We did it!!

Erika here...

Well, we actually did it.  A family with 3 addicted television watchers was able to kick the habit for one whole year.  It wasn't easy, but it was more than worth it.  So, you ask... what's next?  Will we go back to our old ways?  Will we keep up this new lifestyle?

Ummm.... yes to both??

We definitely don't want to go back to having the television on at all moments of the day, but we do want to be able to watch it when we like.  However, I do worry about our addictive tv personalities coming back to haunt us.  So, we have decided on some television methodone. 

Our version of methodone is a combination of Apple TV, Netflix, and a television running just off an antenna.  We will not bring back our cable box for fear that the number of channels will offer too many temptations.  Netflix streams to our television via the internet and provides us with movies and a selection of television shows.  Apple TV offers new releases on movies and individual television shows for a price.  Therefore, if we really want to watch something that is new, we have to pay for it and watch it within 24 hours.  Hopefully, this will keep us on our toes.  The reason we decided to have some live television options with an antenna is primarily for sporting events.  It killed Steve that we couldn't watch the Super Bowl (about as much as it killed me that we couldn't watch the Oscars).  So, our antenna allows us to see only a few channels (CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN, PBS and FOX).  

As much as I feel that this does limit our options, it really does open us up to a whole lot of temptation to spend our down time in front of the tube.  I honestly hope though that this year has provided us with a new and healthy perspective to television watching.

For example, just this morning, I turned on our tv (so weird to say that, btw) and noticed that there was absolutely nothing on (unless you enjoy gymnastics, motivational speakers or japanimation).  My reaction was just to turn the tv off.  A year ago, I would have probably threw in the towel by resigning myself to watch the motivational speaker only to realize an hour later that I lost my morning. 

Is there a part of me that thinks the tv will be on a lot over the next few weeks only because it CAN be on?  Yes.  Definitely.  However, I hope we will find a happy medium.  I enjoy the quiet in my house.  I can't get over playing with my son for hours on end.  And, I love having my family together without an electronic device competing for our attention.

So, here we are.  Adjusting to our new life as best as we can. 

When asked if I would do it all over again.  Without hesitation, I say, "Of course!"  In fact, I encourage you to do the same.  You don't have to make a year long commitment like we did.  But, try it for a weekend, a week, maybe a month.  Your kids will get over it in a few days and adapt (at least we hope, right?).  You can even feel free to make me your sponsor.  I'll talk you through your cravings and keep you on the wagon.  No worries there. 

If I can do it, you can do it.