Many young people today might not be aware that TV sets used to come in a boxy shape, perched on four legs in the corner of our living rooms. This humble corner box served as our primary source of evening entertainment, often doubling as a babysitter for my family and friends. As a latchkey child, our parents would head off to work in the early hours of the morning, granting us the privilege of indulging in early morning TV shows like "Shintaro, the Master Swordsman of the Samurai," "The Thunderbirds," and the morning kids show, "The Early Birds Show," before we rushed off to school. In the evenings, we would gather as a family to watch TV, a tradition that brought us together after dinner.
When I reflect on those times, I don't consider TV as a Dream Stealer because there was always a designated time to turn it on and off. There was ample time for play, typically outdoors on our bikes or engaging in games like "What's the Time Mr. Wolf?" in the backyard.
However, in our modern era, both TV and social media receive their fair share of criticism for their addictive nature, often leading to aimless browsing. I'm certainly not advocating for completely abandoning these mediums, as I, like many others, appreciate their utility.
Nevertheless, I believe these mediums can be time-wasters but not Dream Stealers. We tend to seek scapegoats when we don't take control of our lives, looking for something to blame if we're not living up to our full potential. The power to control these mediums lies within us; we're not tied to the sofa, forced to mindlessly watch TV or endlessly scroll through social media. We don't live under a dictatorship that mandates spending a minimum of three to five hours nightly on these mediums.
When we turn to these platforms for relaxation, we narrow our focus solely towards the screen, effectively blocking out the world around us. In doing so, we miss out on genuine life experiences, connections, and acknowleding our own authenticity. The real Dream Stealer is our lack of control and our reluctance to make decisions, such as turning off these devices. We inadvertently relinquish our power, allowing these mediums to shape our world view and emotions as we live vicariously through others.
If "I don't have time" is your default response to life, it's worth reconsidering why you think this way or which activities consume your time daily. If you find yourself glued to a screen, flipping through channels or scrolling through media feeds for hours, it's crucial to recognize that you've developed a habit that needs adjustment. Excessive reliance on these habits can seriously mess with your mental and physical well-being, and I am certain there will be enough time to catch up on TV if we have kick around in a nursing home in our older years.
Somehow we have kinda bundled up relaxation and self-care with excessive usage of TV and social media, but if we really think about it, we are just numbing ourselves from the rest of the world. If we spend a bit of time, we can discover loads of other things that can help us chill out and take care of ourself, like meditating, taking a stroll, bonding with people, or diving into our hobbies.
We should give self-care a whole new meaning? Think of it as "following your passion." If you're scratching your head about what you're really into, why not pitch in for your community? Helping others not only helps you figure yourself out but also gives you a deeper understanding of what truly matters in your life. You might just stumble upon a passion for creating, sharing, and connecting with others.
Getting into more meaningful stuff for relaxation and self-care lets you look back on your life and make smarter decision. It sharpens your focus and dials down the stress from drowning in social media. Say goodbye to worries, anxiety, and exhaustion through these meaningful activities. Just remember, TV and social media are cool tools for learning and entertainment, but it's all about that sweet moderation.
Now, breaking this habit might seem like a mountain to climb, but start small. Challenge yourself to switch off these screens 20 minutes earlier every day. Ask yourself, "Will this show really change my life?" Take baby steps, set small goals throughout the week, and pat yourself on the back when you hit those milestones. Self-recognition is key when you hit a goal. You might be surprised by how much you've achieved in such a short time.
So, don't let these screens rule your life. Take the reins back, and you'll bust out of that mental trap, living a life that's way more meaningful. This game plan ensures you won't blame gadgets, people, or situations for messing with your dreams.