fomo.

my struggle with it and how I get over it

There was a TikTok trend with a sound that was like, “why does every person in their 20’s travel to europe?” because it is very very true. I fear that out of all of my friends and family, I am the only one who has not gone to Europe left, and over the past few months, it has gotten me pretty upset.

Fomo as many of us know is an acronym for Fear Of Missing Out. This is a natural feeling that everyone gets, or at least that’s what I am telling myself to feel better about it lol. Being real with myself, I honestly don’t get a lot of fomo. When I’m not invited to things, events, or hangouts I usually just think, “they didn’t want me there, that’s okay!” or “you know what’s meant to be is meant to be” in other words I don’t harp on it because it will only do me harm, right?

However, for some reason I have this travel bug, something that I have had for all of my life. Travel is my biggest joy in life, experiencing new landscapes, trying new food, seeing new places, taking it all in. Naturally, as a traveler, you would expect that I have been to Europe, but I haven’t. I am very fortunate to have been out of the USA to Canada and to the Bahamas, which are both amazing, but I still have this feeling of missing out.

Every single member of my family has been to Europe, one friend just got back from her trip, my others took some trips last year. Germany, Italy, France, England, Poland. I love hearing about all of their travels and I genuinely enjoy the stories and experiences, but I also hate feeling alone in this. I was recently told that, “you have never experienced the food like it is in Europe, everything here is trash” and everyone agreed. That is true. I don’t know. And I just stayed quiet, gave a smile and a nod, and went on my phone.

I just started a new job, taking time off is just not possible. I also just moved states, so I am still getting settled back into my home. I don’t have a job where I can just take off whenever I want, I don’t get summers off, I don’t even get weekends off (my weekends can be any 2 days of the week). I also am trying to save money🫠

There is a world out there that I have barely scratched the surface of and I think that is what’s bothering me. I have hung out with friends, I have been to events, but traveling the world is something I haven’t done. I know I am young, and I hope to get there soon and when I do you bet I will be so unbearable with my instagram posts and tik toks. Until then all I can control is myself. I can save money, work hard, and until that moment comes I can just remain patient.

I try to focus on what I have done and the many adventures I have taken. I am very lucky that I have traveled the states, I’ve been to 30! Which is something a lot of people can’t say they have done. I lived in a different state for 3.5 years, living my dream at Walt Disney World. I am so grateful for all that I have done. I understand that this is a very first world problem and that there is so much going on right now in the world. I will say that I am lucky to even be writing this right now and that I am fortunate to have a home and a family and a place to live.

Moral of the story is that it’s all in the timing and all you can control is yourself and your mindset. I’m trying not to let everyone else traveling get to me. I am occupying my time with work, writing ;), and doing the things I love. I have spent the summer playing tennis more and watching tennis a lot more!!

Good things will come to you soon. Just have the patience and will to let it and keep going.

Thank you for sticking through this post. You truly mean so much to me, don’t forget it!!

See you next week

Ryan