Do you have JOMO?
I have freakin FOMO. I rarely do. Seriously. What is up?
I'm supposed to be driving with my eldest, Todd, to Jacksonville today. Right now we'd be heading north, bantering and blasting music. Instead, I'm sniffling in bed, bummed about being home yet grateful my husband offered to go instead. (I definitely pouted and protested at first.) I've been looking forward to this uninterrupted time with my son for weeks before he begins his junior year of college. My ears have been stuffy after flying earlier this week, I'm a bit dizzy, and just don't feel like my typically clear-headed self.
Then I saw the above post by Barb Schmidt from Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life, and the creative context and meaning resonated with me. Many of you related as well; I decided to explore this concept today.
FOMO stands for "fear of missing out." I hear my kids use this acronym when they joke with their friends. I've heard people my age (gosh that sounds antiquated!) say it as well. We've all felt it at times. I'm perpetually curious and love to learn, so I did a quick search. Here's the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary definition:
FOMO \ ˈfō-(ˌ)mō \
Definition of FOMO
"Fear of missing out, fear of not being included in something (such as an interesting or enjoyable activity) that others are experiencing."
I don't "fear" not being invited to a party or event. To be honest, I have zero desire to be where I am not welcome. I have compassion for teens and college kids; it seems FOMO is exponentially exacerbated by social media. One study in the Psychiatry Research journal revealed that fear of missing out was linked to increased smartphone and social media usage and that the connection was not associated with gender or age.
But if we look at the why behind the term, I sense it's more the fear of rejection that is actually at the core. From this perspective, I do relate as a connector and creator. And it's precisely why I created EVERY SOUL HAS A STORY, an inclusive, accessible community where all are welcome.
I kept reading and apparently there are variations on the FOMO theme. Who knew?!
FOBO (Fear of Better Options): This refers to fearing that you are missing out on potentially better alternatives.
MOMO (Mystery of Missing Out): This refers to fearing that you are missing out but not having any clues about what you're missing out on.
ROMO: (Reality of Missing Out): This refers to knowing that you aren't missing out on anything.
FOJI (Fear of Joining In): The fear of sharing things on social media but not garnering any response.
JOMO (Joy of Missing Out): This is the opposite of FOMO and refers to positive feelings about missing out or disconnecting from social media.
*Source: Verywell Mind
My favorite is still JOMO--JOY OF MISSING OUT. I love it! Healthy. Positive. Transformative. When we pivot, reframe, and live with gratitude, we'll often discover unplugging is just what we need.
I'm grateful for my full nest this summer. I'm thankful for my supportive husband who talked some sense into me. Goodness I needed a bit of solitude and a ton of rest! There's been infinite joy, making memories with my kids individually and as a family unit. I’m taking time today to reflect on the past few months that flew too fast.
And if we're busy worrying about what we are missing, how can we be present? I'm choosing joy.
As always, I would love if you'd answer these questions.
💜 When's the last time you felt FOMO?
💜 Are you at peace when you pause?
💜 What feelings arise as you consider these questions?