The big breakup (update)

It's been almost 6 months since the breakup.

As with any loss, the first few weeks were the most difficult to endure. If I told you that I didn't consider going back to her, many times, I would be lying. Even now, months later, I can still hear sweet, sweet voice echo in the hallows of my condo. I can still remember the excitement that she brought to my life, the laughs we shared, and the tears we shed together. I can still see her elegant and mesmerizing lines of color dance in my mind. I can still feel her touch invigorating me, comforting me, and caressing me to sleep.

She was both a blessing, and a curse, however, because she was very controlling, and unwilling to compromise in our relationship. We grew to resent one another, as we each tried to exert our will over the other, unsuccessfully. It was no longer a healthy relationship... or, rather, it never was. The truth, as much as it still pains me to say, was that I had outgrown her.

As time has passed, I have healed, adjusted, adapted, and survived. I have been given another chance. The ties that bound me to her are nearly severed, and freedom is within my grasp. I can feel it. I still have work to do, but my will is strong. I have learned too much, and have seen what is possible without her in my life holding me back.

I am, of course, speaking of my television. (First reports here, and here.)

So, what has changed, now that I've been TV-free for nearly 6 months?

1. There is less chatter in the background, aside from talk radio, Podcasts, or music, which are all far less demanding of my time and attention.
2. Instead of channel surfing to unravel my brain after work, I do something productive.
3. When I'm tired, I go to bed, instead of watching "a few more minutes" of whatever meaningless show was on that night.
4. When I'm in bed, I read (well, I'm trying, at least), instead of channel surfing for an extra half-an-hour.
5. My time is just that, mine. I no longer feel the need to shape my time at home around when "my show" is coming on.

Don't get me wrong, though, I still wish that I could flip on the television and veg-out at times, and definitely miss me some Dog Whisperer, South Park and Planet Earth... but, as some randomly wise dude once said; great reward cannot be had without sacrifice.