Things I learned on my trip Part 3

What goes for ducks, also goes for people sometimes. Last weekend, I was reminded powerfully that what is easy and (on the surface) appealing isn’t always what is good for us.

While on the weekend, living away at from my computer, I had no opportunity to play “Tetris”. I am, by nature, a person who likes to improve my skills. And when I tried Tetris, I was pitiful at it. And I took up the challenge to get better and to increase my level in the game. When I was getting overwhelmed with the tasks of work, it was fun to go play a game (or two or three) where I could feel improvement and have a sense of competence and control. In the bigger picture however, I did realize that it was not actually getting things done, and that the developing sense of competence involved a game which has no real helpful application to my life…it was simply a form of avoidance. On the weekend, away from the computer, I couldn’t play it, so I didn’t play it, and I had a chance to read a book, I enjoyed my run, and I realized I didn’t need, and actually didn’t want it…it was “junk time” in my life, rather like potato chips or a chocolate bar is junk food to the diet (or white bread to a goose!).

I made a promise to myself to not play Tetris through the end of June. I’ve had to stop myself a couple of times from going to Tetris, to stay on task at work, to get the task done, so that I can feel good about accomplishing more while I’m at the computer, and then be able to get off the computer, so I can get to clearing that shelf, making some cookies, pulling some weeds, going for a walk, or reading a book…something that is not “junk time”.

I don’t want my life to become dependent on time spenders that are of very low nutritional value.

Each of us has choices to use our time wisely, invest in relationships wisely.

• Do you sometimes watch a movie with a friend/spouse, when conversation would be more worthwhile?
• Have you chosen to eat dinner in front of the TV instead of across the table from each other?
• Have you chosen to have “conversation lite” instead of digging into your financial situation or the way you hurt each other in that arguement last night?

Avoid the “white bread” of spending time which results in low nutritional value of time spent. Dig deeply, look for the real nutritious way of getting good fiber and nutrients out of your time, investing in relationships and yourself in rich, satisfying and lifegiving ways.