Hey remote rockstars!

Can you believe it's been six months? What started as a wild idea has blossomed into this thriving community of location-independent rebels.

We've laughed, learned, and occasionally worked in pajamas together.

This issue pulls back the curtain on our journey—the wins, the face-plants, and everything we've discovered about making remote work actually work.

Your story is our story. Let's celebrate!

— Ric, Shellie & Darcy

FEEL GOOD

Remember that terrifying moment before launching something new?

By Ric & Shellie

Six months ago, we hit "send" on our first newsletter with trembling fingers. 

This wasn't some brilliant business strategy—it was born from our own remote work struggles and a simple question: "Why isn't someone addressing the whole person in remote work?" 

The answer became our mission. 

Discover the unexpected journey that's connecting remote workers worldwide. 

Explore Our Six-Month Journey →

QUICK TAKES

Some Favorite Issues

💯 You Can Thrive in 2025 🙌 – The first issue with stories and experiences from fellow remote workers.

🙏 Remote Gratitude: Designing Your Dream Life ❤️ – Sharing gratitude is the sure fire way to feel better.

🌻 Grow Joy Remotely 🌱 – Celebrating Joy had our most involved issues from other remote workers!

LIFESTYLE

April 2025: Designing A Remote Life You Love: Six Months In

By Darcy Marie Mayfield 

Remote work doesn't automatically lead to a better life—but it can when designed with intention. 

Stop replicating the office at home and start asking what you want your days to feel like. 

This six-month checkpoint isn't about celebrating productivity, but about reclaiming your life on your terms.

Design Your Authentic Remote Life →

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS

What has Thrive Remotely's journey meant to you?

HOT TIP

3-Minute Life Check

By Darcy Marie Mayfield 

Set a timer for 3 minutes. No distractions.

Then answer this out loud or on paper:

1. What’s one thing I’ve been tolerating that I don’t have to?

2. What’s one thing I miss that I want more of in my life?

3. What’s one small way I could invite that back in, starting this week?

That’s it. No pressure to solve everything.
Just start telling yourself the truth.

THRIVING TRIBE CHRONICLES

Six Months of Thrive Remotely: Our Journey to Building a Real Remote Work Community

By Shellie & Ric

Six months ago, we launched Thrive Remotely terrified we were being "too personal" about remote work. 

Then your emails flooded in. We quickly discovered remote workers weren't just seeking productivity tips—you were craving authentic connection and conversations about the emotional reality of location-independent work. 

The surprising lessons we've learned have transformed our mission in ways we never expected.

Join Our Remote Work Movement →

APPRECIATION

We Love Our Writers

The newsletter doesn’t write itself you know!

In fact the more we moved away from the AI crutch, the better response we saw from readers. Transitioning to experiential stories from our peers has made the content far richer.

These volunteer, (ok- some were “voluntold”) talented writers have truly made the newsletter valuable: Alan Fuhs, Renee Smith, Bonnie Yunt, Becca Marshall, Darcy Mayfield, Elizabeth Lotardo, Eric Fish, Jason Alexander, Jenn Urso, Angela Smith, Jessica Merrill, Kate Callaghan, Maria Scarzella Thorpe, Michelle Coulson, Sarah Jean Smith, Sarah Leslie, Tamara Goldschmidt, Travis Provin, Will Samson.

We salute you!

POLL – NEXT WEEKS TOPIC

Next week: Work Life Integration. Integration means creating a daily flow that reflects your real priorities, not just your calendar.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Events Worth Pants

Your social calendar just called—it's feeling empty! From buzzy coffee sessions in Cincy to rooftop yoga in Greenville, we've packed April with delicious excuses to abandon your home office and yes, put on some pants. Events across nine states! 

Remote doesn't mean hermit-mode, friends! Grab your favorite outside clothes and let's make some memories together.

Check out the Community Calendar 🗓️ for the details!

RESOURCES

Friends of Thrive

• Valuable opportunity, the Remote Job Fair & Expo 2025, 9&10 May 2025 (virtual). Remote Rebellion focuses on connecting remote first companies with seasoned remote talent. 

• How about the Mediterranean in the summer? Sail through the most beautiful places in France, Italy, Malta, and Greece from June 7-13th. Nomad Cruise brings you this fantastic opportunity. Beyond the incredible fun there’s also chances to grow, with daily talks, workshops, masterminds, unconference sessions, and networking events.

• As remote workers, we cherish our flexibility but often struggle with accessing essential benefits traditionally tied to employers. The Association for Entrepreneurship is changing this reality for individual entrepreneurs with their comprehensive suite of health-related and financial services. Discover how this growing community is solving the most challenging aspects of independent work life. Access Remote Worker Benefits →

Cool newsletters you’ll love 🥰

🧑‍💻 Big Desk Energy : Startup insights, stories, and vibes sent to your inbox every Tuesday 

🪴 The Healthy Growth Letters : Actionable tips, stories, and practical frameworks to help you build a wellness-based life

🗞️ Wellness Rewind : Revitalize your Sundays with practical wellness tips and inspiring stories to enhance your well-being and motivation.

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