I suffer from a severe Fear of Missing Out, often referred to as FOMO. And this is my story.
Ever since I was little, I've had a hard time fitting in and finishing tasks that I've started. I used to believe I had commitment issues but that's another article for another day. I realized that all along it was a case of FOMO.
FOMO by definition is anxiety triggered by the idea that an exciting or interesting event is happening elsewhere. often aroused through social media.
I struggle with this daily.
It began around the second grade when I was in a transitional period from the little league cheerleading squad in the community to the Local high school's junior squad, The "Baby Falcons". In the midst of all the practices after school and additional spending my mom was doing, I found myself looking for something else to pick up. So little Kira decided to fall head over heels in love, with the violin.
From the Violin, I decided that I wanted to be a gymnast because great cheerleaders tumble. I didn't think of what any of this meant for my Mom and Grams. Shuffling schedules, scraping up change or picking up the corners of my mouth when things weren't going my way.
All I knew was that I didn't want to miss out.
If I was a cheerleader, a gymnast, a musician and later a volleyball and soccer player. How could I not be great? Once in college having none of these things to fall back on, the FOMO reinvented itself.
Now I'm at every party, wow event, and sporting event. It's very rare for me to miss an Ace event, Fried Chicken Wednesday or any class. Instead of naps I hang out at the desk with my co-workers, I never know when there will be a lockout that I can help with. When I could be studying for a test, I take a trip to Olive Garden for "endless pasta" dates with sisters. Even at my lowest points in the week, when I just want to crawl into bed and bawl; I go to sisterhood events at Piper and Leaf. Instead of getting tea, I call my mom with my eyes filled to the brim with tears. Without knowing it she reminds me that I'm not missing out on anything.
I'm Kira and I have a Fear of Missing Out. But I'm not afraid to be present, and that goes a long way.
