In my last post, I wrote about the importance of removing distractions in order to write. Today’s entry is about writing, reading and the role that television plays in getting any of it done.
Writing and reading go hand-in-hand. Good writers are generally good readers. Through reading we discover what makes us laugh, what makes us cry, what touches us deeply.
Once we know what makes us feel, we can begin to apply it to our own writing. I’ve read passages that were so beautifully written that they — literally — took my breath away.
I love to read. Problem is, I sometimes think I don’t have time for it. Then I discover that I’ve fallen into the television trap. Again.
I find this fascinating for a couple of reasons. First, I have a low threshold for television. I don’t like committing to anything that has the potential to turn my brain to mush.
Second, I don’t have much television anyway. I’m probably one of the 100 people left in America who need a converter box to watch TV. By not investing in cable or dish, I don’t feel obligated to turn the television on. And I really like that.
Passivity and TV
Don’t get me wrong, though. If there’s a program I like, I watch it. Then I click the “off” button. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your favorite television show. The key is to turn off the tube when the show is over.
While I know this, I still manage to engage in passive television watching. I sit down to watch a certain program and suddenly, four hours later, I realize I haven’t gotten off the couch.
Yet the lure of television is non-existent when I’m eating right, exercising, getting enough sleep and spending time with the important people in my life. When I take care of myself, my couch is empty. When I get off-schedule, though, I’m lucky to get in a decent meal. My exercise consists of strolling from the Lazyboy to the couch to the bed.
In an effort to get back to reading a lot and writing a lot, I’m giving up television on June 1. Why?
- May sweeps are over, and there’s nothing good on TV anyway.
- New movies at the theater and on Netflix are available.
- It’s summer! We should all be outside, playing in the pool, grilling out and more.
- Less TV means more spare time and more opportunity to do something you truly enjoy.
I’m sure I’ll check out the new fall television season, so this break is only for a few short months. Why don’t you join me? Who knows? You may actually like having a little more spare time in your life!
Wishing you a refreshing and productive day — Happy Summer!
Add to: Facebook | Digg | Del.icio.us | Stumbleupon | Reddit | Blinklist | Twitter | Technorati | Yahoo Buzz | Newsvine
Pingback: Creating your own well-read life « Communication and Creativity Blog
Pingback: Writer’s block and bad first drafts « Communication and Creativity Blog
Pingback: Tweets that mention Writing, reading and the lure of television « Communication and Creativity Blog -- Topsy.com
I think its extremely easy to fall into that pattern, especially in the winter months. Its as if watching TV helps us forget its dark at 4:30, and its when most programming is new and fresh.
I will be moving in a few months and have decided to opt out of having TV service, instead, choosing to watch limited programming online. That way I will definitely read more, watch less reruns and spend my time more creatively overall. At least that is the goal!
Thanks for the reminder that I am not the only one feeling as if TV can take over my life when I am not looking.
Great choice re: opting out of television service, Katrina. With hulu.com and channel web sites, I rarely spend any time in front of the TV anymore. Thanks for weighing in on this!