Hey remote rockstars! Here’s a little secret to make your day shine brighter:

Instead of saying, “I have to,” flip it and say, “I get to.”

"I get to exercise (and pretend I’m a fitness guru)!"
"I get to see my friends and family (with the bonus of no office drama)!"
"I get to tell someone I love them (and not just because it’s obligatory)!"
"I get to eat good food (like that breakfast burrito that’s basically a hug in a tortilla)!"
"I get to earn money (without ever having to leave the couch)!"
"I get to experience new things (like this new book, new hobby, or new coffee shop Wi-Fi)!"
"I get to make someone’s day better (because I’m awesome like that)."

It’s all about flipping that mindset and realizing the amazing opportunities right at your fingertips. Gratitude isn’t just for the Instagram captions—it’s a productivity hack! This week, we’re diving into how a little gratitude can go a long way in boosting your creativity, motivation, and overall vibe. So, get ready to start seeing everything in your remote work life as a privilege, not a chore. Let’s get to it! 💪

— Ric Pratte, Shellie Sullivan and Bonnie Yunt
And yes… we are VERY thankful for all of you. 🙏

FEEL GOOD

Your Secret Superpower for Remote Work Lifestyle (backed by science)

Let’s face it—working remotely has its perks, but it also has its challenges. From the blissful solitude of your home office to the temptation of Netflix calling your name, remote work can leave us feeling disconnected, distracted, or frankly burned out. But here’s where a little thing called gratitude can make all the difference. And believe it or not, brain science backs it up.

Now, before you roll your eyes and close the newsletter, hear me out. Gratitude isn't just some woo-woo concept floating around wellness circles. It's your ticket to optimizing this incredible location-independent lifestyle you've created.

Think about it: As remote workers, we're already living the dream that seemed impossible just a few years ago. We've broken free from the cubicle matrix, designed our own schedules, and claimed the freedom to work from basically anywhere with decent Wi-Fi. But here's the plot twist – sometimes we're so busy chasing the next big thing, we forget to appreciate the epic adventure we're already living.

Science backs this up with some mind-blowing findings. 

When you embrace gratitude, your brain literally rewires itself for success. You'll sleep better (crucial for those cross-time-zone client calls), experience fewer aches and pains (goodbye, makeshift workspace struggles), and actually feel healthier overall. It's like having a personal wellness coach living rent-free in your mind.

Neuroscientific research shows that practicing gratitude activates the brain’s reward center, particularly the ventral striatum, which boosts the production of dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” hormone. Essentially, the more you appreciate, the more your brain rewards you with positive emotions.

For remote workers, this shift in mindset can be a game-changer. 

By starting your day with an appreciation for your unique lifestyle—like not having to wear real pants (yes, we’re looking at you, sweat pant warriors!)—you set yourself up for a more productive, fulfilling day. Gratefulness reduces stress, improves focus, and even enhances creativity by promoting a positive, growth-focused mindset. It’s like giving your brain a daily mini vacation from stress.

The really wild part? Gratitude is particularly powerful in the workplace, yet that's where we practice it the least. Ironic, considering how many "quick syncs" and "touch base" meetings fill our calendars. But here's the thing: when you bring gratitude into your remote work life, you're not just improving your own experience – you're creating a ripple effect that can transform your entire professional ecosystem.

For us location-independent professionals, gratitude isn't just an attitude adjustment – it's a performance enhancer. It's the difference between just working remotely and truly thriving remotely. 

It turns out that appreciating what you have doesn't make you complacent; it makes you unstoppable.

The bottom line: when gratitude meets brain science, magic happens. Remote workers who consciously practice appreciation are more likely to thrive both mentally and professionally. It’s not just a fluffy feel-good tactic—it’s a scientifically-backed way to enhance productivity and well-being. And who doesn’t want that?

So go ahead, remote warriors—get your gratitude on! 🙏

THE VIBE

And in Today’s News…

• Flexible Companies Have Higher Stock Returns

• Japan Wants More Remote Workers to Boost Economy

• Shared Physical Offices, Do We Really Need them to Collaborate?

• U.S. Employers To Lose Employees To Remote Work In 2024

• Zillow CEO: Job applications quadrupled since going remote-first

SKILLS & THRILLS

Gratitude Bootcamp: Your Emotional Performance Upgrade

Remote warriors, buckle up. We're about to transform your life with some gratitude magic that doesn't require a meditation retreat or a crystal collection.

Your Gratitude Deployment Strategy

1. Intentional Appreciation: The Mindset Hack

Forget autopilot mode. Intentional appreciation means spotting the invisible wins. Can't run a marathon? Celebrate that your legs carried you through the day. Feeling politically disconnected? Find common ground instead of battle lines.

Pro move: Your brain is like a muscle. Train it to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

2. Express Yourself (Gratitude Edition)

Here's the deal: Gratitude isn't just an internal monologue. It's a full-contact sport.

• Drop sincere compliments like they're hot

• Say "thank you" like you mean it

• Recognize the humans around you

Cost: Zero. Impact: Astronomical.

3. Create Your Gratitude Ritual

Think of this as your personal positivity protocol. Options include:

• Gratitude journal (fancy notebook optional)

• Daily three-thing appreciation check-in

• Gratitude jar for collecting win moments

The secret? Consistency trumps complexity. Start small, stay consistent.

Beyond the Basics: Gratitude Leveling Up

Want to go pro? Here's your advanced playbook:

• Share appreciation with your network

• Give back to your community

• Become someone others are grateful for

Your mission: Transform gratitude from a trendy concept to your daily operating system.

Disclaimer: Side effects may include unexpected joy, deeper connections, and a low-key superhero status.

Gratitude isn't just a practice. It's your life's cheat code. 

Ready to level up?

ACTION

Learn & Live

✅ How to Be More Present

✅ How to Find Joy in the Everyday

✅ 9 Time Management Tips for Working From Home

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS

How do you foster gratitude?

POLL – NEXT WEEKS TOPIC

THRIVE LOCAL

Remote Work, Real Community: Why I’m Grateful for Digital Nomads

I’ve been a remote worker my entire career—before it was trendy. Back in my 20s, working from home was confusing for friends and family. If I was home, they assumed I was free for long lunches or chauffeuring Grandma. (Okay, sometimes I was—but that’s the beauty of flexibility, right?)

For nearly two decades, I’ve loved the freedom remote work offers. But that flexibility comes with quirks. When the pandemic made remote work mainstream, homes became hybrid spaces for living and working, and the lines blurred. While many felt they got hours of their life back, I realized something: I was becoming a bit of a hermit.

My house wasn’t just my office; it was my everything. While I had connection with close friends and family, meeting new people or forming fresh relationships felt impossible when my “office” was my living room.

Enter: Digital Nomads

A friend, Shellie, invited me to a few Digital Nomads events in Asheville. Let me tell you: when you’re cozy on the couch in fuzzy socks, it’s so easy to talk yourself out of going anywhere. But every time I went, I left feeling refreshed, happy, and more like myself.

That’s when it hit me: remote work is amazing, but without effort, it can shrink your world. For someone more introverted like me, it’s easy to slip into “hermit mode” when life and work share the same space. So, when Shellie suggested starting a Digital Nomads chapter in Greenville, SC, I hesitated. Did I want to add “event organizer” to my to-do list?

But I thought about the joy those meetups brought me and decided to take the leap.

Building a Community

Now, every month, I host an event for our Upstate SC chapter. We gather in spaces with good vibes for great conversation. It’s not about networking or handing out business cards—it’s about building genuine connections with people who “get it.”

This group has given me more than social plans. It’s brought back the balance I didn’t realize I’d lost. Laughing, sharing stories, and discovering new local spots has been a game-changer for my mental health and happiness.

Why I’m Thankful

As the season of gratitude approaches, I can’t help but reflect on how much this community has given me. Remote work can sometimes feel isolating, but Digital Nomads has reminded me that connection is just as important as flexibility.

If you’re feeling stuck or craving connection, find—or start—a local group. You might be surprised how much stepping out (yes, this requires real pants) can do for your perspective.

I’m grateful for this chapter, the friendships it’s fostered, and the joy it’s brought to my life. Sometimes, all it takes to rediscover your spark is a room full of people who understand the remote life—and a great cup of coffee.

Learn more about Thrive Local Chapters

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Until next Thursday! 🕺