Do you think you cannot live without your electronic companion, the television? Do you think getting rid of television would leave your life empty and meaningless? On the contrary, living without television can be much calmer, more pleasant, healthier and happier. You can imagine…?
1. You miss all the attack ads during election season.
I didn’t see a single attack ad in the last election, not a single one! negativity Distortions. The lies. I missed it all. It was almost as much fun as missing out on the negativity, lies, and distortions of the daily news. Instead, I researched the topics that I thought were important. If you found attack ads annoying during the past election, maybe you could consider getting rid of your TV for at least the next election season.
2. Your mind is freed from commercial jingles.
I no longer have annoying commercial jingles in my brain. I remember how annoying it used to be, when I had a TV. I really enjoy the tranquility that comes with her absence. All you need to enjoy this peace of mind is to get rid of your television.
3. Vacations are considerably less stressful.
I can tell that the “holiday season” has begun by the store displays. Otherwise, I am almost completely cut off from the annoying orgy of materialistic hubbub, urging me to buy, buy, buy. In fact, all vacations are more enjoyable without television. Easter, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, New Years and all the other holidays are much less stressful.
4. You and your children can become addicted to LEARNING.
A couple of weeks ago, I taught my 6-year-old son how to do a worm search online. Then he wanted to learn about birds, frogs, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and snails. He searches online and reads as many books as he can get his hands on. Like my son, he too uses the Internet to research and explore ideas and interests.
Some people all the educational value of television. My experience is that TV doesn’t even begin to compare to books and the Internet when it comes to learning. Don’t take my word for it though. Try this for yourself.
5. Your kids will stop scolding you for things they see in commercials.
My kids aren’t always angels, but ever since we got rid of the TV, they don’t nag about things like they used to. Also, when I get them toys, they play with them a lot more. His toys are better suited to his interests. Also, the commercials, those Pied Piper of materialism, no longer steer them away from the toys they already have to the “newer/bigger” new toys.
6. You can steer your family away from sodas and other junk foods.
Soft drinks are one of the main culprits in the obesity epidemic. I weaned my kids off soda. Once they stayed away from soda commercials for a while, I just started avoiding that island in the supermarket. From time to time they receive a soft drink as a gift. However, now when they are thirsty, they ask for water.
Also, when they are bored, they play. Exercise plus lack of soda helps make them fitter. If you’re struggling to keep your kids fit, ditching your television can make the task a lot easier.
7. You will lose track of the latest escapades of Paris Hilton and other notable celebrities.
Without a television, I am blissfully insulated from the celebrity circus. Honestly, I didn’t even know who Paris Hilton was, until a friend mentioned his name on a forum. When it comes to celebrities, ignorance really is a blessing. I have much better things to do with my time and energy. I’m sure you do too.
8. Don’t worry about how sex and violence on TV can affect your family.
It’s just not a problem. I don’t need to write to my representative in Congress to ask the government to fix the problem or even care about the problem. That problem evaporated when I got rid of our family TV. Personally, I only think about this issue as it relates to my website. In that sense, the problem is getting worse, but only IF you have a TV.
9. You are not bothered by garbage on TV.
Someone recently emailed me after becoming extremely frustrated and upset about the content on television. Did a search for “TV sucks” and somehow found my site. He sent me a note about how “TV sucks!”
It’s true, television sucks. It can be tempting to rant and rave about trash on TV, but that takes time and energy, too. The solution is simple: don’t get mad; just get rid of the fucking TV. Your life will instantly become calm and more pleasant.
10. You find the time to pursue your dreams.
After getting rid of my television, I found myself chasing old dreams that I had let go of over time. I am now close to realizing a dream that I originally thought would take a lifetime to achieve. If you’ve ever said, “I don’t have time to chase my dreams,” turn off your TV and time will magically appear.
Try it yourself
It may be hard to believe that there are such benefits to living without television. If any of these benefits sound appealing, give them a try. Don’t take my word for it. Get rid of your television for a month and see how your life improves. You may see some of these benefits right away, or you may need to go through a one-week withdrawal period. At the end of the month, you’ll probably be pleasantly surprised at the improvements.