Urban Dictionary defines FOMO as "a state of mental or emotional strain caused by the fear of missing out." Most people probably think it's just a ridiculous term that some melodramatic teenage girl made up, but I'm here to tell you that FOMO is real.  I would know, because I just happen to have an awful case of it.  

You pretty much have to self-diagnose, but once you do, so many things you've done in the past make sense.  FOMO isn't some petty little thing that you can just tuck away.  At times, it can feel like a crippling affliction that preys on nearly every aspect of your life.

It's the little voice in the back of your head that whispers "You can do better" and causes you to destroy relationships that could've been great.  It's the anxiety behind every decision you have to make, whether it be where to get dinner or which college you want to spend the next four years of your life at. It's what makes you impulsive and rash so as not to miss an "opportunity." It's a chronic case of "the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence" and, for lack of a better term, it can really suck sometimes.  

However, there is a bright side to having FOMO. Believe it or not, it can often bring out the best pieces of yourself: your work ethic, your passion and your loyalty. Sounds unlikely, but hear me out. I know in my case, the worst part of FOMO comes before making a choice. After the decision is made, the fear of missing out typically goes away. Once that fear is gone, you throw yourself into whatever it may be in order to ensure that you make the absolute most of it. I think that's where FOMO comes from anyway; the fear of not being able to live life extremely and experience fully. Once the college, sorority, person, activity, major or any other number of things has been chosen, that choice will be given the utmost time and energy and dedication so there will be no room to miss out. Not to mention, the good personality traits that tend to accompany FOMO: spontaneity, the thirst for adventure and zeal for life. That is the beautiful side of it.  

So the TRUTH about FOMO is that it is real, and it's not all bad. Most importantly though, there's a cure. I think Christine Caine said it best: "We aren't called to be fearless.  We are called to be faithful." The truth is, the fear of missing out is a part of me and it always will be. I might have serious FOMO when it comes to making big decisions, but the key is to let the faith that I will end up right where God wants me to overcome it. Easier said then done, but let me tell you, it's ridiculously freeing.