The paradox of freedom through constraint

So much for clarity

If you had told me 10 years ago that carrying less would make my life richer, I may have laughed. Surely more - more money, more clothes, more options - means more security? Right? But after nearly three years of nomad work life, I’ve learned that constraints don’t limit freedom. They create it.

When we committed to travelling with just 7 t-shirts each, it seemed like a practical choice - easier packing, less weight, fewer decisions, less to carry. But over time, it became something more profound. Having fewer things to worry about meant we could focus on what really mattered: experiences, relationships, and the stories unfolding around us.

Constraints aren’t just about possessions. Travel throws plenty of unexpected limits our way - language barriers, cultural differences, and the occasional logistical nightmare. Yet, time and again, these ‘restrictions’ have opened up new possibilities. Struggling through a language gap often leads to a moment of shared laughter and connection. Being forced to slow down because of a delayed flight has led to some of our most memorable encounters.

Our No Space for Just in Case philosophy isn’t about deprivation or going without - it’s about trust. Trusting that what we have is enough. Trusting that solutions will present themselves. And, most importantly, trusting that when we stop carrying unnecessary weight - both physical and mental - we create space for more of what matters.

It’s tempting to hold onto things ‘just in case’ – spare cables, an extra pair of shoes, a comfort zone, instruction manuals, a relationship, fear of missing out, fixed expectations. But those safety nets often become anchors. The more we carry, the more we cling. And the more we cling, the less we move. The reality? The world meets you where you are. When we let go of ‘just in case,’ we make room for what’s happening right now.

There’s a common misconception that being a digital nomad is about escape, about skimming the surface of different places. But for us, it’s been about immersion. The less we carry, the more we engage. We don’t just pass through cities; we get to know the people, the rhythms, the everyday moments that turn travel into something transformative.

Living with less hasn’t been about sacrifice. It’s been about expansion. About personal growth.

If you had to let go of something today - whether physical, mental, or emotional - what would it be?

#7tshirtseach #travelwithless #digitalnomadlife #lifelessons #carrylesslivemore @ingridlotze @gavinmoffat