I got into the habit of watching specific programs on television. Over the years, I found that any science fiction written by Gene Rodenberry had my devoted attention. I would ensure that I did not miss any no matter what! There were a few other programs like the StarGate TV series, The Outer Limits and Space Above and Beyond, that I ensured I would not miss too.
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.
About The Author
Chuck
It all started with Eze (fondly called Chuck) fainting at the airport. When he regained consciousness, Chuck found himself in a mental hospital. He was diagnosed with Psychotic Depression. Over time, Chuck was diagnosed with a range of other mental illnesses with the final one being Schizophrenia. Unbeknown to him about this latest record on his medical files, Chuck carried on with day to day living over the next 14 years until he met Zoe. Over the next 4 years, Chuck and Zoe began a journey of faith to defy the odds of mental illness. Today Chuck’s medical records say NO MENTAL ILLNESS. He defied mental illness and is helping others do the same.
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