I have loved that quote since the first time I read it, but I don't think I've ever really thought about it. Oh sure, I don't try not to sweat the small stuff, I play with the kids over, say, washing the floor- but is that really enough? Adding homeschooling to our family's, to my already overflowing days has been stressful. Oh sure, it's been fun, and interesting, but truth be told, it's also been stressful. Trying to fit in everything I need to do and everything I want to do, well... it's just not working out. The other night I sat down and thought long and hard about how this is going to go.
First, I had to rethink my goals. I decided it was important to me to provide the girls with interesting learning opportunities daily, keep our house clean, keep the laundry done, have something to offer for dinner each night , and be able to spend time with the older girls each day after they get home from school. Those are my "need to" s and they haven't really changed.
It was on to my "want to" list. Taking pictures, reading books, blogging, talking with John at night- these are all things I do that make me happy, give me energy, make me feel more like me. So there was no wiggle room there. What did that leave? Television. We have 3 DVR's in our home and I, personally, have shows taped on all three for future viewing. The fact that listing some of the titles embarrasses me (90210, The Real Housewives of the OC) was a pretty good indicator to me that here was a change I could make for the better. I wiped out my DVRs. I did. I might regret it tomorrow, when for the first time in three seasons, I will miss an episode of Brothers & Sisters, but for the moment, I am feeling really good about my decision.
I feel like I have more time already, time for all the things that make my life beautiful.
15 comments:
Good for you! Just admitting that you're doing too much can be tough. Congrats for "uncluttering" your life!
wow. GOOD for you! We have 2 DVR's and I'm an equal addict of 90210 and the Real Housewives....SERIOUSLY impressed, girl!!!
You are good ! I also have way too many shows on tivo right now but I can not part with them. I gave up some "other" things though!! (So that makes up for it, huh??)
LOL!
Linda
We haven't had TV for a long time and i don't miss it a bit. Being to save TV shows would be awfully tempting, I am sure, but you are right about using the time for beautiful things. Time just goes by too fast!
Hey Gina, what a fantastic deccission! When I first moved into my house, I didn't have a tv and I didn't miss it one bit! When my partner moved in, he brought the little tv he owned but I couldn't stand the thought of having it in the living room 'cause I just didn't want it in my life really. So now it sits in our bedroom and we watch the news daily and a movie once in a while.
We have lot's of time to focuss on more beautiful things... and I don't feel like I miss out one bit! ;)
One of my goals this year is to teach the kids to clean and gradually give them more tasks. It is time Ev and Clem took over their laundry! The internet is my big time waster. I need to do something drastic like you did--(way to go!)--maybe I'll put the computer in a locked box and give someone else the key.
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Good for you with the DVR... I just recently did a similar thing... got rid of the DVR and cable subscription all together. I missed it the first day or so, but now I feel good about it.
I also love your "unpink" philosophy; I have a daughter myself so it speaks to me. I was actually here a few weeks ago and I meant to follow you, but something distracted me and.... anyway, I am following now!
There's something in those airwaves. Not that it's airwaves anymore... but you know what I mean. Television can sure suck the time and joy out of a day, but in the sneakiest most underhanded way.
It took me about five weeks to stop bawling in my knitting over the loss of Grey's Anatomy. And that's my embarassing TV truth.
Totally worth it now.
Good for you! I have not been able to convince hubby to dump the TV, but I have gotten really good about turning it off. I turn it off frequently after someone has left it on. I try to make an appointment to watch, only turning it on when I know exactly what I want to see and turning it off when the show is over. It is a hard one to break, but after a while you won't even miss it! if you do, I'll fill you in on Brothers and Sisters - man that is one good show! :)
(oops! sorry to rub it in!) :)
Hi there! I'm following Mr. Linky from the Inspired room.
I think you have made a good decision! Looking at the same kind of time restraints (in the process of adoption, starting a business, working, church, home, etc.) I've given up most shows. There are two that I won't give up... Lost and The Office. That's it. Everything else is gone and I feel good about that. You will too!
Congratulations on wiping the DVR clean! I am with you, there are lots of shows I'd enjoy watching but there are OTHER things more important to me. Good for you on making the tough choices in order to reap the benefits of the life you really want!
blessings,
melissa
We have homeschooled for seven years now and it is always a challenge, AND I always feel like I am not doing enough! BUT...they do learn so much that I don't teach! It's amazing to have my 10 year old know more about our history than I do! He is a history freak! They find what they like and they learn it without being drilled for a test. Keep trying and if you want to email me...please do. I would be happy to talk to you about any doubts and fears you have!
-Kim
Great post. You know I am concerned about time constraints and like hearing about your 'timing matters' be they good or bad. Makes ya think when you don't want to admit your TV loves - I have a few of those too and don't think I've ever really realized that I wouldn't want to admit them.
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