Life & Thoughts 07 Aug 2006 04:43 pm
The Computer- Mans New Best Friend
Dog used to be mans best friend but now it’s the computer. It’s a little creepy to think about but it seems more and more true. I’ve realized recently that my computer had become my best friend. I got my computer right before I went to college. Though it seems weird, it totally makes sense. I think this applies to many men and probably woman too (I can’t speak for them).
I can tell you how my computer became my best friend. Probably the biggest reason is it has been the only consistent thing in my life for the past 6 years. It never blames me for anything. It never has a problem I can’t fix in one way or another. It will be there and never judge. I can be tired, rude, cranky, happy, whatever and it will treat me just the same.
My computer provided so many forms of distractions for me such as watching TV shows, movies, listening to music, browsing the web, playing games, writing, and communicating to name just a few.
I came to the realization that I fill every free moment with something and 90% of that is from my computer. I watch TV on my computer while I go to bed till I fall asleep, and then while I eat breakfast until I head to work. If I clean my room, I’ll put on a movie or music to distract me enough that my mind doesn’t wander into thinking about other things, like life. If I’m tired or bored I’ll browse the web.
I quit taking the time to write music or read a book or just sit and relax without any distractions for a while. Why would I bother? I have the best friend I’ve ever had right there to fill all my needs.
For these reasons, and many others, I have decided to remove my computer from my life. I unhooked my computer, put away all the accessories and monitors, tore down the desk and put it in the garage, and took the computer and left it at Johnny’s.
This may sound like a small thing but it was huge for me. During this process there was lots of freaking out about what I’d do when I needed to deal with feeling like crap. But at the same time I kept realizing more and more how much I used my computer to medicate myself. Enough is enough.
The computer has been gone since Saturday (8 days ago). What’s the experience been? So far it has been great and trying at the same time. I’ve had to actually deal with my thoughts and anxieties finally. Stuff hits me and I think about my computer and it’s gone so I’m left with nothing but dealing with whatever it is. The good part is I’m finally dealing with stuff and my anxiety has decreased over time because I’m not fending it off all of the time.
So what do you run to, to hide? Most everybody has something. I imagine the computer is a pretty common one. Take it out of your life, even for a week, and I bet you’ll notice some things you weren’t dealing with. It’s hard, but worth it.
on 09 Aug 2006 at 12:16 pm 1.rob’s place » conviction said …
[…] Blast it all! But he’s right.
on 09 Aug 2006 at 3:54 pm 2.Mag said …
Balance is hard to find, eh? Great job fending off an “addiction”. I think it can become that very easily. The strongest people in the world are those who know how be productive with their own “silence”.
Wow. That’s sounded pretty deep.
on 10 Aug 2006 at 8:26 am 3.Rev Bill » Dealing With Addictions said …
[…] Rob posted about this article about a guy trying to deal with one of his addictions. […]
on 11 Aug 2006 at 10:34 pm 4.The Catbird Seat » Takin’ a Break said …
[…] Like my fellow bloggers, Brett and Rob, I have found myself in front of the computer quite a bit lately. Too much, really. […]
on 15 Aug 2006 at 3:34 pm 5.Mag said …
You know, I’ve had a hard time getting away from blogdom the last few days. I thought again about this entry.
I think one part if having a job where I’m at home and isolated too much. Community is good.
But really…computers are just so “tidy”. Comments are basically kind. No schedules. No paper.
I could swim, instead, but then I’d “get wet”.
I could work out, but then I’d be sweaty.
I could eat healthy and good a good meal, but then I’d have to clean up.
Computers file so neaty, clean up so scheduled– on their own. They just don’t cause you much headache in general! (until they do).
on 18 Aug 2006 at 2:50 pm 6.Brett said …
I’m glad to find I’m inspiring people and getting them to think about this. I’ll do an update on this at some point. I’m almost 3 weeks in and there’s definitly stuff to talk about with it.
on 28 Sep 2006 at 3:41 pm 7.Grace Undeserved » The Computer - Two Months Later said …
[…] Well, I’ve been without my computer for two months now. I didn’t mention in my post about getting rid of the computer, but I committed to 90 days without it. I now have just under a month left and felt like commenting on the experience. […]