JOMO - The Joy of Missing Out
In today's world, it's easy to feel like we're constantly missing out on something. We're bombarded with images of people having fun, traveling the world, and living their best lives on social media. It's no wonder that so many of us suffer from FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out.
But what if there was a way to turn FOMO on its head? What if we could actually find joy in missing out?
That's where JOMO comes in. It's the idea that we can actually be happier by choosing to focus on our own lives and experiences, rather than constantly comparing ourselves to others.
What does FOMO look like? It’s normal to find ourselves feeling influenced by friends, family and even colleagues at times. We’ve all been there and given into the “just one more”, “oh, stay a little longer”, “you’re brother would” etc. It can be tricky to navigate the terrain of doing what’s right for us, and keeping that feeling of “what if” at bay. “What if I don’t stay, and then they don’t invite me again?” “What if I don’t get the promotion because I didn’t have that extra drink with the boss?” What if my family stop talking to me?” That’s FOMO
FOMO and what if’s are fear based and can be highly persuasive, even if there’s a long term cost to ourselves. But what if I told you it was possible to experience JOMO instead?
I recently took a week out of my usual busy life, to press pause, take some much needed me time and recharge my batteries. This is a place very dear to my heart, close to a golden sandy beach and the lapping waves, with nothing but a hotel and a basic shop for miles around. The facilities are simple yet functional, and the best bit…. Next to no phone signal. No 3G, let alone 4G or anything else. So what happens when you disconnect? Did the world fall apart in my absence from weekly client sessions, emails, social media, etc, etc, etc? No. Did it take me a little while to adjust from my scrolling habits and constant bombardment of information and stimulus? Yes.
Another way I experience JOMO is by not watching, listening or reading the news. I’ve often found a lot of anxiety can be directly linked to constant bombardment of sad, devastating and concerning news. You may have noticed a shift in how you normally feel over the last few years with the reporting of the pandemic, a war in Europe, wild fires, hate crimes, and so much more. Rarely does the media focus on or highlight the positives in the world, and if you’re already feeling a little low, this influx of sensationalised and relentless information can really take its toll, so I choose to check in when I want to, not when the world dictates.
Here are a few other things you can do to embrace JOMO:
Disconnect from social media. Social media is one of the biggest contributors to FOMO. When we're constantly bombarded with images of other people's perfect lives, it's hard not to feel like we're missing out. Taking a break from social media can help you to focus on your own life and experiences, and to appreciate the things you have.
Spend time with people you love. One of the best ways to find joy is to connect with the people you care about. Spend time with your friends and family, doing things you enjoy. This will help you to feel grounded and connected, and to let go of the need to constantly be "doing" something.
Do things that you enjoy. What makes you happy? What do you enjoy doing? Make time for the things that bring you joy, even if they're not the most popular or exciting activities. This could mean reading a book, taking a walk in nature, or spending time with your pets.
Be present in the moment. It's easy to get caught up in the past or the future, but the only moment that really matters is the present moment. When you're present, you're able to appreciate the things that are right in front of you, and to let go of the need to constantly be doing something.
Embrace JOMO and you'll find that you're happier and more content with your life. You'll be less stressed, less anxious, and more connected to the people and things that matter most to you.
So next time you feel FOMO creeping in, remind yourself of the joy of missing out. You might just be surprised at how much happier you are when you're not constantly comparing yourself to others.
