Many years ago, I was at a seminar and the instructor stood up in from of the class, shredded a local newspaper, and threw it to the ground. She said, and I paraphrase, but I am very close, “Quit reading this garbage.” Honestly, the first thing that went through my mind was, “How am I supposed to know what is going on?” She proceeded to explain that it was all negative, and then turned her vitriol to television. At that time, I was so immersed in the dance of the media that I just thought she was being crazy, kooky in her rejection of it.


Since I am not always fast on the uptake, I rejected her comments just as she had dismissed the newspaper and television. A few years later, I was on her program. My television is now a monitor that I salvaged from a failing business. It gets no reception and I do not have it hooked up to cable. The subscriptions to the newspapers have long since lapsed.


At first, it was difficult. I was not able to have conversations with people about what happened on TV last night, nor was I hyper-knowledgeable about the local and world news. Honestly, it took me a year, maybe a year and half to break the hold the media had on me. However, when that tight-fisted grip was broken I found myself happier, more relaxed, and healthier. “Really?” you say, “Happier, relaxed, and healthier?” Yes! Much more, thank you very much. I have found that I devote more time to reading, writing, martial arts, and spending time with friends and family, and all of those things I do with far more joy.


If I could make one recommendation to you it would be to get rid of your TV, not physically, but kill the broadcast. Order movies and films from the library, Netflix, or your local video store, fill your mind with good stuff, fun stuff, or educational programming, drill down into a subject, and study. Use your TV as a tool to your advantage.


And here is your money-back guarantee: You will, without fail, gain a new, lighter, and more joyful perspective on life.

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