Do you know that feeling? The door is wide open but you are sure you don't want to go. Yet, if you don't go, will everyone else be having more fun than you? The mental anguish is maddening. Nothing seems satisfactory. You feel like a loser no matter what you do. That is FOMO, Fear Of Missing Out. It affects the young and the old alike. It comes from having too many options. Or, maybe it comes from having no options. I don't really know. All I know is that it stinks.
It makes me check Facebook to see if anyone is doing something special. It makes me wonder if my ordinary life could possibly be fulfilling. I should turn FOMO upside down and come to the realization that there is Fear Of More Options. When I moved to an Island I couldn't believe that there were only two grocery stores. I went to the mainland every week to shop the specials. But my budget showed my mistaken thinking. I was spending more "saving money" than just shopping at the slightly more expensive local store. More options doesn't mean happiness.
Contentment is having enough even when others have more.
I write on Fridays with a large group who inspire me. Only five minutes and without much thought to perfection. I write, prompted by one word that sends my thoughts to the keyboard and hopefully make sense.
So true! FOMO, I love that! Great job today...your FMF neighbor #17.
ReplyDeleteSabrina, it was great to meet you.
DeleteLove this friend! The FOMO, pulls us in so many directions, and has the ability to distracts us the best that Jesus has for us doesn't it? On the other hand, fear of stepping out can keep us from experiencing so many good things in life. There's a balance isn't there? In the #32 spot this week.
ReplyDeleteChristy, your post on Mother's Day was thought provoking. I am glad I read it.
DeleteI don't think I really suffer from this, however, I do know that having too many choices can be madning.
ReplyDeleteFOMO is a word we use a lot around here.
Delete"Contentment is having enough when others have more." Oh, girl, this was written for me today. Until I learn to be content with what I already have, I will never enjoy what I may acquire. Thank you. :) (Stopping by from FMF.)
ReplyDeleteAngela, I enjoyed finding your blog and stopping for a while. Thanks for making a connection.
DeleteI am not sure if it is the same but I am currently fighting something like that right now with the election process. I am a passionate person that wants right to happen but is this the way I need to go? I am holding onto something because I am afraid I will miss all the action. I don't know. Maybe not. I just know I can go overboard with it and that's why I question it. good thoughts visiting from #9
ReplyDeleteKristina, thank-you for visiting. I read your thoughts and concerns. Does being passionate about something blind us to what is going on? I hope I asked this question in the spirit of your message.
DeleteI love how you sum this up: "Contentment is having enough even when others have more." It is so easy to get drawn into comparison and the feeling of missing out but it just distracts us from our purpose and from all that we do have.
ReplyDeleteThe word contentment is swirling around in my head and I have many more ways to bring it into my bones.
DeleteOh man I've been so guilty of FOMO too! I need to remember to be content.
ReplyDeleteIs it a human condition? Maybe so.
DeleteLove this, Gabriele....mindfulness on a slightly bigger scale! Love your contemplation of contentment...I instantly remembered this post I saw a while ago (a favourite blogger, despite her tendency to use 'swear words' (!)....): http://www.edenriley.com/2014/06/in-praise-of-jomo_12.html All about the joy of missing out. Danielle La Porte also talks about this idea, this important idea of being selective with our yes-es and, more importantly, firm with our no's...so we can, in this way, control our own lives, directing them according to our will not vice versa. Love your post: definitely very thought-provoking as they're issues I've been thinking about *a lot* recently...hope you're having a good week....Helen xx
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