Day 14 Fasting From Media

I felt vulnerable this morning when I awoke. I felt fragile. I know I am not the only one to feel this way during the long doldrums of March, but I do not always know what to do about it. In the past I have tried to eat my way out of it. Today I looked around and realized that eating my way out of it is no longer an option. I am not someone who drinks her way out of anything. I can not hop on the scale either. I will not be using that little device again until April 1. What is an addict to do?

I decided to try fasting from all media for a 24 hour period. I will be honest and admit that I did not make my goal but I lasted for most of the day. Because it was a Sunday, I was able to be in a calmer place for a longer period of time and therefore I did not need to turn anything on to keep myself going. I did not turn on the TV. I did not use the radio in the car. I did not listen to any music. I resisted the stereo and the ipod. I did not use my computer either. However, I found it difficult to resist checking the latest email and Facebook posting.

Instead of allowing a steady stream of media noise or background music to pour over me, I sat down and did a lot of reading. I listened to the quiet noises in the house. I avoided all the news...war, domestic violence, crazy weather, financial woes and dishonest politicians. I escaped into good literature and I felt better.

My weak spot came later in the evening. In general, I find that my weakest times are in the early evening. I am no longer settled in my skin at that time. My defenses are worn down. I turn to noise to distract me. I turn to food to strengthen me. I gave in and turned on the TV. Very quickly after that I started checking my computer. Then I engaged in a lengthy phone call. As the evening progressed, the junk on the TV became more and more disheartening. I crawled into bed in a somewhat disturbed and unrested state. Too much noise is poison to me.