What even is FOMO? I had no idea what the big deal was about FOMO, let alone what it meant for a very long time. I now know FOMO is the fear of missing out and it is a very real thing. Everyone interprets things differently and the concept of the fear of missing out is no different.
When I think of FOMO, I think of the fear of missing out on opportunities. In that case, most people fear of missing out on opportunities such as hanging out with friends, going out, summer beach trips, joining an organization, seeing a new movie when it comes out, etc. However, FOMO is much different through a volunteer's eyes.
I'm not saying I don't fear I'm missing out on wonderful social opportunities because that is always in the back of my head. What I'm saying is when I have a volunteer opportunity the same day as my sororities formal, I fear of missing out on making a difference in my community rather than fearing missing out of the joy that accompanies formal.
FOMO through a volunteers eyes can be hard to comprehend at times. My friends are often confused, but my best friends have seen my love for volunteering and know exactly why I do what I do. So, why do people do the things they do? Well, people do the things they do because they enjoy doing those things and those things make them happy.
So when asked why I volunteer and why I fear missing out on service opportunities rather than social opportunities, the simple response would be I volunteer because I enjoy volunteering and it makes me happy. I'm not saying I don't enjoy the social opportunities or that they don't make me happy, I'm saying I fear more missing out on being a positive contributor to my community.
FOMO through a volunteers eyes isn't all based on bettering the community. Service betters me, gives me incredible experiences, fun times and amazing friendships. FOMO through anyone's eyes is always a bit selfish, even FOMO through a "selfless" act like volunteering. I began volunteering at a very young age. I think that is a major reason why volunteerism is such a big part of me and why I fear missing out on service.
To those who fear on missing out on anything, don't fear it or miss it, do it and enjoy it! And remember, sometimes you have to miss out and that's okay. The choice to miss out on something in return for doing something else is tough, but every once in a while you need to shake things up. I personally fear missing out on Special Olympics, but I fear missing out on Jimmy Buffet with my best friend more, so Jimmy Buffet here I come!
