The day before Easter weekend I got a book from my Bible study leader that caused me to stop and think about my life and whether I was happy with where things were at. As I read, I realized that I wasn’t.
- First, I admitted to myself that I had a slight TV addiction (particularity to a recent TV series I discovered called White Collar that is super addicting and interesting), and was spending way too much precious time binge watching it in the evenings when the girls are in bed (didn’t help my hubby really likes it too and we rarely can find a show we actually both enjoy).
- Second, I acknowledged that I’d let TV become a more extensive part of the girl’s daily routine than I had ever wanted it to be (I could justify it because it’s kept me sane for the past few months).
- Third, I accepted the reality that my self-control is horrible, no matter how hard I try to convince myself otherwise.
For example, I know I should be eating better, exercising, and going to sleep earlier to take care of myself so I can take care of my family. I also know that my soul needs time to reflect and recharge spiritually, and that my mind needs more intellectual stimulation than just watching someone else’s very interesting life drama unfold on a TV screen.
I do want to live my own story, and not someone else’s.
So starting today I am going to go 2 weeks without watching any TV at all, and am also going to stay off Facebook, just to see if I can.
I’m betting this will give me more time and brain space to work on the other issues that snuck up on me.
I’m going to stick to eating dairy free (it makes me feel gross), making a bigger effort to get to bed at a decent hour, and making exercise a 2-3 times a week priority.
So…
Can I have enough self-control to cut out my TV addiction, FB addiction AND not eat what I want to, as well as exercise AND be organized enough to have screen-free activities for my girls to do instead of their usual TV time (which means not having that nice quiet to make supper in peace..)?
It’s a lot of self-control all at once, and I’m not sure I can handle it..but I know I have to try!
(It’s day #1 and I’m already having Neal Caffrey withdrawal symptoms of headaches and shortness of breath..jk)
I’ll be back with some updates as the 2 weeks progress! Stay tuned!
P.S. The book I’m reading and highly recommend can be purchased here Mitten Strings for God: Reflections for Mothers in a Hurry
P.P.S It is not a Christian book and the author has some slight New Age vibes so discretion is advised as to which “pearls of wisdom” to take to heart.
HI Natasha! I understand the struggle. I don’t have twins so I don’t understand having two babies the same age but the TV and Facebook additiction is real. Last year I too took a break from TV as I am a huge Bones fan. White Collar is a great show too! But I loved what you said about living out your own story. Our story tells a lot about who we are and the kind of legacy we want to leave. I’m praying for you and this goal!
Thanks for the encouragement! I’m amazed how many times today I’ve reached for my phone to check Fb without thinking (I took the app off my phone so I can’t check it anyway), so that’s been a good wake up call for me to how much time I unconsciously spend on it..yikes!