No more TV guilt

[Jen]

Hey Everyone,

I am posting this at Stephanie's request. We just canceled our cable so we will not be watching TV in our house anymore. I have 3 small kids that I have "used" the TV on too much for my liking. A word that has been in my mind since the first of the Fat, Broke, and Lonely series has been "lighten". Lighten the load, lighten my diet, lighten my attic, lighten my bills, lighten my time...and lighten my (TV) guilt.

My husband and I did this for about 3 years earlier in our marriage (before kids) and found that we talked more, read more, felt more comfortable with quiet, and enjoyed music more often.

Stephanie mentioned in the first teleseminar that she had canceled cable and that was the second time I had heard that suggestion in a week...ever feel like someone was sending you a message?

We literally canceled it yesterday and today was fine. We all found other things to do.

Thanks for all the info Stephanie. I really dig feng shui as a way to help me make decisions in decorating my house and prioritizing - it narrows the field of options and always makes me feel better. I like the "no rules" approach. I'm chucking my compass!

:-)Jen

[Stephanie]

I am SO proud of you, Jen!

You're an inspiration to so many people, I'm sure.... When we start living as an example, it inspires others to do the same. You show people what I've discovered - that there are so many other wonderful things to do with our time - things that can deepen, enrich and fulfill our lives more than tv ever could.

I love that you're aware that you were using your tv with your children. Most people I know use the tv as a sort of babysitter. But of all times in the history of this planet, we're in need of family, connection, creative thinking and personal exploration -- especially instilling these things into our children. When kids learn to check out from life at early ages, it can be tough for them to change this as adults. Good for you, Jen... and good for your kids!

When any of us (adults or children) zone out in front of the tube, we're missing that part of our lives. It's gone. Many things can be replaced, but once you've spent your time, it's gone forever. Making sure each day is full and rich allows us to die satisfied. The biggest pain for people when they are dying is the reflection on things they did NOT do.

So even though we're just talking about TV, it's far bigger than that.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and living with intention, Jen. I can never get enough reminders about this...so thank you!

lots of love,

Stephanie

PS
Anyone want to join us in our tv-experiment? I've already had one close friend shut off her cable... will you take the challenge with us? It's SO juicy!!!!