This past weekend, I finally did it. I cut off my cable.
Some of you may be thinking, “Big deal. So, what?” But to me it is a big deal. In fact, I’m not sure I realized how much of a big deal it is until I actually disconnected the cable box and had my TV search for what channels I was now left with. When the number popped up and I flipped through them, I had a physical reaction, something between nausea and heartache. That’s the moment I knew I’d made the right decision.
You see, I watch a lot of television. When I say “a lot,” I mean that if I’m at my house, the TV is at least on, but, chances are, I’m sitting there watching it. Even if I’m on my computer or playing with Story or cleaning or even reading, my attention is at least split between that thing I’m doing and watching whatever’s on. I’m too ashamed to assign a percentage to which usually wins out.
So, a while back, inspired by some other people I know, I decided to get rid of cable. Notice I didn’t say I was losing TV completely. No. It’s still there. I just installed an antennae in my attic that now basically picks up the major broadcast networks, PBS and about seven religious channels.
We’ve (Liza and I) done this before, but I honestly plan on this time being more permanent. We don’t need cable. We’ve still got some channels. We’ve still got the internet. And those things are really “needs,” but still…
The whole thing has kinda been like exorcising a demon in my life that’s been a welcome guest for far too long. I know that sounds overly dramatic, but for me, that’s honestly what it’s been.
Anyway, if I had to put down my reasons for losing cable in list form, it would look something like the following:
1. Save money.
2. Free up time to do other things.
3. Pay more attention to and spend more quality time with Liza and Story.
4. Read more (especially my Bible).
5. Simplify things.
6. Increase how often I say, “there’s nothing on.”
7. No longer be sucked in by cheesy B-movies on SyFy Saturday or anything with the suffix “of Love” in the title on VH1.
8. Cease allowing Saved by the Bell on TBS to cut into my exercise time in the mornings.
9. To stimulate Story through actual tangible means rather than flashing lights and loud noises. I’ll leave that to her toys.
10. Cut dependency on something that was never meant to be dependable.
So, there you go.
Won’t you join me?
welcome to the club! there’s initial withdrawal but it’s a great freedom for everything mentioned above… we cut ours 5 years ago and now couldn’t imagine spending money for “nothing to be on” (do the quick math… say $50 a month… 12 months = $600 a year… if you cut your home phone and lower your internet to the regular dsl, that’s another $40 a month or so… you’re talking an “extra” $100 a month God can use – $1200 a year freed up for your family to join God’s purposes – whatever they may be… time, energy, creativity, and resources
oh yeah… and now you can be selective on what you do watch instead of “grazing” – espn360.com will let you pick most sorting events and most network shows are available online… i don’t consider that cheating – just strategic!
oooooh ouch…this one cut me deep. you’ve given me a lot to think about, Kinsley… whenever i’m asked to do a fast or give up something, even for a short period of time, usually one thing immediately pops into my head. and i usually blow it aside by saying, “nah, God wouldn’t want me to give that up.” and that’s when i know that’s exactly what i’m supposed to give up. sigh. surely God wouldn’t want me to be inspired by Chris and give up TV…crap. blast you, Chris Kinsley.
To main reasons you made a good decision:
1. SyFy
2. Saved by the Bell
You actually spent breaths/blinks/heartbeats watching these things? Kinsley. I am glad this part of your life has died. It needed to.
Did you get a UHF antennae? The uncompressed HD stuff looks great. Esp. NBC and CBS. Even PBS HD looks amazing. There is really only a few things that come on the free channels worth watching. helps to regulate.
I love that you did that! If I didn’t have roommates I would get rid of it, too! I didn’t have cable for almost two years and it was the greatest thing. I had so much more time on my hands. Now, I know I waste HOURS watching tv. Props, homie. You are definitely living wisely.
…myself and Dev decided not to purchase cable when we moved back to Texas. I know the feelings of withdrawals. We didn’t even have the internet. It was rough at first but then we realized the Cable Company never disconnected our house from cable. So we still get it.
You know, it’s about time Brendt and I do the same thing. We don’t watch TV at all. It’s a safety net. I just like having it. We should take the plunge . . .