Hello Dear One,
Last week I gave up TV and podcasts, for five days. It’s been a vibrant time for me; I’m doing lots of training and learning new things. With that comes – at times – mental overload.
So, I let myself listen to or watch something in my breaks while doing chores or pottering around the house. To decompress. Suddenly, I found myself on episode 16 of a ‘reality’ show, although none of the participants seemed like nice people, and I didn’t really care what happened to them.
Simultaneously, I relaxed my (self-imposed) phone-free rule on dog walks and filled my time with podcasts. But did I need a seventh episode on attachment styles? Or to listen to yet another celebrity talk about their missteps to promote a new book? It all felt a little empty and, paradoxically, overwhelming.
I felt my intuition fade, my values dilute, my needs become vague and amorphous. Podcasts began to feel like conversations I wasn’t part of (especially when the guest/host You’re so great – No, YOU’RE so great ping-pong commenced). Some days when I reached for them as company, I think they made me lonelier. Perhaps it’s just like eating cake all day – seems novel and exciting to start with, but pretty soon you’re craving broccoli.
So, I stopped. I experimented with creating space for my mind to wander, just to see what would happen. And good things did: I listened to albums from beginning to end; read intelligent articles with nothing on in the background; spoke to friends more. I was more present with my dog. I had more ideas. My mood stabilised.
I hope it helps. And no, I'm not giving up either medium. When I was little I’d get up and run to the living room to watch Gummy Bears – TV and I are together for life. I also love that podcasts open up my world to so many things.
What this has taught me is a) space doesn’t always need filling and b) we can be conscious in our content choices. I already knew that, I suppose, but it’s easy to forget. So, I promise to ask myself how certain shows make me feel, instead of habitually turning them on. If the answer isn’t positive – excited, intrigued, heart-warmed, understood – why invite them in?
Thanks for being here and being you.
All love,
Jo
P.S. - I’d love to know if this resonated with you, just hit reply!
WORKSHOP NEWS
Only a few spots left for my November 4th workshop! A nourishing ninety minutes of guided writing with an optional instrumental playlist. Head here to grab a ticket – or hit reply if you have any questions. It would be beautiful to see you there.
METRO FEATURED EXPERT
If you’re interested in gratitude journaling my guide to getting started was published in this week’s Metro.
AND FINALLY
Here’s a lovely wee song for the morning, or any time you’d like to relax.