Forget FOMO: The Joy of Missing Out

You’re most likely familiar with the phrase “FOMO,” or the “fear of missing out.” Whether you’ve suffered the sad sigh while scrolling Instagram or realized that you aren’t part of a group text chain, I think we’ve all had those left-out feelings bubble up inside of us. I can’t make a bachelorette trip? FOMO. I went home and others stayed out and had a super fun night? FOMO. I’m out of town for a concert I would have really wanted to attend? FOMO. The message (only fueled by the highlight reel of social media) is that we should be doing more at all times, and if we’re not, we have to be missing out.

As I’ve aged, I’ve started to lean into “JOMO,” or the “joy of missing out.” After a week of having a different event or commitment every night, I’m exhausted. After the months where I’m traveling all over the place, I’m scatterbrained. After a packed schedule of birthdays, wedding or baby showers, weddings, etc. I feel spread too thin. I’ve discovered that sometimes the secret to living more joyfully is simply saying, “No,” rather than, “Yes.” Instead of focusing on our FOMO constantly, maybe we should switch the narrative and learn to appreciate our JOMO.

Now, I’m a big fan of showing up for people. There are certain events that you make happen or times when you may have to put your interests on the back burner. That’s life and that’s a part of maintaining…