As location-independent workers, we see life and work through a unique lens. 

While we may have broken free from traditional work constraints, it's still easy to get caught up in the mindset of constant hustle. 

This issue is designed to remind you that self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. 

When you prioritize your wellbeing, you naturally bring your best self to both your work and personal life.

— Ric, Shellie, Sarah & Travis

WELLNESS

The Moment That Changed Everything: My Journey to True Well-Being

I had it all—on paper. A six-figure job, a home I owned, and a supervisory role that showcased my professional accomplishments. I felt proud, but something was off. 

Without realizing it, I had fallen into the common pattern of prioritizing work over everything else. My days were long, stressful, and consumed by the drive to feel safe, stable, and successful.

Despite daily yoga, walking, and eating a relatively healthy diet, my body told a different story. Unexplained aches, digestive issues, and relentless fatigue plagued me. I was so focused on achieving more that I had lost sight of myself. 

I thought I was setting myself up for a secure future, but my present was crumbling.

Everything came to a head one night in a yoga class. In the stillness of final relaxation, I began to cry uncontrollably. I didn’t cry often, let alone in front of 50 strangers. But on that mat, I faced the truth: my drive for success wasn’t aligned with what truly mattered to me.

That moment was a crossroads. I realized my motivations were tied to external validation—achieving what I thought I “should” want based on societal expectations. My health and overall well-being had taken a backseat, and I needed to shift my focus.

I began making real changes. I left my stressful job, shortened my workdays, and redefined success on my own terms. I prioritized my body, my emotions, and my self-talk. Instead of being my own harshest critic, I became my strongest ally. 

Taking care of myself became an act of love, not another grueling task.

True well-being and satisfaction don’t come from chasing what others say you should want. They come from aligning your life with your unique values and vision. 

If you’re struggling to feel at peace, ask yourself: is your focus on what truly matters to you?

The shift starts there—and it can change everything.

I'd love to hear from you about where you're struggling to prioritize your wellbeing, email me at [email protected]

-Stay tuned to future issues to learn more about how Sarah navigated these life altering shifts.

QUICK TAKES

Centering on You

🕊️ Feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind? Learn how to create your own "happiness bubble" - a mental and physical sanctuary where you can find peace regardless of what's happening in the world. This guide offers practical strategies for remote workers to maintain emotional well-being while navigating life's chaos from any workspace.

🍻 Missing those water cooler moments? Discover the "Stammtisch" - a centuries-old German tradition of regular social gatherings that's making a comeback as the perfect antidote to isolation. Learn how this simple concept of scheduled connection could be your remote work wellness game-changer.

🧘‍♀️ Think mindfulness is just about staying present? Think again! Discover how this ancient practice is actually about "remembering" - a powerful tool for transforming your relationship with suffering and finding joy in life. A fresh perspective on mindfulness that goes way beyond just workplace productivity.

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS

What aspect of wellness matters most to you?

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TRENDS/DATA

Small Firms Embrace Full Flexibility, While Large Firms Opt for Structured Hybrid

There continues to be a significant distinction in flexible work approach between smaller firms and larger enterprises. 70% of companies with less than 500 employees are Fully Flexible, while just 14% of enterprises with 25,000+ employees are Fully Flexible. Source: Flex Index

Structured Hybrid Models Continue to Grow in Popularity

Structured Hybrid is becoming increasingly dominant as the primary work model in the United States. At Structured Hybrid companies, corporate employees are not expected to be in the office full time, but there is a set expectation for how much time employees spend in the office.

POLL – NEXT WEEKS TOPIC

THRIVING TRIBE CHRONICLES

Thriving Remotely Starts With Authenticity

by Travis Provin

After realizing I could start Thriving Remotely it was time to answer the question; “What is thriving and why haven’t I been doing it?”. 

I came to the conclusion that thriving means living authentically. It means making time for your true authentic self, acting authentically and doing your best work as a result.

Every human can sense their gut feelings and instincts, their personal goals and passions, and the direction that their true authentic self is pushing them. Acting on these instincts is living authentically. 

Unfortunately, in the modern working world, we often have to suppress our authenticity. We end up conforming to work expectations, prioritizing job security and financial stability over authenticity. But suppressing our authenticity in favor of work can be a major strain on our mental health and wellbeing. 

What if it wasn't actually a “one or the other” scenario? What if we embraced our authenticity instead of suppressing it? What if embracing our authenticity actually led to more work productivity, more job satisfaction, and more career growth?

I’ve begun considering this and have already seen major benefits in my wellbeing and work productivity.

For example, helping and connecting with others felt authentic to me so I began making time during my work day to volunteer. On the days I did, I returned to my work with fresh motivation and feelings of satisfaction and compassion. I had actually listened to my authentic self, acted on it, and received a mental health boost and increased work productivity. Another example; starting work on my own time and ditching the arbitrary 8:30 AM start time. 

As a result, I kicked off my workday in a more positive mood and at a time when I was more focused and productive. I acted authentically rather than automatically and it benefitted myself and my employer.

Prioritizing wellness and acting authentically has been a mental health and productivity game changer! The two don’t have to be separate, in fact, I found that they actually reinforce each other! 

So here’s to prioritizing wellness, living authenticity, and unleashing your best work as a result!

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Until next Thursday! 🕺