JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out

A Reflection on My Unhurried January

How was your January?

Mine was, well, unhurried. I took my time. I did less, stripping quite a few things from my to-do list. This felt great and gave me the inner peace I was longing for.

I want more of that unhurried way of living. It dawned on me over the summer and into the fall that I no longer want to rush and that, at 63, I have the privilege to go slower. It’s up to me to do less and choose 2025 full of inspiration, creativity and wonderful conversations.

This may sound easy, but it’s been hard work. Choosing to do less is one thing; doing less is another.

Slow January

January was slower for two reasons:

Letting go and the Joy of Missing Out (JOMO).

JOMO has become an essential driving force for me. It’s a conscious choice to step back and not engage in every exciting opportunity that comes my way. This mindset of JOMO allows me to reclaim my time. Instead of joining yet another engaging online networking session, I spend more time creating colourful collages, taking long walks in the dunes with Filou, our joyful four-legged companion, or simply sitting in stillness before journaling. I truly savour these moments.

However, saying no and turning down opportunities isn’t always straightforward.

Letting Go

Letting go isn’t easy because there is FOMO, the antidote to JOMO—the fear of missing out.

FOMO is that persistent voice urging me to show up, saying: “You should go to this session, it’s a great opportunity to network and get inspired.” It reminds me of the Pixies, those sharp observers and know-betters who feed my self-talk, pulling me in opposing directions (Talking with Pixies on the Road). The JOMO and FOMO Pixies in my head create an inner balancing act. Embracing JOMO, the choice to walk unhurried often carries a bit of FOMO—the pull of all the opportunities and connections I’m leaving behind.

I Said No To:

Serving as the convenor for immersion workshops, the Ecocycle Café, and similar initiatives.
Selling open courses, promotional work, and maintaining an active social media presence.
Receiving countless emails—I unsubscribed from many lists.
Sending unsolicited messages to potential clients—I trust they will reach out for support when the time is right.
Juggling multiple blog posts and LinkedIn updates simultaneously.

I Say Yes To:

Enjoying creative activities like painting, experimenting with colour pots, writing, walking, and moving a lot.
Prioritizing my WordPress blog, focusing on writing and sharing twice a month.
Hosting monthly Unhurried Conversations, guiding the Liberating Journey, and supporting motivated teams, groups, and organisations on their unique paths.
Offering Street Wisdom Walks and Liberating Structures workshops on request.
Creating space for possibilities, connections, and creative adventures to unfold naturally.

A New Chapter

My unhurried life begins now: letting go of the pressure of “I have to” and fully embracing JOMO, creating space for new and inspiring creative adventures.

What about you? How do you juggle these two companions—JOMO and FOMO?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The bit at the end

Exciting events on the horizon to support your exploration:

I invite you to join the upcoming Unhurried Conversation, sign up here for free.
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More on Talking with Pixies: Finding Clarity in the Noise. How to do ‘Talking with Pixies’ with a group.
More related stories: Reflective Writing. How Writing Shapes Ideas. Why I Write: A Personal Exploration.

Reach out, I’m always open for a chat.
Creatively, Nadia

P.S.The paintings featured on the blog are my own.