One question I set out to answer with my first six months as a digital nomad:

Is it as good as people say?

Because yeah, those Instagram sunset photos sure look pretty.

But does travelling make you happy? Is it the secret to fulfillment?

Honestly, many of the travellers I met seemed like they were running away from something, not toward.

As Seneca once said:

“All this hurrying from place to place won't bring you any relief, for you're travelling in the company of your own emotions, followed by your troubles all the way.”

But that said, it was an incredible experience.

And there were 3 benefits I enjoyed most:

1. You see the systems

The older we get, the more we settle into our beliefs and routines. We call it living, but it feels like slowly dying.

Close-mindedness is a disease. And nomading is a great antidote.

Why?

Because we are products of our environment.

By constantly moving, you are impossible to productize.

Because the world is always trying to squeeze you into their box. Society, government, teachers, friends, even family.

Everyone expects you to fit into their idea of life.

Nomading helps you write your version of reality. Which is all that counts.

2. Your mind stays young

I grew up in a military school. I love systems and routines, and have zero problem doing the same thing over and over.

But repetition is a gift and a curse.

Sure, you’ll achieve success.

But you settle into mundane living. You’re not really learning or growing. You’re just enjoying the illusion of status and security that we’ve built, like a comfort blanket to cover up something that’s missing.

Nomading is like giving your brain an electric shock.

It forces you to wake up.

You never stop. You never get bored. You constantly see new things and meeting new people.

From a creative and spiritual perspective, I’ve found this to be fantastic.

It opens you up to my third and final point:

3. You feel more alive

I'm back in the UK now.

Immediately I can feel the tug of a country that feels like it's given up. So many people seem discontent, hating their week, living for the weekend.

I don’t judge. I’ve been there too.

But you get one shot on this planet.

And perhaps it’s the Irish traveller blood in me, but I’m a firm believer we were born to explore.

Not just other places, but ourselves.

Because seeing new sights is enjoyable. But seeing yourself is amazing.

There’s a saying that most people die at 25 and are buried at 75. This is because we stop questioning, we stop updating our map.

When you nomad, you realise how different the world is.

And how different you are when you’re outside your comfort zone.

Perhaps it’s because you experience more fear day-to-day. Or more uncertainty. But by moving more, you experience a fuller, richer spectrum of life.

So would I recommend nomading?

Absolutely.

But timing is key. Everyone should have a period of monk-moding back at home. Get your shit together. Get your business going. Systemise your processes.

Then buy a one way ticket somewhere and see what happens.

Hope you enjoyed this series,

Kieran