FOMO

Dear Aspen reader,

FOMO. Have you heard of it? It’s the Fear Of Missing Out.

And it’s real.

It can be called many things. Anxiety, worry, dissatisfaction or even discontentment. Whatever the title, all of these have one commonality - they are unhealthy emotions that breed unhappiness and do nothing to promote total wellness.

For anyone who finds themselves struggling with this ingrained fear of missing out on what life has to offer, know that you aren’t alone! I, too, have dealt with this unhealthy emotion throughout life. I think it’s only natural to want to fill your days to the fullest, grab life by the horns and “seize the day”. But when it gets to a point where it’s affecting you negatively and you start to compare your life status to that of others, it can be a real problem.

Knowing that my husband and I will only live in a specific location for short stints of time causes FOMO to rise up like crazy. (Especially when you’re living in amazing places like Italy or Hawaii). There is the outdoors to explore, restaurants to frequent, and adventures to be had which are all amazing blessings of the life we lead. But when comparison is the key fuel that keeps you pressing for more, it becomes a problem.

You might not struggle with the FOMO for travel or adventure, but maybe it has to do with the debate over a new home or having more children or obtaining a new job. Step back and ask yourself if your intentions are to better life for your family and if the outcome will allow you to impact others in a better way - or if it’s because you are comparing your situations to other friends or family. Because you see the root of FOMO is focused on self and what you need, what you want, what you don’t have or what you think you should have.

I urge you to keep your life about positively impacting others through your actions. Take the job, get the house, do all the things - but make sure that it’s for the right reasons. Be sure that it’s because you desire to find joy in every situation and are looking to how you can embrace new friendships or opportunities - not because you fear missing out in comparison to those around you. It’s difficult to step away from the FOMO thought pattern, but you can do it. I have faith in you!

In health,

Alecia