turning the tv off

When I lived alone I did not have a tv.  It was one of the best decisions I made.  Rather than falling down the rabbit hole of television programming I went hiking in the woods, explored bookstores and libraries, rode my bike, walked, painted, read books, and wrote. I did all of this by myself and it was incredibly freeing.  

Prior to living alone I thought I would never be able to do it.  It thought I would be terrified. But in fact it was exactly the opposite.  I fell deeply and madly in love with living on my own.  No one was walking through the door unless I invited them in.  Things were exactly where I left them.  And the only mess I had to clean up was the one I made myself.  

Things look quiet differently today as I am living with my love.  I have noticed that I have fallen down the rabbit hole of reality tv.  Choosing to curl up on the couch and numb my mind than go out and explore.  I didn't realize how much of a toll this was taking on me until I decided to take my mornings back.  

I have realized how deeply I need that time with myself.  The quiet, the uninterrupted moments to think and breathe.  It is necessary for me and something that I have somehow lost track of.  The sound of the television had take over the sound of my own inner voice and I could no longer hear what I needed.  So I turned the TV off.  I let the quietness engulf me and I listened to what I needed ... a walk outside with my camera.  

It was incredible.  Fresh air.  Sunshine.  Me and my thoughts.  Free therapy!  And it is there for the taking.  In fact, it is always there for the taking, I just need to turn off the TV and listen.  

So not only am I taking my morning back, but I am taking back my days.  I am choosing to keep the TV off.  It's ok if I don't know what happens on the Real Housewives.  Not only is it ok, but it will spark my creativity.  It will push me outside.  It will help me to get really clear on what it is I want to do and how I want to live.

What feeds your soul?  What do you do when no one is around?  How do you carve out time just for yourself?