Coping with FOMO

Call it the winter blues, but I have had strawberries and cherries on my mind for months.  I made that classic mistake of one last splurge before commiting to change my shopping ways, and thrifted several Collectif tops and this versatile skirt at the tail end of last year.  I set them aside for photos, but haven't allowed myself to wear them yet, because they really are more suited for warmer weather.  Looking back on my December spending spree, I have realized that while I am doing better in 2025, I still have a long way to go, and it all goes back to habits formed in my childhood that I have to address and retrain.

I grew up in a feast or famine home that was heavy on the famine and light on the feasting.  Sometimes we had some money, most of the time we had none.  So, when we did have a little extra, we had to hurry up and enjoy it before it was gone.  It turned me into an avid prepper as an adult, so that I wouldn't have to go through the famine again.  That's a great way to be in a lot of situations, but not so much when it comes to clothes.  You see not only was there rarely money for clothes in my childhood, but when there was, it was so difficult to find clothes that fit my body type that I spent years loathing myself and hiding in baggy boys' clothes.  If I ever did find something that actually fit and looked good on me, I would buy one in every color to tide me over until the next time I could either find clothes and/or have enough money to buy them.  

Times have changed now, and it's important to note that.  Just because someone has a difficult childhood, it's not an excuse for everything that happens afterward.  Growing up means working through all that stuff, letting go and moving on.  Not only is all that childhood stuff behind me, but after much time spent researching, I know the brands that suit me and I regularly find clothes that fit my frame and are the right size, but I am still in the Fear Of Missing Out mentality.  It needs to stop and I've put it on the list for change.  If a beloved brand goes away, I should just enjoy the pieces I have rather than frantically collecting all I can find.  Because sometimes brands come back just as wonderful as before, and sometimes, it's good to just enjoy and then move on.

Likewise, if I find something that fits me well, just get one or two and wear them out, rather than stocking up for the apocalypse of linen pants or scoop neck blouses.  There will be other thinsg to come along and it's Ok to just enjoy things for a season and then find new things to enjoy once they're gone.

As much time as I've spent being afraid of missing out, I've never actually gone without clothes.  I always end up finding something that I either love, or will at least suffice to keep me covered until I do.  It's time to let go of the FOMO and just be present in the here and now.

Outfit Info:  Thrifted skirt and top by Collectif, Betsey Johnson purse, necklace, and earrings, SheIn shoes.