This issue dives into Lifestyle Architecture for remote workers—where personal design meets professional liberation. We're breaking down the invisible walls that traditionally confined work, showing you how to become the CEO of your professional and personal experience as a remote worker.

We are delighted to have our own Darcy Marie Mayfield takeover for the entire issue on Designing Your Life.

— Ric & Shellie

LIFESTYLE

Designing Your Life as a Remote Worker

How Remote Work Helped Me Build a Life I Didn’t Know I Was Allowed to Have

Remote work isn’t just about where you work—it’s about who you become in the process.

I didn’t realize that at first. I thought I was just working from home. But over time, I saw that I wasn’t just designing my work; I was designing my life. And that life could be so much bigger than I ever imagined.

I’ve been doing this for over 12 years, and I still don’t have all the answers. But remote work gave me the space to start asking better questions—about how I work, what I need, and who I want to be. The real work is learning how you operate, so you can build a life that truly fits.

Here’s what that process looked like for me—and what it might look like for you.

The Four Stages of Remote Life Design

This isn’t a checklist—it’s a cycle of self-discovery, permission, and growth. Wherever you are, you’re not behind.

1. The Imitation Stage

In the beginning, I tried to replicate office culture at home. I stayed online too long, over-responded, and said yes to every meeting. I had the freedom of remote work—but I was still acting like someone was watching.

This stage is about undoing. It’s about noticing how much of our work behavior is inherited, not chosen.

Ask yourself: What am I doing out of habit or fear, not intention?

2. The Permission Stage

Then came small experiments: a bike ride at lunch, a mid-morning surf, blocking off time for deep work. I used to hide my wetsuit so no one knew I went outside during the day. Slowly, I stopped apologizing for living my life.

Permission is a mindset shift. No one else is going to give it to you—you have to claim it for yourself.

Ask yourself: Where am I waiting for approval I don’t need?

3. The Expansion Stage

Once I stopped asking if things were allowed, I started wondering what else was possible. Two years later,  I moved to a new city. I reimagined my routines. Seven years later, I moved to a new country.

This stage is about stretching—physically, mentally, emotionally. It’s where remote work becomes life design.

Ask yourself: What would I do if I believed I could start fresh?

4. The Integration Stage

Now, it’s not about chasing freedom—it’s about living in alignment. I don’t think twice about taking breaks, changing locations, or designing my weeks around energy instead of hours.

This stage is less about doing more, and more about being more you.

Ask yourself: What does my most intentional life look and feel like?

You’re Allowed to Live Differently

If you’re like me, you’re probably not going back to the way you worked before—and that’s a good thing. So stop fighting it. Stop trying to shove this new life into an old framework.

Give yourself permission to build something beautiful—something that fits who you are now. You’re not broken for wanting more ease, more autonomy, more joy.

You’re allowed.

QUICK TAKES

Take the Reigns

✅ Unlocking Innovation: The Impact of Personal Freedom on Creativity

✅ 5 Unconscious Ways We Limit Our Own Freedom

✅ How to Be The Architect of Your Life, Not The Manager of Your Minutes.

New Partnership

Your remote work, done differently. 

Noma Collective curates extraordinary 2-4 week trips for remote workers, building a community of like-minded professionals and traveling across the globe. Whether you work fully remotely or your job allows you to take time away from the office, embrace the world with Noma, and redefine your work-life balance.

LAST WEEK’S POLL RESULTS

What's your biggest challenge when designing a life that blends work freedom with personal fulfillment?

WELLNESS

Balancing Freedom + Focus Is Hard—Here’s Why

Last week, I asked: What’s your biggest challenge in designing a life that blends work freedom with personal fulfillment?

Most of you said: Balancing exploration with productivity.

Honestly? Same.

It’s hard as hell to rewire habits that were built in systems that rewarded burnout, urgency, and hyper-visibility. Even when we know we’re free to do it differently, we still feel like we’re doing something wrong when we rest, wander, or slow down.

But this tension isn’t a sign you’re failing. It’s a sign you’re redesigning.

Coming Next Week!

Thrive Remotely’s New Online Store 🥳 

THE VIBE

News to Use

💡 Goodbye Hierarchy, Hello Teamship: This Is The Future Of Effective Teams. Traditional workplace hierarchies are outdated, with co-elevation — a collaborative, team-driven model — emerging.

💡 A remote-first culture unlocking productivity and innovation? Binance, is building a “hardcore” workforce with a remote team around the globe who work in a 24/7 industry.

💡 Remote work helps the environment. Five years after the remote work took off, its effect on the air is clear.

POLL – NEXT WEEKS TOPIC

LIFESTYLE

Quick Exercise: Map Your Remote Life Design

You don’t need to overhaul your whole life this week. Just start here:

Draw three circles:

1. What energizes me?

2. What drains me?

3. What do I want more of in my days?

Now look at your calendar.
Can you add one thing from circle 1?
Can you reduce one thing from circle 2?
Can you prioritize one thing from circle 3?

Small moves. Big shifts.

🗓️ COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Your March/April Social Calendar Just Got Ridiculous

Ready to escape your home office? From buzzing in Hendo to crawling through Raleigh's pubs, your next networking opportunity awaits! Whether you're craving morning coffee with fellow remote warriors or evening inspiration from dream-living entrepreneurs, we've packed your calendar with unmissable meetups across NC and TN. Pick your poison—your social game is about to level up!

Check out the Community Calendar 🗓️ for the details!

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Until next Thursday! 🕺