Special Edition: Matt Post

Over the past week, I have tried an experiment. The goal was to see if I could go a week without TV or movies, and see if I found a difference in my attitude and view of things around me. At first, I didn't think it would be difficult. Surely there has been a week when I was so busy that I didn't turn on the TV. Maybe, this was the difference in my test. I was left with the situation of, Mickie and Ty going back to Medford for a week and I was left at home. I get home about 4 PM and I am out of school, so I don't have a lot of responsibility when I get home. I remember in high school, this was a challenge assigned to us in seminary class. I failed miserably.

So, why try it now? I guess I needed to do a self assessment to see if one of my natural habits of coming home and turning on the TV, or watching a movie before bed, was now a mindless act of habit. Think about it, do you avoid something of greater value for doing things of lesser value, and then try to convince yourself that it's not a bad use of time, I'm not doing anything wrong? No, your not doing something wrong, but could you have found something better to do? Isn't this life about progression?

What did I learn? I learned that the TV and movies we watch play a huge role in our attitudes and behaviors. I feel more optimistic about life and I would attribute that to not watching the news when I get home. My mind seems more clear as I have had plenty of time to think about anything and everything. Last, I feel a greater sense of accomplishment with all the things I was able to get done.

I came across an interesting bit of information in a book I was reading through the week. The book says, "It is naïve to believe that what we watch on television or in movies that it doesn't affect us. Marketing departments will spend at least $1.5 million dollars on a 30 second advertisement during the Super bowl. Apparently, a host of advertisers felt confident that in thirty seconds' time they could influence you to buy their services or products." It is pointed out, afterwards, how much time we spend watching TV. Of course, that amount time will affect our attitudes toward family life and other important issues.

It was a great experience and a challenge for myself. You might challenge yourself with something you struggle with, for the benefit of increasing your own self mastery. An interesting fact for all you health nuts. You burn 85 calories watching TV and you burn 95 calories sleeping. What does that tell you about some of the mindless TV shows you watch. (I'm not talking about watching a football game, that's an exercise in itself.)

So here are a few pictures of what I did while Mickie and Ty were away, it took a few nights and I am pleased with the results. ( I wanted to take a before and after picture but Mick had the camera in Oregon)

The bottom is a Dark Navy Blue the top is called "Cloth" I still think it's too close to our original color but I'm okay with keeping it. I separated it with a chair rail and I put crown moulding up as well both a whitish color, the one we used in Ty's room. I also bought new blinds for both windows and hung them up. Mickie gave me all creative license and this is what it ended up being. I still need to hang up the pictures and build a headboard for the bed. Mickie is REALLY happy with it and both of us think that it makes the room look and feel bigger.