Finding quiet and peace at home

This week, I got to do something I've been wanting to do for a couple of years now. I cancelled the cable TV. When I became a mom, I had decided that my children would not watch TV other than the occasional movie. I grew up practically glued to the tube and as an adult, was still very much addicted to it. Because lets face it, TV can be an addiction. I didn't want my children to be addicted to it, and was hoping that in not allowing them to watch it, I would slowly wean my own addiction. But that didn't happen. Over the years, my addiction has slowly fed theirs.

Living in an apartment doesn't help the cause either I must admit. We live on a 3rd floor, and I don't feel comfortable letting my children play outside without me, as they are still young. So while I make supper, instead of playing out, they would play in, with TV on. I have noticed a while back that it's actually quite rare that they would sit and watch what was on. Usually, after a few minutes, it just becomes background noise to their play. A distant companion. I had also noticed that the kids get sometimes hyper when together in the living room when it's on, and that they end up fighting and arguing. A few times I tested my theory and shut the TV off during their fights-while-at-play and they would almost instantly calm down and go back to playing nicely.

So last week, I talked with my hubby and got him on board with cancelling the cable (except for the Internet of course ;). It's been shut off for a few days now and what a difference it has made in our household! (And bonus, we get to save money!)

We have found some quiet moments never really found before. Our home even has a more peaceful feel to it.

(Mother Nature, won from this giveaway, made by Two Little Dragons)

When I really noticed was when I came back home from running errands after it had been shut off. All was calm and quiet when I came in, as it always is. But I rarely had time to notice, as the TV would come on shortly after our arrivals. This time, the calmness continued. The energy in our home is one I had been long searching for, and never realized that a simple action like this would be the answer.

And if your wondering about how the kids are dealing with this? Surprisingly well! They play such much better, fight a lot less AND the most shocking of all, is that they have not yet told me that they are bored!

As for me, I am feeling more focused and calmer. I am getting so much more accomplished and finding time to do things for me as well, like enjoy a hot candle lit bath, or study. I knew TV could be quite the time (and life) sucker, but I never realized, until now, to what extent. In moderation, I wouldn't be opposed to it, but it seems we are more all or nothing. This really is the solution I was looking for. Helping me slow down our rhythm at home and actually be more present in the moment.

What about you? Do you watch lots of TV in your home?