Do you hit “skip intro” when you stream a show? Or even skip the recap?
Do you chose watching 15-second reels instead of the whole movie just to get a gist of the plot?
Do you prefer to read a book or a blog? No judgement- blogs are great 😉
Have you thought about the pace in which we intake information and entertainment?
Recently a friend brought to my attention the difference in a show that was written and filmed to be watched episodically rather than binged and it got me thinking about how I intake everything.
I am currently watching a show that has been released episodically and the series finale is coming up this week. With this knowledge I found myself intentionally watching the intro, listening to the song and going through the recap every week. Why? I believe because I am savoring the end of something I enjoy. I want to revel in the small details and be intentional about enjoying the full story of characters I’ve grown to love.
This got me thinking…what if I implemented this in other areas of my life?
What if I was intentional about the food I eat? The glass of wine I enjoy?
What would happen if I savored the interactions with my family and friends in the same way I am with fictional characters of a show that is ending?
Would I be more intentional if I knew this would be my last glass of pinot noir or peanut butter and chocolate ice cream cake?
And what if I knew it was the last time I got to hug my mother? Or laugh with my friends or kiss my husband?
Many years ago I met a very wise older lady who taught me a lot about relationships and how navigate my emotions rather than let my emotions control me. I was mad at my husband…more like furious…I vented for as long as the breath in me would allow and ran out. And when I gasped for air to begin again, she replied, “you know what I think you should do?”
“Well, of course I would like to know! Why do you think I am here and out of breath?”
She smiled kindly with a little hint of sass and told me, “I would treat him like you knew it was his last day on earth.”
Of course I hated that answer! I wanted justice for however I felt he had wronged me. However, this woman I respected and learned so much from had never led me wrong before so I huffed and shook my head in agreement and went home and did as she told me. The thought of his last day brought tears to my eyes. I was mad at him but today I don’t even remember why, but nothing was more important than loving him.
I’ve used that filter for my thoughts more than once over the years and it still guides me in the right direction each time.
I’ve lost people I love. That pain has filleted me wide open and takes much effort to begin to heal. Since I know this pain, I know the importance of being intentional with my time and my love. This is not a perfect practice for me, though it is one I strive for.
Today I write this post from my desk at my bedroom window watching the snow cover my street. I have plenty I need to get accomplished, however Mother Nature had other plans. I intentionally turned my desk so I could watch the snow come down while I worked. I am intentionally slowing down and hibernating a bit. Maybe that is what Mother Nature’s intention was with this huge snow fall.
I started a new novel a couple of days ago knowing this storm was coming so I could sit and read rather than scroll social media aimlessly. (I’m almost finished with it-The Housemaid is fantastic).
I watched a movie with my husband without screening the highlights on reels.
I cooked a meal for my family, which is not something I usually enjoy, however this time I reminded myself how grateful I am to have a family to cook for, in a home with power and heat and ingredients that I can afford.
I sat down to write this post with the intention of sharing that while life gives a lot to juggle, and rather than “having” to do it, maybe it’s helpful to remember that I “get” to do it. Also, just because life happens fast and we try to shove as much as we can into every second does not mean you don’t have the option to slow down and be present.
This week I will watch the finale of my show along with the intro and probably sing the theme song I know by heart and even watch the credits because I want to experience this end with intention. Entertainment and art are important creations made with intention. I plan to be more present with this.
There is so much power in intention when I chose to take the time to practice it.
Published by