons, and surprises. If you’re picking a policy, don’t miss this.
• Bad posture is killing your productivity. We tested the best portable laptop stands to help you work comfortably from anywhere. Whether you need something ultra-light or fully adjustable, we break down the best options (and what’s not worth your money).

✨ Our favorite nomad quote

“With age, comes wisdom. With travel, comes understanding.” — Sandra Lake

💼 100% remote jobs handpicked for you

Who is hiring this week? Here are some top roles to check out:

• Graphic Designer at Just Right Reader
• Senior Security Researcher at RadiantSecurity
• Analyst at Gate.io
• Senior Full Stack Javascript Node Backend Engineer at Anovium
• Call Center Agent at Milian Institute

💡This week's pick (to make your life easier)

If you’re a remote worker bouncing between countries (or just a café-hopper trying to avoid dodgy Wi-Fi), NordVPN is your best friend. It gives you:

• Ironclad security – AES-256 encryption, malware blocker, and a strict no-logs policy
• Fast, reliable connections – 5,400+ servers in 59 countries, no buffering headaches
• Work from anywhere, seamlessly – dedicated IP options for region-locked tools
• Extra protection – encrypted file storage & password manager for ultimate peace of mind

Want to compare the best VPNs for remote work? Check them all out here.

That's all for this week.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram and Threads if you want to get in touch with other members of the FN community.

We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads!

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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