Things I gave up to make space for new things – Part 1

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves accumulating possessions, habits, and routines that define our comfort zone. Yet, growth and progress often require us to shed the old to make room for the new. Reflecting on my own path, I realize the significance of the things I’ve given up over the years to embrace change and invite fresh experiences into my life.

A decade ago I gave up having a Television in my house

Firstly, a decade without television. Cutting the cord on TV allowed me to reclaim countless hours that would have otherwise been lost to mindless consumption. Instead, I immersed myself in books, hobbies, and meaningful conversations. This decision not only expanded my mind but also gave me a newfound appreciation for the quiet moments of reflection.

As I reflect on the past decade of my life, I can’t help but marvel at how much has changed since I bid farewell to my television. It all started with a decision that seemed simple at the time but ended up reshaping the way I lived and interacted with the world around me.

Ten years ago, I found myself drowning in a sea of TV shows, commercials, and mindless scrolling. Every spare moment was consumed by the glow of the screen, and I began to realize that my life was passing me by while I remained glued to the couch. It was then that I made the radical decision to cut the cord and reclaim control over my time and attention.

At first, the absence of television felt like a void in my life. The familiar hum of background noise was replaced by an unsettling silence, and I found myself grappling with boredom and restlessness. But as days turned into weeks and weeks into months, I began to embrace the newfound freedom that came with unplugging from the digital world.

I rediscovered the joy of reading, losing myself in the pages of books that had long been neglected. I immersed myself in hobbies that had once taken a backseat to binge-watching, finding fulfillment in creative pursuits like painting, gardening, and cooking. And most importantly, I reconnected with loved ones, cherishing moments spent in meaningful conversation and shared experiences.

Over time, the absence of a television in my home became less of a sacrifice and more of a conscious choice. I no longer felt the need to fill every moment with mindless entertainment, and instead, I relished in the quiet moments of reflection and introspection. My living space transformed into a sanctuary of serenity, free from the distractions of the outside world.

Life took a turn since I made the choice. I upleveled my career got a better job and gave myself a dream life in a dream city. The choice I had made gave me monumental returns.

Now, as I look around my home, I realize that there’s simply no room for a television anymore. What was once a centerpiece of my living room has been replaced by bookshelves filled with stories waiting to be told, and walls adorned with artwork that inspires and uplifts. My space is a reflection of who I am—a sanctuary of simplicity and intentionality.

While some may see giving up TV as a sacrifice, for me, it was a gateway to a more fulfilling and meaningful life. And as I continue on this journey of self-discovery, I am grateful for the decision that sparked a decade of transformation and growth.

One fine day I gave up social media.

Social media, once a constant presence in my life, became a casualty of my quest for authenticity and real connections. Five years ago, I deactivated my accounts, bidding farewell to the curated perfection and comparison traps.

It was a seemingly ordinary day, much like any other. The sun was shining, birds were chirping, and life carried on as usual. But for me, it marked the beginning of a journey that would reshape the way I lived and connected with the world around me.

I had been scrolling through my social media feeds, mindlessly consuming content that left me feeling empty and disconnected. With each swipe, I found myself comparing my life to the carefully curated highlight reels of others, falling into the trap of measuring my worth by likes and comments.

As I closed the app and set my phone down, a wave of realization washed over me. I was tired—tired of the constant noise, the endless scrolling, and the superficial connections that left me feeling lonelier than ever. In that moment, I made a decision that would change the course of my life: I gave up social media.

At first, it felt like I was cutting ties with an old friend—a friend who had been there for me through the highs and lows, the milestones and mundane moments. But as the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, I began to feel a sense of liberation that I hadn’t experienced in years.

Without the constant distraction of social media, I found myself fully present in each moment, savoring the simple joys of life that had long been overshadowed by the digital noise. I rekindled old hobbies, rediscovered the pleasure of solitude, and nurtured deeper connections with those who mattered most.

In the absence of social media, I found deeper connections with loved ones and rediscovered the joy of living in the present moment.

With each passing day, I felt more grounded, more authentic, and more in tune with myself. I no longer felt the need to seek validation from strangers on the internet, because I had found validation within myself. I embraced my imperfections, celebrated my accomplishments, and embraced the beauty of living life on my own terms.

Looking back, giving up social media was one of the best decisions I ever made. It allowed me to reclaim my time, my attention, and ultimately, myself. And as I continue on this journey of self-discovery, I am grateful for the courage to step away from the screen and embrace the richness of life that lies beyond the confines of a digital world.

I gave up my projector after spending some deeply memorable moments with it in the company of some dearly beloved ones…

Four years into my journey without a television set, and after having worked hard to create a dream life for myself I had made enough money to be able to gift myself a projector – from a half-off black Friday sale! Also, I believe it was a gift from my departed Grandmother!

Four years ago, I made a decision that felt like bidding farewell to an old friend—I gave up my beloved projector. It was a device that had been a staple in my life for years, accompanying me through countless movie nights, gaming sessions, and gatherings with friends. Yet, as much as I cherished the memories we shared, I knew it was time to part ways and embrace a new chapter.

I hosted some great Sunday night parties and movie nights on my projector. Spent some memorable times with my parents and enjoyed my own solitude during weeknights with my projector.

It was all great. But life needed to move forward. So just like that, I reluctantly parted ways with my beloved projector.

At first, the decision weighed heavily on my heart. I had grown accustomed to the cinematic experience that only a projector could provide—the larger-than-life images, the immersive sound, and the feeling of being transported to another world with each flickering frame. It was a source of comfort and familiarity in a world that seemed to change with each passing day.

But as I reflected on my reasons for letting go, I began to see the bigger picture. The projector had become more than just a form of entertainment; it had become a symbol of attachment and stagnation. In holding onto it, I was clinging to the past, afraid to let go and embrace the possibilities that lay ahead.

So, with a heavy heart and a sense of anticipation, I bid farewell to my beloved projector. In its absence, I discovered a newfound sense of freedom and flexibility. No longer tied to a specific space or setup, I was free to explore alternative forms of entertainment and expression.

While it had been a source of entertainment and escapism, its departure signaled a shift towards prioritizing experiences over possessions. Instead of projecting movies onto a screen, I began to seek out live performances, outdoor adventures, and cultural events that enriched my soul in ways a screen never could.

In place of movie nights spent huddled around a screen, I found myself venturing out into the world, seeking out live performances, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences that ignited my senses and enriched my soul. I immersed myself in the beauty of the natural world, the vibrancy of the arts, and the warmth of human connection, finding fulfillment in the richness of real-life experiences that no projector could replicate.

As the years have passed, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of that decision more and more. Letting go of my beloved projector was not just about saying goodbye to a piece of technology; it was about embracing change, letting go of attachments, and opening myself up to new possibilities. It was a reminder that growth often requires us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown, trusting that what awaits us on the other side will be worth the journey.

And so, as I look back on that moment four years ago, I’m filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the experiences gained. Letting go of my projector was a catalyst for growth, sparking a chain reaction of transformation and renewal that continues to shape the course of my life to this day.

To be continued….