Before I even start to discuss this sensitive subject, I would like to remind you all that my reason for writing these posts is not to say that my way of thinking or living is superior, but merely to tell you "what works for me". I feel that women (my posts are generally not written for men) are often encouraged by other women simply sharing their lives with them. We are all in different stages of life and have different perspectives. That being said, I will continue to write about the ways I continue to simplify my life in hopes that it will encourage someone :).
Watching less TV "works for me"! For over a year, Nathan and I have significantly cut back on the amount of tv we watch. I would like to share with you the ways we cut back on tv and the benefits we received by doing so.
Benefits to Watching Less TV:
*More productive. I have found that I can get a bit lazy when I turn on the tv. If I choose not to turn the tv on and instead listen to music, I feel free to work about the house as I sing and dance (silly, I know).
* More Quality Time. If Nathan and I are sitting in front of the tv, we aren't exactly engaging each other in conversation that leads to interaction and laughter.
* Less exposure to false beliefs. I realize that not every show on tv is negative, but I think it is safe to say tha the majority of tv shows are not uplifting. Most do not encourage me to be a better wife or human being. The commercials alone can leave me feeling like I need to head to the closest restaurant or shopping mall. I am weak, so the less I am exposed to negative shows and materialistic commercials, the easier it is for me to follow TRUTH.
* Better relaxation time. I used to think that watching tv was very relaxing, but now I know that there are other activities (journaling, praying, taking a hot bath, sitting outside on a nice day, reading, etc) that put me in a far deeper state of relaxation. Due to the negative nature of tv, I have found that tv can actually make me anxious, ungrateful, or self conscious.
Ways to limit TV watching:
#1- Watch less tv by replacing tv watching with other productive or relaxing activities. Find alternate activities that you enjoy as much as or more than tv. Nathan and I found that there are many things that we enjoy more than sitting and watching tv.
#2- Cut the cable. When you don't watch much tv, the need for cable reduces significantly because it doesn't seem "worth it" to pay the money for cable when you rarely watch it. If you really enjoy the latest shows, this can be a difficult thing to do. If you are a TV lover, start with #1. If you are successful at watching less tv, #2 should become less difficult.
Try it:
* Limit TV watching to a certain time of day or certain day of the week.
* Evaluate the programs you watch and determine if you feel they are good for you and your family.
* Evaluate if your TV watching effects your productivity. If you feel it makes you less productive, make a plan to keep the tv off in order to get things done.
* Make a list of other activities (productive, interactive, relaxing, etc.) that you could do instead of watching tv.
Learning...
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10-11
"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:13
Before I even start to discuss this sensitive subject, I would like to remind you all that my reason for writing these posts is not to say that my way of thinking or living is superior, but merely to tell you "what works for me". I feel that women (my posts are generally not written for men) are often encouraged by other women simply sharing their lives with them. We are all in different stages of life and have different perspectives. That being said, I will continue to write about the ways I continue to simplify my life in hopes that it will encourage someone :).
3 comments:
Steph, your posts are always uplifting and encouraging! I definitely watch a lot of TV and Geoff and I have talked lately about the need to watch less. I am trying to do a better job of only watching TV while Arden is napping--and so far it's working out pretty good! Thank goodness for DVR :) haha...seriously though, keep up these great posts, I know we all enjoy them!
Thanks Melinda! I know watching TV is more of a struggle for some than it is for others, but I have found that I feel so much better when I limit the amount of TV I watch.
I am so glad that the posts are encouraging to you. You are such a great wife, mommy, and not to mention a great friend to me :)!
We don't have cable and I am SO glad! It works for me too!
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