Living my Life

Okay...so I've been thinking... which usually isn't a good thing but I think this time it is. In January I made the commitment to stop watching television by myself for a year. I actually did really well til April. Then I fell flat on my face. In January through March I learned quite a bit about myself. 1. I had no idea what was going on in the world. 2. I watched t.v. to avoid doing things I didn't understand and didn't want to deal with. 3. I was 100% more productive and successful without television in my life. Then in April I went on a television binge one could say... During this binge I kept thinking, why am I watching other people live their lives instead of living mine. But I did nothing to change. I don't know if I just didn't fully understand my thoughts at the time, or was too scared to act...but I didn't do anything. I didn't neglect my responsibilities or avoid plans to watch television... I just spent every minute that wasn't planned watching t.v., movies, YouTube, Netflix, hulu...whatever. Now on to what has prompt this blog. There are two you-tubers (Is that a word/phrase?) that have motivated me here...along with my cousin Jennifer, and my Sister.
    Here's how... First there is Charlie Mcdonnell... http://www.youtube.com/user/charlieissocoollike?feature=results_main Charlie is this adorable British kid who has taken YouTube by storm. I came across him sometime in the early months of this year and couldn't stop watching his videos. He's smart, clever, creative, funny and that accent is addicting. After spending an entire night watching his videos I kept thinking how amazing it was that this kid has become so famous just by being himself. I wondered if I am that interesting... without coming to a conclusion to that question I moved on. Possibly afraid of the answer.
    Then there is my cousin Jennifer. I've always adored Jennifer (whom I've never actually met but came in contact with because of Myspace, God bless the internet!) She has always seemed so interesting to me. She's been a model (she's gorgeous) but she's not vain... in fact I haven't seen a picture of her in years because she never puts any up. She's so smart....she took on a a major modeling corporation but the details are hers to share not mine. Now she promotes health through holistic well being, herbal medicine and exercise (I hope that does her justice) http://www.wakingbird.com/ That will explain more or you can find her on FB https://www.facebook.com/WakingBird Anyways...she is this amazing woman who has taken time to send me a personalized diet plan and to personally motivate me and although very gracious and intrigued, I haven't followed through yet...again out of fear I think.
   Following suite is my Sister...my Sister who also has a blog http://julie30before30.blogspot.com/ at the beginning of the year got rid of her cable, got a personal trainer and made a 30 things to do before she turns 30 list. I'm so proud of her and impressed. She literally has changed her priorities so much in 6 months that it blows my mind. Partially because in August of last year she was telling me how these were things she wasn't willing to do. I just keep thinking though...who she is now...is who I use to be...and I really miss that person.
  Now last but not least... Mike Falzone... http://www.youtube.com/user/mikefalzone?feature=results_main  Mike is this funny, talented, smart, sarcastic real guy who shares his life with people if you haven't looked him up you need to...now...go! Right now! Okay... now moving on. The same thing that happened when I discovered Charlie happened with Mike just a few days ago.I stayed up all night watching all of his videos just entranced by this man.  What really blew my mind though is that I said something about Mike on twitter https://twitter.com/#!/MikeFalzone and he responded! I felt like a celebrity reached out to me! Silly I know...but it was really cool! I already thought he was super hot but that created an instant crush. Now here is the other thing about Mike... he is so humble. I can almost see him blushing whenever someone says something flattering to him. (I do hope if he reads this it makes him smile). Anyways... because Mike responds to people, because he is so real he helped me see that I could do what he is doing. What I mean is I could be living my life. My life could be worth following. I could be worth following. Do I think I'm worth following right now...no. I don't. Do I think; scratch that, know I am worth following as a person. Yes. I do. So what's standing in my way? 
   Fear, laziness, the idea that I'm not good enough...yeah that pretty much sums it up. I'm going to change this though. I know who I am. I am a child of God, I am funny, I am confident, I am pretty, I am smart, I am unique and strong...so if I know these things why am I not living to my potential? I have no good answer to that. 
    So here is what I'm gonna do... I am going to seriously do away with television...not YouTube...I like YouTube... but television, Hulu, Netflix, Movies etc... I'm not going to not go to the movies with people, or hang out with friends and have a Harry Potter or Star Wars marathon... I'm just not going to waste my alone time on television through the end of the year. ( Please don't lecture me about putting myself on a time limit.. I like time limits they help me follow through and feel productive) Second.. I'm gonna make a list of things I want to do through the end of the year...and I'm going to put that list on here and keep you all updated on my adventures. Who knows.... maybe I'll even start a vlog on YouTube. 


* I'd like to add  that I am not saying television, hulu etc are evil and everyone should do away with it... this is a personal exploration of myself. I have noticed the unhealthy behavior in myself and would like to mend the situation... I am not speaking for anyone else. Thank you! :)




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkOmq2l3zWs&feature=g-all-u  I <3 this guy and he posted this video the same day I wrote this blog... I doubt he read this but if he did he made my whole day! :D For the record... I never watched these shows...ever.