We haven’t owned a television since we hit the road. That was almost 11 years ago and we haven’t missed it since. Today I just can’t imagine sitting on my ass for hours at a time staring into a screen. The last time I did anything remotely like it was when the aspen tree hit me on the head. After diagnosing me with a concussion, my doctor advised “Rest your brain and just watch a lot of TV. It’s the only thing that doesn’t require cognitive thinking.” 

TV shows not only turn us into vegetables, but they suck precious time out of our life that could be used for other purposes. Like pursuing whatever it is that helps us feel we left a mark in this world.

Think you don’t have time to follow your bliss? Think again. Giving up television has enabled me to pursue crafty things that rock my world, like building my jewelry making talents. Which is why this week we made it back to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. 

I’ve been helping out the hard working and talented ladies of Chico, California’s String Bead. For nine days they taught about 43 classes to aspiring metalsmiths, while I played store assistant and helped sell merchandise. During my off hours I sat in on classes, made cool jewelry and learned new techniques like prong setting gem stones. 

Instead of vegging out on TV after a long day of work, I geeked out at metalsmithing workshops with talented makers like my friend (and fellow RVer) Kim Muller of Burro Mountain Arts, designer of lovely, earthy jewelry with a New Mexico flair.

One night I got totally giddy when I met another awesome lady with a torch, the one and only Kate Richbourg. She’s got a metalsmithing style all her own, is a great presenter and has an approach to the business side of metalsmithing that I totally admire. Being her student for the night was such a privilege!

Meanwhile, Jim was back at home holding down both our ends of the business(es). Thankfully he’s been able to follow his own bliss and go out running on miles of trails directly behind our RV park, the Diamond J Resort.

My jewelry making skills have grown but I’m nowhere near where I want to be. And I know that the only way I’ll get there is to practice, practice, practice. Without a TV in my life, there’s more time to get there.

The older I get, the more I’m astounded by how fast time keeps flying. Those 24 precious hours in my day keep moving faster and faster, and although I know I can’t slow it down, I do have the power to make the most of it. 

Lots of people say they can’t “find the time” to do what they love, but maybe they’re not looking hard enough. You see, we all have 24 hours in the day — even Oprah! How we use those 24 hours determines our destinies. We can waste it on Game of Thrones or some other stupid TV show, or we can follow our dreams. What’s more important?

Go follow your bliss, kill your television and life becomes richer because of it.