Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

By Blessing Offiong.

Listen up! You are not missing out on anything.

You just returned from work. Your bones ache and everything screams REST. 

As if controlled by a force, your right arm snake out to touch the silver screen beside your pillow. 

Bling! A notification.

It's Sandy again. The hot, business minded chick you feel a combo of envy and admiration for.

She just nailed a 30 million dollar deal, and she's only 22. Your disloyal mind turns back to the meagre salary you are scrapping for. 

Slowly, resentment builds. As envy grows, you become dissatisfied with your lot.

Beware!!

FOMO is speaking.

.................................................................

FOMO is a social phenomenon that has exploded overtime. 

Once or twice, the excruciating desire for more creeps up on you. This is understandable, because God created you to desire growth and multiply.

But where did FOMO come from? 

FOMO stems from feelings of unhappiness and discontent. 

Unfortunately, the media isn't helping matters. With the glam of Instagrammers, and the craze for possession of material wealth, it's not surprising that FOMO is everywhere.

Also, the world system is designed to capitalize on our desires. We are constantly being sold That Thing we supposedly need to have a better life. You can't even switch on your phone without having pop ups and creative adverts appealing to your desires.

Since FOMO stems from discontent, it continues to amplify covetousness, which makes you desire what another has instead of your own. 

And God blatantly warns against covetousness.

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Exodus 20:17 (NIV)

 

Despite these, how can you deal with FOMO?

1. Regulate your exposure to things that fuel FOMO

Starve yourself off tv, that enticing magazine or social media for a while. Constant exposure to FOMO inducers will only increase discontent in you. 

2. Inculcate JOMO

JOMO means the joy of missing out. This term was created by Kristen Fuller, the Managing Director of Psychology Today. It simply means allows yourself to enjoy your presence and where you are in life. 

You don't compare yourself with others. Rather, you experience life as it is and focus on your priorities.

3. Set your eyes on the things above.

Focusing on God and kingdom activities will eliminate every feeling. 

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." 

Phillipians 4: 8.

4. Practice gratitude

Be thankful for nothing. By being more appreciative of what you have, you open yourself to feelings of happiness and joy.  

So guys, FOMO has no power on its own, as long as you don't give it a chance. 

Practice being content and happy with yourself. You are more than enough.

Stay Faithful.🥰