If someone asked me right now to name one word that describes me, it would have to be FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). College has been the biggest contributor to my intense worry that I am missing an opportunity at any given moment. Sometimes it feels as though no matter where I am or what I am doing, I am wondering if I should be somewhere else. Should I be doing something more productive or helpful? Am I spending enough time with my friends? Are there people having fun somewhere without me?
This is not to say I do not appreciate my life as it is; in fact, I think it says just the opposite. There are so many possibilities before me and so little time, it seems, to take advantage of them.
Here are some of the things I am almost always worried that I am missing:
1. My friends having fun without me
If this sounds ridiculous to you, then I envy you. I also know that I'm not alone in this. I am not one who likes to blame social media for all the problems of our generation- (I think that's not only lazy, but inaccurate) - but I do think social media plays a role in this. You decided not to go to the party and now it's all over peoples' Snap-chat and Instagram? If you're anything like me, your FOMO goes up by about 1,000%. (Even though you know it probably wasn't as fun as that ten second video of your friend lip-syncing makes it look).
2. Finding my one true calling
I think one of the best things about our generation is that we are starting to pursue our passions more and more. Being a theatre major, I know all about choosing to do what you love. That's why it confuses me so much when this particular brand of my FOMO creeps up on me. My FOMO says, "I know you're doing what you love, but what if there's something you've never experienced that you might also love and be really great at?"
3. Meeting the love of my life
This one is my least favorite because I know I sound like a line straight out of a Hallmark film you waste an hour and a half on over Christmas break. Still, I can't help but think things like, "What if I had gone to LJs just half an hour sooner? Would I have met him?"
I know, barf, right?
I guess the point I'm trying to make is, whatever it is you are currently doing is enough. Your life is good enough. Seize the day, but don't get so caught up in trying to make every moment count that you never actually enjoy anything. God has a plan for my life, and God has a plan for your life. You cannot avoid your fate or miss out on your destiny. Whatever happens is your story, and it'll be great.
