If you've been living under a rock or aren't hip to the newest acronyms, FOMO is short for "fear of missing out". I had never really heard of that until last year and it never meant much to me until recently. For whatever reason we have this relenting fear of missing out. Whether it's a big trip or the newest fad or fashion...we are all so hyped up to fear that if we miss out, we are experiencing a legitimate loss in our lives.
But, by not missing out, what are we unnecessarily adding to our lives? More stress, more debt, more headache?? Are these the things we are truly willing to add to our lives just to be on the cutting edge of everyone else?!
When did we get to the point of "keeping up with the Jones'" that we sacrificed our sanity, peace and money?!?
Being present or being in the moment are the latest catch phrases but in all actuality they are so difficult to live by. To truly be present, we must ignore the distractions of comparison and competition. We must appreciate the things in this moment, the bright blue sky, the warmth from that first cup of coffee, the birds chirping or the bugs buzzing. We have conditioned our minds to think that if we aren't "busy" we are automatically being lazy. But when did stillness automatically equate to laziness??? To be truly present we need to learn to be still and appreciate this moment we are living in. Each moment doesn't need to be extreme or high energy.
As someone who loves travel and sees it as a form of self care, remembering to be present and enjoy each moment can be difficult. Planning for the next trip is so much of the excitement of travel for me, but I need to remember that each everyday mundane moment is just as precious. I need to stop comparing or wishing for the next big adventure. I need to be present and not worry if I'm missing out. My mental health and wallet will thank me.
So, how can you take steps to stop the FOMO?? First, address what areas in your life you feel that the most. Maybe you feel FOMO when you are associated with specific friends or family. If that is the case, perhaps you need to take a hard look at those people. If you are feeling an uncontrollable feeling of keeping up or comparing, they may be toxic to your life. Their presence may not be bringing you joy but sucking the joy from you. These are difficult conversations to have, but they are necessary. By allowing another person, whether friend or family, to bring this kind of stress into your life, you are giving them your peace and far too much power. These relationships need to be cut off, even if it is uncomfortable.
Once you can address the areas of your life that are causing you to feel FOMO you can take necessary steps to eliminate these things or people. As difficult as it may be, these eliminations must happen. Be willing to have the hard conversations and make the uncomfortable decision to change your life. Your mental health will thank you. Make peace with the idea that stillness does not equate laziness. Be okay with taking the time to truly be present and appreciate each moment in your life. We only get this one life, we should be waking each day thankful we are here another day.
Be kind, be present and be one who gives joy and not one who steals joy from others.
Much Love,
H
