Time to make a break with the screen life

Hello, my name is Joe and I’m a screen addict.
Computer screens, smart phone screens, television screens and movie screens have a hold on me – no, a death grip – that’s slowly robbing me of everything meaningful in life, including life itself.
On any given day I typically plant myself in front of my computer where I’ll answer email and browse Facebook or other favorite websites for a couple hours. This is after spending eight to 10 hours a day in front of a computer at work, which is what I’m doing as I write this.
I’m on my iPhone a lot, usually texting, browsing or playing Wordament. I love watching movies, so if I’m not on my computer or phone I’ll frequently put on a DVD or find something on Netflix. Being in front of a screen is an addiction, I admit. I hate that it has so much of a hold on me.
I feel like I’ve lost most of my time as a father and husband to the confounded things. My family will undoubtedly concur. This biggest complaint that I hear from them is that daddy is on his computer again.
The end result of this is lost time with my family, the loss of fitness and the corresponding gaining of significant weight. I have not been below 200 pounds since I first gained Internet access. That should tell me something! I’ve also been battling depression for the last 10 years and a sedentary lifestyle has not helped.
I’ve been trying to get exercise back into my routine, but so far this has been limited to working out with the Wii Fit – in front of another screen. It seems like no matter how hard I try, I can’t break away from a screen. It’s killing me. If I can’t break away soon I may not be around long enough to worry about it.
It is a given that I will face a computer screen at work. It’s an occupational hazard. I can, however, control when I face a screen the rest of the time. More importantly, I need to force my body to move. I must walk, jog, play with my boys, mow the lawn, do push-ups or sit-ups, cut firewood – anything to keep me off the couch or away from my computer.
One thing that will help significantly is that our paper is joining others in our group to participate in the Walk Across Texas program. We will soon don pedometers and track our every step. Trust me, every step counts!
Another step I’m tempted to take is to delete all the apps off my iPhone and keep it for use as a phone and camera. That way I can take pictures of all the activities I will get out and do while I’m not sitting in front of my computer.
One thing I have learned is that exercise is one of the most important things in our lives. The most successful people on the planet all make time for it, so why shouldn’t I? When I was first diagnosed with depression my doctors told me the single most important thing I could do to fight it is go for a walk. Move. Be physically active. The body needs it and your brain needs it. Underline the word needs!
Becoming more physically active and getting fit needs to be a priority. It MUST be a priority. Facebook status updates and Pinterest pins can wait. Life can’t.
The way I see it, I am currently about 50 pounds overweight. If I can commit to losing a pound a week, I will trim half of that by my 50th birthday in August and all of it in less than a year.
My reason for writing this is twofold. One, it forces me to confront my addiction and the denial I’ve been living (dying) with. Two, I’m sure there is someone else out their fighting this same battle. Will you join me? Let me know (editor@sealynews.com). We can win this fight together!