The Double Call for Resilience: Navigating Life as a Digital Nomad and Caring for a Sick Daughter

This time last year I wrote about the need for resilience as a digital nomad. A year later we face a doubling up of the call for resilience. We still don’t own a home and continue to roam and we also now face an additional test ~ caring for a daughter on a cancer recovery journey. I can honestly say that in the face of life's storms, resilience is the anchor that keeps us grounded AND the sail that propels us forward. The skills we need have grown in depth and significance:-

1. Flexibility and adaptability The ability to adapt to new environments and cultures in a nomad work lifestyle is essential and now we find our adaptability tested like never before. We've had to be open-minded and willing to embrace new ways of living, like accepting a small cottage behind a friend’s house even when it feels uncomfortable and saying yes to help when we are fiercely independent and self-reliant. Whether it’s adjusting to new cities or adapting to the changing needs of our daughter’s health, flexibility remains our cornerstone. Our tool is a simple sentence that keeps us in this mindset:- “This is an adventure.” It reminds us of the transient nature of the situation and keeps the attitude of finding the learnings and being curious and dominant.
   

2. Time management Working from different locations and time zones can make it challenging to stay on top of schedules. With the added responsibility of medical appointments and caregiving, time management has become even more crucial. Balancing work deadlines with our daughter’s care requires meticulous planning and unwavering discipline.
   

3. Self-discipline Distractions are abundant when working remotely as all we want to do is explore our new environment. Self-discipline has been more important than ever not only because caring for a sick loved one gives us an ‘excuse’ to procrastinate but also the demands for attention elsewhere validate a potential lack of focus on keeping our clients happy and our health in shape. Staying focused and motivated, even when surrounded by uncertainty, stress, and emotional load is essential for both professional productivity and effective caregiving.
   

4. Self-care Taking care of our own physical and mental health is paramount. The last thing we want to do is exercise, get proper nutrition, practice mindfulness, and rest, especially when our needs are less important than the cancer patient’s but this is false on all levels. These things help us manage stress and remain strong for our daughter. Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, enabling us to be present and effective in both our professional and caregiving roles.
   

5. Mental agility and resilience Maintaining a positive attitude and staying mentally agile in the face of stress and uncertainty is crucial. The emotional toll of caring for our sick child while maintaining a nomadic lifestyle can be overwhelming as we’re not in our own home with our own comforts and things around us. Resilience is the strength that reminds us that this is not important and that we can find joy and hope in small moments.
   

6. Problem-solving Unexpected challenges are a given in the life of a digital nomad. This sick daughter chapter has been fraught with unforeseen obstacles, from finding reliable internet and places for meetings in hospitals to managing medical needs on the go. The ability to think on our feet and come up with creative solutions has been vital in navigating these hurdles. An example is playing a recording of a purring cat in the ICU, whilst our daughter was in a terrible state. Unbeknownst to us at the time, the recording not only soothed her but also other patients in beds nearby.
   

7. Communication Living with diverse people around the world requires strong communication skills. This skill has taken on new meaning as we coordinate with medical professionals, support networks, and work colleagues and differing mental states in the family. Effective communication has been our lifeline, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and actively listening to our daughter so that her needs are met, even when she’s unsure what she wants.
   

8. Support systems Building and relying on networks of support is more important than ever and has been our greatest discomfort. Friends, family, colleagues, and professional help have provided the assistance and encouragement we need and we have learned that resilience is also about receiving support with grace and gratitude. These support systems have been our anchor, offering both practical help and emotional comfort when we have needed it most.
   

9. Technical skills A good understanding of various technologies and tools is crucial for staying connected and productive while on the move. From productivity tools to digital security, technical skills have helped us manage work efficiently and ensure our daughter’s care is never compromised.
   

This journey has taught us that resilience is not a static trait but a dynamic skill set that evolves with our experiences. This doubled-up call for resilience has reminded us daily of our strength, adaptability, and the importance of external support as well as self-care.

Through every challenge, we grow more resilient, finding new ways to thrive as a family and as individuals.