Gratitude Journey From FOMO to JOMO

Dear LinkedIn Family,

?Happy Thanksgiving! As we celebrate this special holiday, I want to introduce or remind you of a concept that can transform your experience of the season: JOMO, the Joy Of Missing Out.

?In a world driven by FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), JOMO offers an emotionally intelligent antidote.

?Before I take you on the journey to gratitude through missing out, I want to acknowledge that the holiday season can be challenging for some, bringing in a range of emotions from loneliness to overwhelm/stress.

It's important to recognize the validity of these emotions and remember that you are not alone. ?Take a pause if you need to feel what you are feeling. It may be difficult for some of you but just indulge me and give it a try.

?Thank you for trying and now that you have an idea of your emotions, for any negative feelings you may have recognized, explore a different perspective that empowers you to take control of your mindset and find joy for yourself.

?Here are three common feelings and ways to address them:

1. ?"The holidays remind me of what I don't have.": In difficult circumstances or personal losses, practice gratitude intentionally. Write down three things you are grateful for or share moments of appreciation with at least three people. This fosters contentment and opens you up to joy.Congratulations, you just embraced Gratitude!

?Did you know? Studies show that practicing gratitude has been linked to improved mental health and overall well-being?

?2. "Everything feels forced and fake.": For some, the commercialization, and societal expectations associated with the holiday season can contribute to a sense of inauthenticity.

It may seem as though people are only going through the motions, driven by social pressure rather than genuine joy.

Take a step back and reconnect with the true meaning of the holidays for you.

Whether it's through acts of kindness, meaningful traditions, or spiritual practices, rediscover what brings significance to this time of year for you.

By aligning your actions with your values, you can infuse authenticity and purpose into the holiday season.?

?Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are. - Brené Brown

3. "I'm overwhelmed by stress and obligations.": ?The holiday season often comes with added responsibilities and expectations, such as hosting gatherings, buying gifts, or attending numerous events. Feeling overwhelmed by these demands can overshadow the potential for enjoyment and lead to resentment.

Don't forget yourself and set aside time for activities that rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. This might mean anything - engaging in hobbies, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking moments of solitude.

Just be mindful to enjoy that solitude positively and with gratitude. Otherwise, solitude may turn into loneliness. By nurturing yourself, you create a foundation for joy and well-being.

?Change begins with a shift in perspective. While acknowledging negative emotions is important, recognize that you have the power to choose how you respond to them.

Focus on what is within your control and take proactive steps to bring positivity into your life.

?As Mahatma Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Embrace this sentiment and take small, intentional actions to create a positive and joyful atmosphere for yourself and those around you.

?I know my clients will be reading this and some will be super excited and others who don't like going on the reflection/discovery journey will be like,

"Oh great! More discovery work!

?So, for those skeptical about the reflective journey, I am coming back to JOMO - Joy of missing out!

Most of us have FOMO in one form or other in at least one area of our lives. This fear of missing out keeps us constantly on edge.

Let's take this opportunity to break free from the chains of FOMO by intentionally missing out on some things to find joy.

Examples to get you started:

• ?Social Media: Miss out on the constant scrolling. ?Find joy in being present without the pressure of online validation.
• Excessive Holiday Shopping: Consider scaling back on shopping if not missing out completely and find joy in thoughtful gestures.
• Overcommitting: Say no to events and parties that don't align with your values.
• Unhealthy Relationships: Reflect on toxic relationships and distance yourself from those that don't contribute positively to your well-being.
• Negative Self-Talk: Avoid self-criticism and practice self-compassion.

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So, there you go! The Joy Of Missing Out will help you direct your time, attention, and energy where you want to add it and where it matters.

?Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, positivity, and the power to choose joy.

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Grateful for your time and continued invaluable support.

Meenu Datta

?Other Reads Published on Medium.com:

A Diwali Journey From Grief to Gratitude

Enhancing Leadership through Gratitude: A Win-Win Strategy

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