But What About FOMO?

by Naomi Veak, founder

The first time I remember feeling a Fear Of Missing Out, or FOMO, was as a kid. I dreaded that first day back from what was then called Christmas Break when it seemed like the only question I heard was, “What did you get?”. I hated it when other kids felt sorry for me that I didn’t get any presents because I didn’t want to feel sorry for myself. This was just my life—I grew up as a Jehovah’s Witness, which meant we didn’t celebrate holidays like Christmas.

Since our childhood experiences shape who we are now, I’m sure being a Jehovah’s Witness until the end of my freshman year of high school has an impact on my approach to sobriety.

When I made my commitment to a sober lifestyle, I didn’t want to go back to that feeling of missing out. I also didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. So right from the beginning of my sobriety journey, I focused hard on everything that I was gaining from sobriety, the novelty of experiences without alcohol/weed, and a feeling of optimistic anticipation of what surprises would unfold down the line.

It’s okay to admit to yourself that you feel FOMO sometimes. But do your best not to stay there.

Here’s what you can do instead:

See if you can identify what the real feeling is beneath your FOMO, and what you truly need. Do you need some excitement? Connection? To move your body? To have an adventure?

Or… let’s be real— do you just need to delete those apps off your phone so you can focus on the present, unfolding right now? (Don’t compare other people’s highlight reel to your real life!)

The more you create and seek out the experiences you need without alcohol/substances, the more you will understand and believe that you can experience life more fully when you are sober!

For more ideas on combatting FOMO: We were featured in a Redfin article! Check it out here: Ways to Overcome FOMO and Embrace the Comfort of Staying In | Redfin