A few weeks ago, I saw the word JOMO used in a text conversation for the very first time. And I hate to admit it, but I had no idea what it meant!
I’m the first to admit that I am not always up on what’s trending; or on the latest catchphrases; or the latest fashion. So I’m certain that the term JOMO has probably been around far longer than just a few weeks, but I have been oblivious!
And it’s like never noticing the number of yellow cars on the road until you purchase a yellow car. Then suddenly you see just how many yellow cars are being driven.
Once I had seen JOMO once, it popped up in any number of texts and posts.
I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that I had to Google it!!
We all know what FOMO is – the fear of missing out.
Have you ever felt obligated to go to an event even if you didn’t want to? That’s FOMO
Did you ever answer a phone call dreading speaking to the person on the other end? That’s FOMO
Do you start your day or end your day by checking your social media feeds or your e-mail? That’s FOMO
It’s that fear of being left out of something – social invitations, job opportunities, fun stuff. It’s that inability to turn your phone off in case you miss out on something “important” or refusing to turn down an event or party invitation in case you stop getting those invitations by not going this ONE time.
As humans, it is instinctual to want to belong. In the past, if we were ostracized from the tribe, we probably would have died – not being able to protect ourselves, not being able to feed ourselves, not being able to shelter ourselves. And in today’s more modern world, we want companionship and connectedness, it’s good for our mental health.
Unfortunately, FOMO can be more than just an unpleasant feeling. It can come with its own set of anxieties or feelings of guilt and can lead to us getting worn down and exhausted.
JOMO is the opposite a FOMO. JOMO is the joy of missing out. This is enlightening and super cool!
I believe that every now and then we need to stop – stop saying yes to everything, stop making ourselves available 24/7, stop running ourselves to the edge of exhaustion because we are afraid we might miss out.
JOMO allows us to reconnect with ourselves. It’s about setting boundaries and accepting that its OK to say no, its OK to not attend every event, its OK to not read every email, text or answer every phone call. But JOMO is more than just saying no; it’s also saying yes to doing things that meet OUR needs. It’s about understanding our needs and wants and embracing the activities that energize us rather than drain us.
Embracing and practising JOMO allows us to:
– Say no from time to time, especially when saying yes might have a more negative impact on your life;
– Disconnect from our devices on occasion – not a bad idea to turn the world off every once in a while
– Be intentional with our time by scheduling in things that are important to us, and that we enjoy doing, whether that is going to the gym for a workout, having a coffee with a friend or enjoying some quiet time working on a jigsaw puzzle, and
– Live in the present and experience what real life is!
Embracing JOMO doesn’t mean become a recluse or avoiding social events altogether. It’s about finding a balance and make choices that are in line with your goals and values. Remember that FOMO is normal, it natural to feel it at times, but it’s also important to recognize when it’s becoming unhealthy.
I have some interesting things planned for myself for 2023; things that will keep me busy at times. But this year, you will also see me practicing JOMO as well.
