Picture this: It’s a breezy Saturday evening. You’re sitting at home in the balcony, quietly reading a book, sipping your coffee. It’s one of those rare peaceful days—just the way you like it.
Then, your phone buzzes. You pick it up and open Instagram. Someone you know is out clubbing, posting story after story: the music, the dancing, the food. And another friend shares photos from an exotic resort, swimming in a stunning infinity pool. All happening without you
Suddenly, your mood shifts. That perfect evening doesn’t feel so perfect anymore. You feel like you’re missing out—not just on a party, but on life itself.Two minutes ago, you were content. Now, anxiety and sadness start to creep in.
This is FOMO—the fear of missing out. And this was exactly how I felt. It felt like I was standing right in the middle of a noisy, crowded street — being pulled every which way but totally lost and confused.
FOMO is an invisible force pushing us to say yes to everything, to be part of every moment, to never miss what looks like the “next big thing.” It whispers messages of loss, fear, and comparison. But what if we flipped the equation? What if we chose not to chase everything—and instead embraced something different? What if missing out… isn’t a loss? What if you can be the coolest kid in the town without trying too hard to be one. This is the heart of JOMO—the Joy of Missing Out.
A few months ago, feeling overwhelmed by the constant pull of the digital world, I took a bold step. I shut down my phone and laptop and carried it up to the attic, tucking it away out of sight for a whole week. The first day was the hardest. My hand would twitch every few minutes, tempted to open it. There was an invisible tether pulling me back, constantly whispering: “What if I miss an important email? What if there’s news I should know? What if everyone else is moving forward, and I’m standing still?” But as hours turned into days, that pull softened. I woke up without the usual urge to check my screen. I was fully present in conversations. I read my book with wholehearted attention. I smiled at simple moments I had ignored before.
By the end of that week, I felt lighter, freer, and more myself. And as I looked back I realized: I hadn’t missed out at all. I had chosen stillness, and it felt right.
JOMO help you with
- Prioritization : It lets us pause and prioritize what truly matters.
- Peace: You stand steady amid noise and chaos.
- Intentional living: You fully engage with moments and people who matter.
- Self-respect: Saying “no” honors your limits and wellbeing.
- Freedom: You reclaim control over your time, energy, and life.
That said, choosing joy in missing out isn’t always easy. In a world where social media shows only the highlights, and trends change in an instant, turning off the noise can feel scary—even lonely. The urge to check your phone constantly might hit hard. The fear of missing news or feeling left behind can gnaw at you. Saying no when everyone else says yes can bring discomfort or misunderstanding. It takes real courage to resist that pressure, to say no without guilt, and to trust that choosing your own path keeps you meaningfully connected in deeper ways. The hardest part is sitting with moments of doubt and still believing that missing out brings more peace and authenticity.
I invite you to embrace this quiet rebellion. Say no without fear. Turn off distractions without guilt. Choose to be fully present—to yourself, your passions, and your loved ones. Not everywhere, but here. Not everything, but what matters. Because sometimes, the greatest adventure is not rushing to every summit, but resting peacefully in the valley of simply being.
We’re almost at the end of this week.The next time someone asks you What are your plans for the weekend? Don’t be embarrassed to say, I’ll stay in. And after all the noise fades, remember this: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes — including you.” — Anne Lamott.
That, my friends, is the Joy of Missing Out.