Archive for March, 2009
On average, a a person in the US spends just under 5 hours a day watching TV and depending on the age at about the same amount (if not more) on the Internet. The thing is that sitting in front of a TV or a computer isn’t really that rewarding. A good movie or show can provide a lot of entertainment, but you are only getting the value from a spectator’s point of view. There is a lot more to be gained by doing something for yourself. So what could you accomplish if you cut down your time surfing the channels and web pages.
If you managed to break steal back just two hours a day and put it toward your new activity you could learn:
- Piano in 32 weeks
- Guitar in 10 weeks
- Juggling in 1 day
- Marital Art in 42 weeks
- Fluent Spanish in one year ( I actually believe this can be done much quicker)
- Learn to sing in 64 weeks
- Harmonica in 3.5 weeks
So what are you waiting for? Give up a few hours of TV/Internet and go learn something that will really give you enjoyment.
Above times where taken from “Software for the Brain” and the Foreign Service Institute and then divided by 14 hours per week (2 hours per day).
Last night I went running to my wife’s startled scream in the shower. Well, at least I started to until I realized by her laughing complaint a few moments later, that she had spotted a yamori (the Japanese word for gecko, pictured above). Living with them has become a normal part of our life since we moved to the island of Miyakojima last October. Though they can tend to startle you a bit when they run across the wall if you aren’t expecting it, I actually enjoy having them around the house because they eat the bugs. My wife however, is scared of them. She knows that they are harmless and likes the idea they eat the bugs, but never the less remains afraid.
Her fear is irrational and the fear itself is worse than the poor little gecko could ever be. She grew up believing that reptiles were creepy and so they have always remained that way. She believes that the the geckos are slimy and wants nothing to do with them. Her fear keeps her from seeing they are actually quite amazing creatures and are not slimy at all.
Too often our fears keep us from learning and discovering new experiences. Our fear is designed to keep us safe (fear of heights, fear of drowning, etc.), but we should never let it control our lives. When you are afraid of something take the time to discover the reasons. The more you understand them the better you can confront them.
