Our Fear of Missed Opportunities
Usually, we are operating off of a set of goals and/or a game-plan for our work-life, and often, we also have goals and a plan for our personal lives.
What if we were so busy with our head down working hard and making all of those plans that we missed some “perfect” opportunity?
Or worse, what if we made a “bad” choice, and that choice caused us to miss out on our “pot of gold”?
FOMO
FOMO is a social term that stands for fear of missing out. For example, your best friend is having a party, and you cannot attend because of another obligation or commitment.
We can also have a similar feeling of “fear of missing out” if we think we have made a “bad choice” and we are certain that because of it, we have lost out on that big promotion or some fabulous vacation!
We deserve success, the big house, and the fancy car – don’t we? “All I want is what I have coming to me. All I want is my fair share!”
If you obsess over whether you are making the right decision, you are basically assuming that the universe will reward you for one thing and punish you for another.
The universe has no fixed agenda. Once you make any decision, it works around that decision. There is no right or wrong, only a series of possibilities that shift with each thought, feeling, and action that you experience.
If this sounds too mystical, refer again to the body. Every significant vital sign – body temperature, heart rate, oxygen consumption, hormone level, brain activity, and so on – alters the moment you decide to do anything… decisions are signals telling your body, mind, and environment to move in a certain direction.
Deepak Chopra
I agree with Deepak, actually, I am not sure who doesn’t agree with Deepak, but I suppose that topic is for another day. Seriously, though, his quote fits perfectly into today’s article.
Is our success and “perfect opportunity” really gone?
Is success and “fame” really what we are searching for? And frankly, is the plan really up to us anyway?
In my humble opinion, the answer to both questions is no, but let these songs persuade your thinking.
It isn’t OUR plan
It most definitely is our journey, but it is not our plan.
And if we take a moment to get out of our own way – ignore our ego and the fear that can cripple us, we might be lucky enough to see what is right for us and what is right in front of us.
Be Still
Stop fighting with that crippling fear and constant worry if we are making a “bad” decision.
In quiet times, allow Him to guide and direct you.
Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
Jeremiah 29:12
When you pray, he will hear you. And you will be able to do all that you promised him.
Job 22:27
Sure we have free will, and we make our own decisions, but I truly believe that if there is a task, a purpose, or a person’s life that we are supposed to touch, He will gently nudge us to get us back on track.
Back on the Journey that He has selected for us.
Listen
Daily prayer and meditation is a wonderful way to be still and hear His voice.
In the early morning, when the dew is still wet, allow the gentle peace and calming effect that prayer can have on us and allow it to open your eyes, your mind, and your heart and invite His plan into your soul.
We’ve chatted in prior articles about how Prayer can bring on Inner Peace and even an easy way to Begin a Prayer Routine.
You may also want to consider adding journaling to your morning routine. For me, it not only allows me to get all of the distractions out of my mind before meditating; I can actually hear His words and feel His nudges with the direction that He wants me to take.
He inspires us to inspire others – He encourages us to encourage others.
I promise you with consistent daily quiet time in prayer and/or meditation will make a difference in your life and will alleviate your stress and “fear of missing out.”
Have Courage ~ Be Fearless
Have Courage –
Katie Couric
Be fearless. Have the courage to take risks.
Go where there are no guarantees.
Get out of your comfort zone even if it means being uncomfortable.
The road less traveled is sometimes fraught with barricades bumps and uncharted terrain.
But it is on that road where your character is truly tested.
Have the courage to accept that you’re not perfect
nothing is and no one is —
and that’s OK.
Until next time … Peace and Blessings, Friends!