Day 5: Revision?

I'm revising my commitment.

I'm revising it to "No T.V. or Movies" to "Fasting from T.V. and Movies."

Why am I revising? Answer: A personal revelation.

Since I made this commitment there have been a variety of circumstances that have happened that have tested my will.

1) Michael Jackson: Renee hasn't made the same committment and she's put on Michael Jackson video's, watched movies, etc. Brutal. Each time I'm avoiding the screen like it's got some sort of contagious disease.

2) Soccer Games: On another occasion we were at a restaurant/pub for a birthday party and a soccer game was on. I kept taken glances and at times watching portions of the match. I mean, how can you not when England is playing the U.S. and the whole room is full of howling English fans?

3) Toy Story 3: Before I made this commitment our financial advisor was giving away free tickets to see Toy Story 3 this up coming Saturday. We get a free popcorn and drink. My original commitment wouldn't allow me to take my wife out on a nice date that is cheap. Something we really need when our budget is tight and, after all, how can I miss Toy Story 3?

4) Church Experience: What about video or media entertainment at church? This is something Renee, myself, and others use all the time to bring home a point. Do I divert my eyes?

Can you see where I'm going? Doesn't this seem ridiculous? I guess what I've realized is that I feel more cramped trying to avoid media intake than focused on creative expression. It's like I'm spending more time figuring out ways to deal with "no T.V. or movies" instead of spending time engaging things that are truly fun and creative for me.

This calls for a revision!

So, I'm saying that I'm "Fasting From T.V. and Movies" which means that in the remaining 13 days I will be less worried about my intake of media and more concerned with creative expression and/or things that fill my soul. If media intake happens, it happens. No biggie. I just need to make sure it doesn't open a flood gate so I lose this chance to focus on creativity.

Ultimately I'm trying to reframe my decision so as to make it not utterly rediculous.

Do you think I'm making excuses?

Do you think I'm right for making this revision?

Are you thinking, "What's the big deal Ian? Chill out!"