As many kids that grew up in the 70s and 80s, I watched A LOT of
television. When my parents divorced and my mom had to move us in with
her parents, I used it to escape. Since my grandparents
ALWAYS had the television on, it was easy. Then, I grew up, went to
college and got married. JP and I have always went back and forth on
media. We have gotten rid of television all together at
certain times.
I remember when I got back home from
my brother’s funeral telling him, “Let’s get cable...” Looking back I
have realized that television had become my coping mechanism in the past
and I needed that again. We haven’t had cable in our home since I was
pregnant with Tera and our current television doesn’t even have an antenna.
BUT the wonders of technology takes care of all of that for me now-free network streaming on the glorious worldwide web.
October
was a crazy month for us-one kid becoming an adult and getting
their first job, health issues for me, including a surgical procedure.
Once again I have made staying up too late a habit while streaming
multiple prime-time shows. I’m watching things that have characters
involved in things that run contrary to my personal beliefs. WHY?
Because I’ve used television as my coping mechanism for my whole life
and watching is easier. Because who wants to be “productive” all the time. Because watching television is easier than dealing with the stress.
So,
I will try again to rein in my online streaming and focus on more
worthwhile things by giving streaming television up from now until
Thanksgiving. WHY? Because there are healthier ways to deal with
emotions and stress. Because turning to television instead of God is
NOT the way I want to live. Because I can find better ways to unwind at
the end of a stressful day or week.
