JOMO

The article that I have linked here details a new phenomenon, JOMO. Most everyone knows the acronym FOMO, which stands for “fear of missing out”. Now, the acronym, JOMO, joins our casual language usage. JOMO is short for “joy of missing out”.

Last May, a friend asked me to spend a few days with her dog, until her regular pet sitter was available to watch her dog. For several days, I focused my attention on the dog. I had to be attuned to his actions and observe him to see when he was hungry, wanted to go out, or wanted affection.

Watching this floofer, not only focused my mind on the present, but it allowed me to nurture and receive nurturing. I believe the dog could sense that I was grieving. Because, he would make sure to spend time on the sofa with me, sitting as close as possible to me.

Through word of mouth and social media, people found out that I would watch their homes as well as their pets. Soon, family and friends asked me to take care of their pets when they couldn’t. I enjoyed keeping an eye on the dogs and cats that I watched. Whether the dogs were playing or chasing a ball or exploring their backyard, the dogs were always acting in the present moment. The cats, while not as active as the dogs, were also very present, whether eating or napping. I learned from them the importance of present time.

By its nature, pet sitting is all about being present to care for the furchildren. Acting in the present moment, I was not reminiscing about the past or dreaming about the future. I enjoyed what I was doing at the moment I was doing it. The world was going on without me, but when I was spending time with the animals, I had strong JOMO.

Below are some pictures of the pets that taught me about remaining in the here and now. Spending time with them was a joy. I don’t feel like I missed out on much, because I had so much fun with them.

www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/01/04/fomo-jomo-joy-missing-out/