Let Go Of The Fear Of Missing Out
Start writing a post
Student Life

Let Go Of The Fear Of Missing Out

Live fully in the present moment

65
Let Go Of The Fear Of Missing Out

You scroll through the recent updates on snapchats only to find all your friends at that party, or screaming their heads off on that new roller coaster at Six Flags. That feeling suddenly overwhelms your body. The longing to be there. The fear that you'll reunite with your friends and hear about what a fun time you missed. You would have been there if you could, but work, or family commitments or whatever else pulled you away and prevented you from being a part of the story you're friends will share and laugh about for years.

Social media posts have condemned this feeling over and over again, making us believe that we should avoid this fear of missing out -- or FOMO -- as best we can. But, the only way to avoid this is to try and be a part of everything. The problem with that is that we may spread ourselves too thin and prioritize quantity over quality.

I had a friend who seemed to let this feeling control her. To me -- someone who craves me time -- it seemed crazy that she could hang out with three different groups of friends in one day, and go a week without sleeping in her own bed. Not a moment for just her. Not a moment to just do what she wanted to do. I realized it was probably because she didn't want to miss anything any of her friends were doing.

Most of us are like this because of social media and the ease it provides to glimpse into others' lives and activities. But we need to let go of this feeling because we simply cannot do it all. If we're constantly focused on the moments we're missing out on, we'll never pay attention to the moment we're in. Eventually, years and years will go by and we'll never be happy because all we think we've done is "miss out" when in reality, we've just been living our lives.

We all have commitments that we wish we didn't, but just remember when you see that picture on Instagram of all your friends enjoying a beach day while you're stuck working a double shift, everything you're doing has a purpose. Just don't forget the reasons you're doing everything and let go of that fear of not being involved in everything. One day, you'll be the one in that picture or in that snap story, and it'll all be due to those moments when you wish you were somewhere else.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

46553
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

29518
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953772
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

164458
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments