I had gone beyond enjoying TV to becoming a slave to it. In other words I had an addiction. I had not realised it, but during my years of being single I had gotten specially addicted to these Science Fiction TV Series. Looking back, I realised that I spent a large proportion of my time paying to be entertained by others who were getting on with their own lives. That time could have been better used, I think.
Anyway, I met the lady who is now my lovely wife, Zoe, on a blind date. I started looking forward to driving to her place every evening after work. This was an average of three nights in the week.
Each evening we studied one Chapter of “Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer”. The book had exercises in an accompanying workbook. Zoe and I consistently studied a chapter a day of the Battlefield of the Mind over a period of six months. This book hit the core on the battles one faces in the mind. This was where I needed immediate help, not in the science fiction fantasy that was just a temporary relief from my prevailing, very present challenges. Zoe and I also consistently went through the workbook with a recap of the previous exercise each time.
Unconsciously, I soon did not have any time to watch my favourite television programs as I looked forward to our times together.
This was my first time of studying any material that was not for an exam or test! I was doing something productive and life changing for once. The process got me to value my time more. I was no longer driven by what was most urgent. I was no longer driven by what I fancied the most for the moment. Studying material in the most delightful company which was applicable to my life, soon got me completely off television and even internet addiction.
I had always thought in my early years that the interactions you had with people were more valuable than the interactions you had with things. Addiction arises more often from interaction with things rather than interaction with people.
In hindsight, the lessons I draw from my experience is that when you are interacting with people for most of your time, you starve the addictions you may have developed along the way. I now had a new creative activity that I had great expectation and anticipation for each day. This provided greater rewards than the satisfaction of watching my favourite television programs.
I had consistently formed new habits unintentionally which effectively starved time for my old habits. And I did not even realise when I had stopped watching television altogether.
Yes altogether!
Do you have any story of your own on how you overcame an addition? Please share.
I believe that there is nothing than can never have a full stop. Thank God you had a mate to motivate and encourage you. I am so grateful
For your testimony. I think I will have to buy this particular book to help me deal with other issues. Well done.
Thanks Anne. A mate does help and encourage us in dealing with bad habits and addictions. And yes…lay hands on that book!
Nice post – I agree that sometimes being addicted to things has an underlying issue of not having anything else to fill that space. I’m the biggest fan of Star Trek and a number of other TV shows. When I find myself getting addicted I remember that actually On Demand TV means I can time shift them so I can get on with my life until I have the time to vegetate in front of the TV. I enjoy them more when I’m not thinking of the things I ought to be doing.
Glad your story has a happy ending. Big Hugs :~D
Thanks Ola. Good point indeed. Big Hugs too!
Addictions destroy relationships. I know someone who was addicted to drink. Even though he knew the impact of what it was doing to his family, the pull of drink led to his eventual and sad divorce. Thankfully today, he is remarried and drink is far from him! A bitter lesson he learnt the first time and thank God he had the sense not to ruin his life especially after having a second chanve