The word of the month for April is “JOMO.”
We have all heard of FOMO, the fear of missing out. JOMO is the joy of missing out. As an article in the BBC notes:
As the antithesis of FOMO, it symbolizes relief from the breathless and guilt-laden need to be perennially switched on and constantly productive, which emerged in reaction to “hustle culture” and other widely accepted models of “success.”
JOMO is not a new idea (this article is from 2019) but it is new to me, and I think the concept has particular relevance to people engaged in the study and practice of ADR.
Part of what makes ADR so rewarding—and so difficult—is the field’s commitment to empathy, participation, inclusion, equity, and process. These can be challenging commitments to keep, given the kinds of conflicts that we encounter on a daily basis in our work and life. Striving for peace and justice can feel like an impossible task, and we may find ourselves dealing with disputes, difficult conversations, and toxic dynamics on an almost-constant basis.
All this can easily lead to burnout. JOMO and other “unplugging” strategies may be helpful in creating some breathing room.
I know everyone is busy doing important things – but my wish for you this spring is maybe just miss out a little. 😊
Great quote, Jen. What you write is precisley my challenge as a mediator. That is why just the knowledge of the law in the case it is not enough to persuade parties to talk between them and try to reach a settlement.
Thanks so much for this reminder Jen. Before I mediate I almost always find myself sitting doing nothing for a few minutes, as if my system is telling me to stop preparing and sit still. But academic work is permeated with FOMO – when does sitting doing nothing feel ok?
Enjoy the spring!