Embracing the Joy of Missing Out

When was the last time ordinary felt like inadequacy?

Social media today, with apps like Instagram and Twitter, is a huge clutter of content that is set to convince us that we’re not making the best of our lives, i.e leading to what Genz has termed as FOMO or “Fear of Missing Out”. From gossip about the latest Met Gala Event to that popular Youtuber’s controversy, the new digital culture overloads our brain with dopamine, keeping us in an endless loop of scrolling, comparing, and ultimately convincing us that an ordinary life is never enough.

Thus JOMO, or the “Joy of Missing Out” is an opposite perspective we can inculcate in our lives to let go of idealistic societal expectations. It involves understanding that you can never be everything and everywhere at once, and that’s okay. All that you ultimately owe to yourself is peace of mind through reconnecting with the little things in life, and that will guide you to completely absorb every living moment.

However, this isn’t an overnight process. Breaking old patterns can be hard. But with simple, consistent actions, you will get there, one step after another.

1. Sort out your priorities: Unapologetically choose what your heart wants, not the Instagram algorithm. A night watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S or dancing with strangers at the local club? Music concerts or silent book clubs?

2. Spending your time wisely: Your time and energy is your strongest resource. Don’t waste it on people or activities that drain you. What you do will reflect how you feel.

3. Take a break from the internet: As cliché as it sounds, this is vital for growth. When you stop feeding on the digital culture, you begin to observe the growth of the creepers in your garden and the changing colours of the sky. These are experiences your friends probably missed, and will help you remind yourself that your life will always look different from your friends’.

These are just a few practices you can follow to detach from the draining loop of consumption and comparison. Remember, on your deathbed, you won’t recall your perfect online feed, you’ll rejoice the love you pour and the relationships you formed.

You’re here to LIVE, not to perform. Practice change today.