The Joy of Missing Out

My FOMO (fear of missing out) is a confirmation of having missed out every time I get online. I'm reminded of what others are doing that I'm not; hangouts with friends I wasn't invited to; and life milestones that I haven't met or may never meet, but my peers have.

I've missed out on some big things in life, like not going to my BFF's wedding, not graduating high school, and delaying the start of my career for 10 years.

Missing out is a fact of life, and focusing on it causes me to miss out on what I have here and now. We have every right, and even the power, to replace our fear and disappointment with joy, contentment, and gratitude. Everything I have "missed out on" represents some other opportunity or life experience I got to be a part of.

It all depends on my focus--am I too busy stressing about what I've missed to see the joy of what I have? Giving into fear or disappointment over comparisons keeps me from recognizing the life right in front of me.

Here are a 3 simple ways I find joy in missing out:

1. Put down the phone.

Social media and the resulting comparisons can suck the life out of me. So I have to routinely shut it down--the notifications and the noise of other people’s opinions and lives. This gives me space to reset in the soothing hum of my own daily routines.

2. Make a happiness list.

What makes me happy? What, big or little, brings a smile to my face or sparks joy in my life? Naming these can lead to ideas to take action, and simply reminds me what brings me to life.

3. Reach out.

Even as an introvert, connections with people are still deeply important. Being around people I care about gives meaning to life. That starts with extending invitations, saying yes to invitations extended to me, and being fully present with those around me.

Whether FOMO keeps us chasing what isn't meant for us, or if it's just the emotional pit that lingers when we see our "dull" lives in contrast to "everyone else's"--the power to change that is is finding joy right here.

There is joy in missing out on what's best for everyone else's life so that you can live what's best for your life.

-Trina Cress