The Choice Tree: JOMO or FOMO by Kim Aukema Imthorn

Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) versus Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

As a child therapist, I work daily with children and adolescents struggling with stress and making choices. That's why I created this painting visualising JOMO and FOMO. This painting helps to understand how to consciously choose between JOMO and FOMO - and how these choices affect your well-being. It is a powerful visual way to show that it is okay to step back and see sometimes: Where do I actually stand? It contains super many recognisable topics, which immediately starts a conversation.

Children, young people and, yes, adults too still get carried away with FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), the anxious feeling that they are missing out on something important by not being everywhere or not joining in with the crowd. This can lead to increased stress and anxiety, bringing with it awkward impulsive choices online and offline. FOMO negatively affects young people's mental health by making them feel constant pressure to follow and participate in social situations. On the other hand, JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) offers a healthier alternative, where consciously choosing to rest, self-care and align with one's own needs can reduce stress and promote wellbeing. JOMO helps children and young people learn that it is okay not to always 'want everything' but instead to focus on what really makes them happy and take back control of their lives.

The tree in this painting represents growth, development and peace. A tree has roots anchored deep in the ground, just as we need to anchor our inner peace and choices. The tree shows us that sometimes it is necessary to stop and reflect before we grow further. In FOMO, the tree feels a storm, with stinging branches pointing in all directions, while in JOMO, the tree stands at peace and balance, firmly rooted and with space for itself.