Most of you probably know whether you're going to IC or not. I am one of the people who didn’t manage to secure a spot. It's not even the first time I’ll be missing it for that very reason. One of the perks of my situation (and there are not many) is my gained knowledge of BBYO FOMO (also known as fear of missing out) and how to deal with it. I've picked some of my favorite tips for anyone in the same position. We, rejects, have to stick together, right?

Take yourself out of that scenario.

Last year, I made the big mistake of imagining myself at IC long after I knew I wasn't going. My fantasy just wasn't compatible with the reality I was experiencing. I wouldn't blame anyone for still dreaming of going, but I advise you to stop because when the moment comes, you'll just fall down from higher.

Happiness isn't owed.

Well, this is more of a mantra, but it still works. Because yes, IC is a big and important event. And yes, many people are happy they will get to go, but that doesn't mean that you have to be happy for them at all costs. Not feeling happy doesn´t make you a bad person. Not feeling happy just makes you human. The second you stop trying to force yourself to be happy, you'll start to move on. And the faster you move on, the sooner you will feel happy.

Time heals all wounds.

In a way, emotional wounds are very similar to physical ones - you see it, you do what you can, and then you give it time to heal. In both cases, time is the most important part. Sometimes FOMO cuts, and sometimes burns, like any other injury, and it took me a long time to realize I should be treating it as such. All wounds need time, and so do you. At the end of the day, we all have to remember that each experience, whether celebrated or missed, helps us gain new knowledge and makes us grow. The best we can do is embrace the opportunity to miss IC and enjoy the time we have to not be there cause it’s also limited.