So I am continuing on with my story-telling/lesson learning/life sharing adventure. And I am continuing on with the September Support Self-Change Challenge. And one of the changes I’ve committed to is not watching TV. Why is this? And what does this have to do with health/wellness?

Well, everything I tell you!

To me, TV is a major distraction. Not only that it is a Debbie-Downer. When I watch TV I lose precious time that could be spent running, visualizing, meditating, cooking, or playing. And I want to play, gosh darn it!

One of my major dreams in life is to be on a permanent vacation; that and play every single day of my life. To feel like a youthful child, the spirit of a kid… all the days of my life.

Anyway, I digress. So TV takes precious minutes of my life. It is me sitting there, wasting time. And typically the shows on the TV (while in the moment feel entertaining and fun) are usually negative. Now I wonder about sports, because as my parents have revealed to me tonight… football season IS starting and the Ravens DO play tonight.

So what do I do about football? Is that really TV?

For me, for September, for my commitment I made to myself- yes, yes it is.

So what does this have to do with the title of this post? That support is here if you speak up? Well, here it is…

I’ve told my husband about my commitments. I told him I am not drinking alcohol this month; I’m not watching TV; I’m running with our dogs. And guess what? Because I’ve told him- he is really advocating I DO this!

Not only is he supportive of me doing this, he reminds me. And here’s why:

When you speak up and tell others about what you’re up to- for the most part- they will be there for you. But here’s the catch, not only do you have to tell them WHAT you’re doing; you have to tell them why.

People like the ‘why’ of things. Why does it make you feel good? Why do it anyway? What’s in it for you?

So I told my husband: when I watch TV I feel tired. I feel drained and down. I feel lazy and lethargic. I want more energy. I want to be creative. I want passion, purpose, and play. I want to have time for exercise, artistic things, and child-like play.

When I told him WHY I am doing the challenge- he could understand it. Even if he didn’t want to do it, he could relate to my reasons. He could feel the energy (or lack thereof) I was sharing with him. He ‘got’ it.

So now- he doesn’t turn it on in front of me. He sat reading a magazine and then even went out to work on his car in the garage (hey, is my non-TV watching rubbing off on him??). He goes to bed earlier, not laying up watching late-night TV- why… because it can’t be on near me… LOL. So yes… he is supportive; he reminds me and he even joined(?) in!

So think about your own healthy changes. What commitments have you made to yourself? Who can you tell so that support can be shared with you? Speak up and tell others what your healthy choices make you FEEL like. They’ll be much more likely to help you out!

Go ahead and share a comment below. I’d love to hear from you! And if you’d like some healthy support from a like-minded, positive community go ahead and grab your General Admission Ticket to the upcoming RCIV!