So I flip on the TV last night and the first thing I see is a woman in a pink pants suit walking a dog around at a dog show. For some people this is entertainment but not for me. That's why seconds after flipping the TV on, it was off and I sat down to do some work on my business.
This seemingly inconsequential event is another brick in the wall that is becoming a growing feeling. I have a trade deficit.
The US Economy has a massive trade deficit. MUCH more product is consumed than produced in the US. Am I doing the same? Am I consuming more in this life than adding to it? I want to be a Maker not a Taker.
Now, I don't think that TV is evil AT ALL. I love TV for its potential to tell inspirational stories, educate, and help me shed off the stress of a work day. Yet, I also sense that I am constantly behind in life (i.e. at work, lists to be done at home, side projects) because I'm wasting my time away with media. Here's the baseline context.
I am not a typical media consumer. In fact, many would consider me a minimalist. I watch the odd Football game, nature program, or food network program. Probably a total of less than 8 hours per week. Most 1st world people watch far more TV than I do. The people I hang out with sometimes consider me a bit of a freak because I'm not up to speed on the latest programs or films. In fact, I've only watched two movies at a theater so far in 2015.
THE PLAN
As a teacher, I already have a time trade deficit. I work 14 hour days and summers. Yes, I know, teachers get summers off right? Well.... Not really. It is a perpetuated myth in my 13 years of experience.
So, what's the plan? Simple. Spend more time making rather than consuming. Making could be trying my hand at making movie props, guitars, videos, writing, music, hand crafts, learning a new skill, making updates to my resume. Whatever it is, I want to make more than I consume. Simple economics dictates that my "income" should be greater by making more than I consume. Income could be quality time with my family, learned skill sets, experiencing new things, improved physical health.
This seems so simple right? The problem comes in execution. It will take focus and energy to do this after a LONG 6-7 day work week. Yet, a goal I must do. This is soul work. Finding the fibers of live that are woven into me and keeping them strong and not frayed by the events of a week in teaching.
I fear that without this time, my time as a teacher is waning. Teachers give give give so much. I must take time to soak IN or I will cease to be relevant in education.
That's the plan.