This is a big step forward for us: we got rid of cable! I know there are some people who are all “take it or leave it” when it comes to watching TV; I am not, and never have been, one of those people. I have long found comfort and refuge in watching hours of television most nights. It’s a habit I have wanted to change for several years; in fact, in 2014, I gave up watching TV completely for Lent. At the end of those 40 days, I found myself more well-rounded and happier as I spent time reading, exercising, with friends, or trying new hobbies/activities instead of zoned out in front of the screen. But within a few months, I was back to my old habits.
Here’s my story: Growing up, we didn’t have cable until I was 8 years old. We typically watched an episode of Arthur each morning (cutest show), but that was largely the extent of our screen time. I vividly remember my mom reminding us to “Go outside and play!” all year round. And that’s what we did!
But in early high school, I found a hilariously old TV in our basement, so I rummaged around my dad’s work room to find the correct cables, carried the 50 pound (albeit tiny) set to my pale green bedroom, figured out how to make it turn on, and made it mine. My father, who is an electrical engineer, was so impressed that I was able to get it working that he let me keep it in my room! Nevermind that it only went up to channel 50, I was thrilled. Thus began my exchanging a book for screen time before bed. My TV became my escape during those rocky high school years and I looked forward to many minutes in front of it each afternoon and evening.
Through college, my schedule was full. I didn’t have a TV in my room, but my roommates and I readily enjoyed watching various shows and movies together. It was during this time that I began to realize that screen time could be a treat instead of constant background noise.
After I got married, my husband and I whittled down our combined three or four TVs to one, which we’ve always kept in our family room. I stopped watching the television to soothe me to sleep and got more into reading at night or taking a bath, both of which are much nicer ways to unwind. Throughout our entire marriage, and even before we tied the knot, we’ve talked about getting rid of cable completely. (And even getting rid of our television completely!) It comes up about monthly, and every time, we agree that we want to…but we don’t want to…you know what I mean?
Finally, last week, while we were taking a walk, we finally agreed to do it! This story may sound needlessly overdramatized (and it kind of is), but I’m trying to get across that as sad/pathetic/silly as it may be, getting rid of cable, a longtime comfort for me, is actually a big step in my world! I know I’m not the only one who uses television as a relaxant, and giving that up isn’t easy.
The reason why I’m finally ready isn’t because I no longer enjoy watching TV (I do, and probably always will), but because I am committed to slow-paced, intentional living. I see the modern world and the havoc it’s wreaking on families, and I want nothing to do with it. Kids addicted to screens before they can walk or talk, adults always, constantly on their phones, “family time” being a nightly zone-out in front of the TV set rather than conversing, playing a game, or doing anything together. This is not how I was raised and it’s not how I want to move forward with my family.
I want shelves and shelves stuffed with books, closets full of board games, craft supplies, music playing, lots of hours spent outside–I crave these things deeply. I’m certainly not averse to technology or modern advances, but the world is throwing itself forward so quickly (and loudly), that I desperately want to maintain a home that actually feels like a quiet place of refuge and peace instead of being more noise. Being at this point, I’m truly excited to be done with hundreds of channels and so-loud-they’ll-make-you-jump commercials. I see this as another small (but big) step toward simple living, and that makes my heart happy. If I can do it, anyone can do it.
// Have you ever gotten rid of cable? What was your experience like?
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When my husband retired from the Air Force and became a teacher, one of the expenses we got ride of was cable TV. I thought I would miss it a lot more than I do. I was especially concerned about the DVR being gone. But like you I have used my time more wisely and I’ve realized that much of what is on TV now is not following Philippians 4:8 and my life is better off without many of the TV shows available today.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Exactly, Melene. Thank you for your comment!
Does ANYTHING really follow that Bible verse then? If I were to live my life according to those incredibly vague and put of context commands, I would be hard pressed to do much of anything with my life, especially maintain a blog or regularly read blogs, since I’d have to give up the internet in its entirety.
When I grew up (in Scotland) we only had 4 channels and children’s T.V. was aired at set times. I’m definitely a telly addict now, we spend at least 2 hours watching at night. I think the problem is that we’re all so worn out after a day working that the idea of doing something more energetic than watching t.v. is tough. How many channels will you have when you don’t have cable? Or will you use Netflix?
First of all, super cool that you grew up in Scotland. I’d love to visit! I totally get what you mean about being tired at the end of the day and just wanting to watch TV. I still watch some YouTube videos and we have Netflix, but it seems like our screen time is more intentional and certainly less often. We end up going to bed earlier too, which has been a healthy change, especially since I’m such a night owl. I’d love to eventually give up TV-watching altogether and only watch movies from time to time, but one step at a time! 😉 Thanks so much for reading + commenting!
We got rid of cable but discovered it was cheaper to keep basic TV + Internet than to just keep the Internet itself–so we still have about 7 channels. But even this reduction has led to huge changes. I no longer keep the TV on for background noise; if I’m not turning it on for a reason, it’s not on at all. No more channel surfing in search of something to pacify me. We still have Netflix, but we’ve paused Hulu for the time being. All of this has led to less screen time and more intentional living. Plus, we’re saving a ton of money! It was a hard decision for us, too, but totally worth it.
Yes, intentional. That’s the perfect word! It’s so nice to know that this change worked out so well for you! Thanks so much for leaving a comment! 🙂
When Andy and I got married, we didn’t get cable simply because it was so expensive but honestly, we found that we didn’t miss it all that much! I grew up in a household where we all watched hours of TV each night, so when I went off to college and spent my nights hanging out with friends instead of watching TV I really enjoyed it. I am more likely to read a book or blog in the evenings. Although Andy and I do have Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, we aren’t addicted to it like I was before. Before, I HAD to be home to watch my shows as soon as they aired.
I already miss our DVR but I know that’ll fade over the next couple of months! I’m hoping to read a lot more this year, and I think cutting cable is a good way to support that goal. Thanks for sharing your experience, Bailey!
We’ve never had cable because of the cost but I am sure you are enjoying the extra cash too! My parents just got rid of cable and they feel like they have so much extra! It is funny! We play a lot of games at home and I feel like we are out most evenings! hahah. We still watch movies but those always feel a bit more intentional – like you plan a movie night! You’ll find enough to fill your time for sure and still be able to enjoy media by renting movies! 🙂
We are definitely enjoying the extra cash!! I think it’s only about $60-70 a month, but that ADDS up! 😉 I love the idea of having more intentional movie nights instead of mindless TV marathons. Thanks for reading + commenting, Elizabeth!
Totally agree, Blair! My husband and I have been without cable for almost two years. We don’t have cable here in Germany and stick to Netflix. I also buy seasons of the Real Housewives because it is my vice and I can’t go without it. My husband bought the NFL package, too, to watch on our Apple TV. We still definitely watch TV, but now we are intent with it. We pick a show we both want to watch, since there’s only one tv, and spend more quality time together. I want to get away from eating dinner while watching tv, though! The nights we don’t and listen to music instead are my favorites!
Hey Jessica! I love your story, and love that you buy seasons of the Real Housewives since it’s your thing! Moderation is so lost these days–I love how you compromised cable but still get to enjoy a show you like. We eat probably 70% of our meals around the table, but I’d like to up that percentage too. That’s a great goal for this year! xo
I LOVE that you gave up cable for lent. That’s really impressive. I didn’t grow up with cable, but had it on and off in my 20s. Since I moved to Boston 3 years ago, I haven’t had it. I do have Netflix and just got Hulu, but I feel like that’s more than enough. 🙂 You are right, it’s very freeing!
We have Netflix and Hulu, too. Although both offer thousands of shows and movies, we’re watching far less TV because the process of finding something to watch is time-consuming and mindful; nothing like flipping the television on without thought! Thanks for sharing your story–I love that you’ve felt free! I’m getting there, too! 🙂 xo
Hi Blair!
I’m trying to find the post you wrote about your all-natural cleaning products. I’m looking for an all-purpose cleaner and remember you mentioning what you use once upon a time. Would you mind directing me to that?
Love your blog – thanks!
M
Hey Maddie! I haven’t written a post about all-natural cleaning products (yet), but here’s what I use: Young Living’s Thieves Household Cleaner (https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/thieves-household-cleaner) diluted with water. It’s one capful of cleaner in a glass spray bottle, and water the rest of the way. I use it for everything–glass, granite, wood, everything! It smells great and is completely non-toxic. I have reusable bar mops and microfiber cloths that I clean with week after week, washing them in hot water between cleanings. (For our toilets I use Clorox wipes because the idea of using reusable cloths really freaks me out.) Hope that helps!
Thank you so much!!! This is awesome.
My family cut cable 5 years ago and we haven’t missed it one bit! We do still have a TV in our living room, and we subscribe to Netflix. I’ll admit that in December we signed up for Sling TV specifically for the Hallmark channel so we could watch cheesy Christmas movies! But, once January rolled around, we cut that off too! We enjoy our time together as a family. Our kids (junior high and high school) are busy enough as it is with sports, music, and youth group. We cherish the time we get with them, and we prefer not to spend it in front of the tv! 🙂 Way to go, Blair! You got this! Enjoy your family time with your hubby!!
Hey Nikki! Thanks for reading and leaving such a thoughtful comment. Even just a week without cable and I’m already sleeping more, reading more, and spending more quality time with Riley. Such a simple change for such big results! So happy to hear you’ve experienced the same thing. 🙂 xo
I so relate to this!! We turned off the cable a few years ago to save money. I only miss it during the holidays – I really love watching Food Network around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Two years ago we got some of those satellite bunny ears and Chris hooks them up so we can watch the Thanksgiving parade. I also found several Food Network Christmas specials (Pioneer Woman!) to rent/buy on Amazon to get my fix. Other than that we don’t miss cable at all!!! We do have Netflix and we really love watching a series at a time – usually a show each evening. It’s worked out really well and I do not miss the constant background noise that I had just gotten used to sometime around high school. You won’t regret it!! 🙂 XO
Hey Emily! I think there will be some parts of cable that I’ll miss around the holidays, too. Our favorite thing is to curl up on the couch with a fire and some fun holiday TV, but like you said, there are other options. Now that we’re heading into spring, it’s a lot less of a loss, if you know what I mean. We’d naturally be getting outdoors more around this time of year anyway! So happy to have so many no-cable comrades around here…y’all are the best! 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting!
We got rid of cable a couple of years ago and started watching Netflix and Hulu. It was wonderful leaving behind the high cost of cable, yet we still got to watch our favorite shows. By far, the best decision we’ve made in terms of bills and services!
That’s great to hear! 🙂 Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
We got rid of our TV in 2009. Although we do have access to HBO and some other cable channels via computer and a close friend’s password (which is nice for things like Ballers, my guilty pleasure, and some sports events) in general I would say that we don’t really miss it and that there is definitely more than enough high quality stuff to watch via Netflix, Hulu, Prime, etc.
I had noticed, when I was living with a TV, how much time I spent *looking* for something to watch – rather than actually watching something or enjoying the experience. Now, on the occasional night we spend in a hotel, I get all excited to watch TV … only to be disappointed that it still seems like there is nothing on!
You have written about your love of holiday movies – in case you don’t know, Netflix has an entire watch category for holiday movies! Both old, like Christmas in Connecticut which is one of my faves, and newer ones.
My husband knits and I embroider (really we are SO exciting, can’t you tell) and one thing we have started doing is listening to a book together – or sometimes podcasts, but I prefer books because I like a longer narrative – and sitting on the couch with our respective projects for an hour or so in the evenings. When we can’t agree on what to watch, or we just feel like having some more mellow time, this really works for us.
congrats on your journey and your decision and thanks for sharing – every step towards a simpler life matters.