Kick the Habit

I've been hard pressed to do something like this for a long time coming, but didn't have the chutzpah to go through with it. After realizing how much I have the boob tube on during my days and how much else I could probably accomplish if I didn't have it on, I decided to take the plunge. (Ironically, I got this idea/inspiration from a news program I watched on Monday night). I have decided to try NO TV DURING THE WEEK.

DAY 2:

I made it through my first day yesterday and I'm nearing the end of the second. At this very moment I SO BADLY want to sit and veg and do something mindless. Three days ago that would mean the ABC or NBC player on the iPad or Netflix on the Xbox.

But I can't! 

So, I have a good excuse to blog and I now will have the much needed TIME. I'll record my thoughts and challenges as I venture though this.

Here's my parameters:

• No t.v. Mondays-Thursdays (T.V. is defined as broadcast t.v. shows, Netflix, movies, d.v.d.s or Bluerays,  or you tube or Hulu clips of t.v. shows or movies)
• Music or live music recordings don't count at "t.v."
• Playing a dvd for a workout does not count as "t.v"
• Elynna is allowed up to 1 hour of t.v. per day, including Sesame Street or Hillsong Kids (I use this to help calm her down or give me a few moments to take care of something without having to have her on my heels)
• My husband is allowed to play his video games :) And I can play with him, if I so wish 

What reflections do I have on the last two days?

First day wasn't so hard because I was gone most of the day. But the time that get's really tough is at night. Especially if, like I said above, I want to do something mindless because I'm tired. 

After paying attention to this, I confess I really like my mindless time. But I know I also like my background noise, and that's what I often use the t.v. for. Pop on a romantic comedy, open my lap top, and do a little work. 

I think I've noticed that even though I was "getting work done" when I had the t.v. on, I am way more productive without it. This actually isn't new news to me at all, but it's become more real today. It's just hard because it became a habit. And a not so very good habit at that. 

The other thing is I pay more attention to Elynna! Which is totally a good thing. Even though I'm a little bit worn out at the end of the day, I'm forced to give her my undivided attention-- especially when the t.v. isn't competing. Tonight we giggled forever in the bathroom as she splashed her bubbles in the tub. And then we "ran" up and down the hallway and then giggled some more when I caught her in my arms and blew 'raspberries' on her cheeks. 

And last reflection tonight, it's quiet. The house. My head.

It's quiet. 

Last night I really didn't know what to do about that. I had some thoughts I had been mulling over for a few weeks that decided to come flooding in full force, nearly knocked me over, and it did make me cry. But it was good. I needed to process a few important things. I often try to escape that with t.v. 

Overall, I am excited :) I am going to admit I think it'll be difficult. Habits just take a while to undo, but in the long run I know it's worth it. I'm excited for the things I get to benefit from:

1. More Productivity  

       I have several jobs. I am part time at my church as the Children's Ministry Director and I'm a full-time Mom and homemaker. The Lord just placed in my lap a teaching job that starts in January. I have SO MUCH to prepare for while still keeping up with the jobs I have already. But I can get a lot done and have focused work time without having the t.v. taking my attention.
       I can study Spanish for the upcoming teaching job I have. I have a few books I need to finish reading. I want to spend more time in the Word. And there's some recipes I've been wanting to try. Oh, and blogging :)

   2.    Good ol' Quality Time with my family

I'm looking forward to the quality time spent with my husband and daughter. And other family and friends as well. We should be able to talk about more things that matter and do activities that don't require staring at a screen (we both really enjoy watching movies). I really want us to be a good example for Elynna and show her how important time together as a family is.

   3.    A Better Mindset
I'm looking forward to clearing the clutter from my mind of mindless celebrity gossip and materialistic consumerism. I'm not normally someone who thinks on these things a lot, but when you watch daytime news shows and you see the latest commercials, it's difficult to get away from! And I need to get away from it. I'm happy to not think on the latest gadget I don't have or the model body, hair and skin I don't have.