FOMO? The Cure!
For an acronym such as
this to come into existence, the fear must be so real and that is sad! FEAR OF
MISSING OUT aka FOMO is common parlance these days. In 48 years of my life
which is a substantial period of time, I believe, it is only in the last five
years at most that this term has caught my attention. It was, in fact, coined
in 2004 and got included in the Oxford Dictionary in 2010 (clearly letting me
know that I am lagging way behind to have any fear of missing out). For those
very few people, my age or older who are still unaware of the term, FOMO came
into being, on and because of, social media, to describe or define the anxiety
caused by the perception of missing out on fun and all things pleasurable, that
others were seen to enjoy. The other aspect of the same is the addiction to
keep checking in despite feelings of depression, negative thinking and low self-esteem
that it may cause.
The underlying issue is
Comparison. Now, comparison has always existed and unfortunately with others
despite being told every now and then by a few wise people that “your
competition should be with yourself and nobody else”. The whole concept of
glorifying who won vis-a-vis who lost right from the time we are little kids, sets
the ground for us to be in the rat race at every stage of our life. With social
media, this has taken on a whole new dimension. At one time we looked at film
stars and celebrities for little tidbits and to ape styles once in a while but
now it is the pressure of keeping up with the jet setting Joneses!! “Likes” can
have such a major effect on your psyche. Viral videos that have made many lives
are ruining many more! Most youngsters are aware that picture perfect scenarios
are not always the reality (they know it theoretically and understand it too)
but it still messes them up. In fact, it is not just the youngsters. Since each
and every one of us wants to stay relevant, we’ve all got ourselves a smart
phone which is probably not the smartest thing to do. While apps have been
created to get in touch with long lost friends, it has somehow got us into a
web (world wide web indeed) which wants us to keep attachments from years gone
by, a reluctance to move on, on some level. At the same time, we seldom,
actually connect. It feels like an illusion of friendship which is warm but is
still an illusion except for a very few close friends who would have remained
even without these apps. Somehow, the whole system is wired to keep us hooked
and we, who have no sense of moderation and who are weighed down by our own
stresses use these platforms despite their, often, negative impact on us, as a
way to numb ourselves. We cannot pinpoint where the anxiety has come from.
The Cure
1.
Acceptance that no matter how hard you try, how rich you are
or how accomplished you are, you are always going to miss out on not just a few
things but a lot many things and a lot many experiences. Instead of eyeing what
others are up to, be totally involved in what you are doing and make the most
of what you have. Also you can enjoy perfectly without validation from others
that you have indeed enjoyed!!
2.
Nothing
that is meant for you will ever pass you by. Believe it.
3.
Self-worth
is priceless. It is the only
thing that can get you out of this vicious cycle. Know that you are good
enough, just the way you are. If you desire change, you can make it happen.
Do it because you want to, because that’s what your heart wants and not because
it’s the trend. Dream what you want into reality.
4.
Death is inevitable and a great leveller and the only
truth. We don’t know when but we know for certain, so live every day to the
fullest, doing things that make you happy, truly happy.
5.
Be
Authentic. Be YOU. It is
the only way to be. Yes, with all the flaws and embarrassing stuff!!
Credits: YouTube |
6.
MOST
IMPORTANT! Watch Eric Carle’s “The Mixed-Up Chameleon”. If FOMO is your problem, then you have missed this
very important lesson as a child or you just need a reminder. The link:
It is May 2022 and we
can still feel the aftermath of Covid 19. That should tell you about how
unpredictable our world is. Let’s go beyond the superficial and embrace life in
depth and give back to this abundant Universe in whatever capacity we can!
💗💗💗
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