Why Can’t I Give Up These 5 Guilty Pleasures?

If character is defined by what we do, I’m in trouble. Yes, I perform some worthwhile, productive services here and there, but so much is spent on time-wasting drivel.  Sometimes I wonder how much better, healthier, and smarter I’d be if I gave up a few of the following….

Spending too much time on Facebook – Between actual friends, virtual friends and all those pages I’ve “liked” – Deepak Chopra, Dr. Oz, Eckert Tolle, Birds of Connecticut, People Who Love Cats, Cats Who Hate People, New Yorker cartoons– I’m constantly checking in.

The strange thing is I agree with every argument against Facebook. It’s a corporate tool. It’s addictive. It’s deceptively seductive and invasive. It’s mind numbing and stupid and silly and… wait.  Eckhart Tolle has a video explaining the true meaning of life?  Must go.  Excuse me.

Eating tons of Chocolate  – I prefer the super dark organic stuff so that makes it okay.  Right?  But a bar a day? Is that safe? And what is it about this stuff that’s so darn good?  I admire people who say they have one square per week although I can’t imagine that monk-like discipline.

I tell myself chocolate contains serotonin, which is mood-altering and makes me feel nice which can only benefit my family and friends and everyone I meet.  So I’m actually helping humanity by eating chocolate? Hey, I like that.

Going to bed most nights to something stupid – Most intelligent people have never heard of the Bravo channel, let alone watch reruns of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” But I can’t help it.

I know. Brain cells wither, I lose IQ points by the second, but my eyelids grow heavy and sleep comes upon me like I just popped an Ambien. Unlike if I watch news or crime shows, which leave me staring at the ceiling.

Playing too much “Words with Friends” – I know this game of online Scrabble is a huge time waster. And I’ve been told I get competitive, which is ridiculous.

It’s just there’s something so satisfying about seeing that “You Won!!” sign and feeling pumped and ready to play again and maybe I’ll get that triple word on the triple letter and c’mon baby, bring it home to mama. (*Cough*. Excuse me).

Sleeping in on weekends.  Maybe it’s the getting older thing, although I know plenty of people my age who jump out of bed at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday to go hiking. Don’t get me wrong, my brain has lots of plans, but my body’s comfortable and warm and needs ten more minutes so I turn over and hit snooze.

I know writers who rise at 5:00 a.m. each morning (weekends included) and write. If I did that, I’d have seventeen novels by now. Why do I give into my lazy side?  Because it feels good?  Is that an acceptable answer?

And that’s my list.  If I gave up even some of these, I no doubt would be a better person. Maybe I’d have a Pulitzer or Nobel Peace Prize or something to show for my time on this earth.  But would I have as much fun?  That’s the rub. The jury’s still out and probably always will be, alas.

Now if you excuse me, I must return to Facebook.

What bad habits would you like to tone down?  Comments are always welcome and if you’d like to receive postings by email, just enter your address at the top.  Thanks so much for reading and sharing..