A DIGITAL NOMAD STATE OF MIND

dare greatly

By Christina Nguyen

October 11^th, 2017

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale a little deeper. Letting it ALL out. *sigh* ... OK! Here we go.

I've been receiving countless messages asking, "How is Croatia!?!" I have not been able to respond, and I promise I'm not ignoring you. It's taken me over a week to figure out how to respond, and here is why... the first week of Remote Year (RY), and Croatia has felt like an eternity, but at the same time it has flown by. Two weeks feels like two months here. I'm grateful I had ten months to prep for RY, but there is nothing that could have possibly prepared me for THIS.

Being a nomad means having independence, and freedom. Being a digital nomad means embracing the nomadic lifestyle while leveraging technology in order to work remotely. Being on Remote Year allows you to do all of the above among a community that serves as a safe container for personal, and professional growth.

The beautiful faces pictured below are Remote Year- Mangata. Mangata is a Swedish word which means the road-like reflection of moonlight on water. We are the 16th class of Remote Year, and just one group that makes up the larger Remote Nation. RY is the largest organized digital nomadic group that is roaming this planet. I have been so incredibly inspired by this group of unique individuals who have actively decided to take a leap of faith, trust the process, and are passionate about taking the human experience to the next level. There is a broad range of nationalities, ages, backgrounds, professions, interests, passions, and goals. I've been blown away by everyone's story. It's amazing to see how each path has all somehow led every one of us to this very moment, right here, right now. I'm finding lessons, and inspirations from the success of others.

"It's the everyday people doing extraordinary things with intent, and passion who are raising the frequency of this world."

What does this community have in common? A growth mindset. It's the self-motivation to push yourself to seek a sense of who you are, what you stand for, and how to make forward progress. This mindset thrives on challenges, and sees failure as a springboard to expanding existing capabilities. It is the belief that effort, and attitude determine everything.

What bonds this community? Embracing vulnerability. To be vulnerable is to be courageous. It is accepting the uncertainty of the unknown, and standing defiantly in the face of fear. It is being open to emotional exposure, and creating strength out of doubt. Vulnerability is the jump-off point to the growth zone of connection, understanding, and adaptability. It empowers us to love deeper, and grow stronger.

Take a moment to reflect on a time where you, and your closest friend opened up to each other. That time you spoke from the heart. When someone really listened. No distractions. Real talk. Real time. It challenged you. Looking back, you realized that was a vulnerable moment that took your relationship to another place. You probably didn't even know relationships could reach that level. Now... THAT is what Remote Year has been like so far in nearly every moment. Use your vulnerability to show up, exist as your most beautiful self, be seen, and dare greatly. It's your greatest asset.