Day 97: Ditch the Dish

What: Getting Rid of Cable Television

Why: Cable is expensive. Some of the packages that cable companies offer, are absolutely outrageous. How does having cable influence your life? Do you see your tv as your sole source of entertainment? I am not saying everyone should get rid of cable. For some, it is not a “stumbling block” so to speak of their time or relationships. For others, I would dare say it is. For some, watching a show or sporting event together as a family, is their bonding time. Think about the Olympics – how many Olympic parties occured? So there is good that can come out of television watching. For others, the influence goes much deeper and is much more damaging.

Reasons Why You Should Consider Ditching the Dish:
1. Prevents mindless watching. As much as we surf the internet, surfing the tv can be just as bad. Do you really ever find anything good to watch? Or do you just choose to watch something because nothing else is on? When you watch tv, are you a mindless consumer or a mindful critique? Even though you may not be “watching a show,” think about how it may be influencing you.

2. Cost: Lets face it – cable is expensive. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

3. Time: TV in general is a time killer – cable can be all the more.

4. Can prevent relationship building: I have heard families say they spend time together – well, it is actually spent sitting in silence in front of the tv. Does that really build the family bond? Yes, I guess it is better than not spending anytime together (let alone even in the same room). But what if you chose to do something else as a family? Have you ever asked someone who is watching tv, a question, and you can tell they are ignoring you? TV can divert our attention from our priorities – one of them being relationships.

Alternatives to Cable:
1. Go to the library – they often have dvds and seasons of tv shows

2. Get internet – this will allow you to watch tv shows and movies online. When you have to look up a specific show or movie, you are more “choosey” about what you are watching.

3. Have a newer tv – having a tv with HD will greatly increase not only your clarity, but your ability to watch shows without having cable.

4. Computer – you can not only watch tv on your computer, but if your computer has an HDMI output, you can hook it up to your tv (as long as your tv has that option)

5. Netflix – though this requires a subscription, it is significantly less than a cable subscription. Netflix has many tv shows and movies right at your fingertips

6. Hulu – free tv! If you missed the latest episode of your favorite tv show, check out Hulu.

7. Find a different source of entertainment – go outside. Grab ice cream with the family. Go mini-golfing. Yes, you are still spending money, but the time spent together is much more valuable, than sitting silent in front of the tv.

Confession of the Day: We do not have cable – never have. Am I completely against it? By all means no. I do not see it abused all that often. One of the joys I have, is going home and watching a sporting event with my family on cable. Some see tv/cable as the electronic babysitter and that I think is dangerous. The statistics on tv watching in teenagers are mind-boggling. Cable in and of itself is not bad – it’s what we do with it, that makes the difference. Living with less means finding simple ways to reduce cost – and often times you can find an alternative to replace what you have given up. If you have cable, simply think about how it may be influencing your life – for the good and bad. No reason to feel guilty if you own it, if it is not influencing your family in a negative way. Yet if it is, consider making some changes with how often the tv is on and limiting the number of hours/week that you sit in front of it.

How does cable influence your life? What are your thoughts on cable tv?