There are many programmes that we follow on television, that we enjoy, but have you ever asked yourself, why you REALLY switch on? Many of us don't even think anymore, the TV is just something we automatically turn on or some people apparently never switch it off. There’s nothing wrong with watching TV in itself. The problem occurs when we do it simply out of habit or because we’re using it as a crutch to avoid dealing with certain emotions.
So, here’s a challenge for you, before you turn on the TV the next time, ask yourself, “Why am I turning this on?”
You might answer that question with you want to watch a certain show.
But, are you really? Many of us will turn on the TV as soon as we walk in the door because it’s that bad habit we don’t think about. How many times do you suddenly realize that you spent an entire evening mindlessly flipping from channel to channel? If you do, it’s time to ask yourself, “What am I really using the TV for?” If you’re honest with yourself, it’s not because you just can’t live without knowing what MaAgnes finally decided to do with that sjambok deserving Zeb.
It might be any of the following issues:
Avoidance; when watching TV, it’s much easier to numb your feelings – anger, frustration. It’s easier not to relate to anyone around you, most especially if you have it in your marital bedroom!
Procastination; TV helps you delay things that you COULD be doing, like writing that business plan. You keep telling yourself ‘I’ll just watch this show’ and the next thing you know, you’ve watched several shows and it’s time for bed!
Boredom; you don’t really want to do anything and all you really want is to turn off your brains and stare at the TV.
Fear; making a change in your life usually requires bold action and TV assists you not to deal with the fear that comes with being brave.
Comfort; there’s always a programme that you enjoy more than others and you might find yourself scheduling your life around it! You know all the characters names and you love some more than others. The TV and the programme become part of your life – of who you are.
Turning Out the Silence; sometimes you switch the TV on to tune out the silence because you fear your own thoughts.
I have a challenge for you, the next time you are tempted to switch on the TV, ask yourself – why am I really doing this? Switching off presents a real opportunity for you to learn a lot about yourself. In the absence of TV what would I do?
Live. Learn. Grow!
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