I reviewed a list of recent topics for a radio program I enjoy. One title caught my eye: ‘Passing By’ was the theme. I couldn’t resist. Down the rabbit hole I went.

I learned that the message in these two words was that I had a choice. Not everything that caught my eye had to be explored further. Whether it was a radio program idea, a video, a social media post, I had the option to ignore it.

I had been struggling with not getting caught up, or is it down, with attractive rabbit holes. I have been increasing my viewing of YouTube videos, trying to keep up with the latest political developments, world leaders’ latest pronouncements, trade tariffs’ percentages, and the like.

My mental health and my spare time were beginning to suffer.

I decided to stop watching most of the political YouTube channels that had vicious biases, as the content was so consistent. I knew what they were going to say before I even heard it. So, any video that highlighted it as shocking, a game-changer, humiliating, stunning, or breaking news was now passed by.

It was difficult at first, but I gained control over my curiosity, and now I rarely watch such videos. I am better for it. I’ve moved past my withdrawal anxiety and am now more productive in my other areas of interest.

That is just one example of how having the bumper sticker, ‘you too can pass by’, has brought me greater serenity.

With that success, I have looked for areas where I can apply it as well.

My movie watching is approaching an obsession. I like a wide range of genres and directors. Movies are magical to me. A single frame, which changes slightly from the previous frame, is then shown to me at a rate of 60 frames per second, and fools me every time. These people appear to be walking on screen. I’m fascinated by the behind-the-scenes. BTS is the usual abbreviation. I enjoy watching many movies multiple times; first, to experience the enjoyment, and then to focus on different aspects, such as the music, acting, and special effects. Then maybe I’d watch the movie again, putting all the pieces together again.

I have over 150 videos on Netflix in My List. This is not healthy. Once a film makes it onto my list and I start to watch it, I’m reluctant not to see it through to the end, even if I’m not enjoying it.  Sometimes, that is rewarded with a final ‘WOW ‘- what a great film. Many times, I’m left with a feeling that I’ll never get those 120 minutes back in my life.

Lately, I have been practicing ‘passing by.’ Some movies I had put on My List a long time ago may no longer interest me. I delete them and move on, or rather, pass by.

Please give this a bit of a think. Do you have habits that seem ingrained that give you an uneasy feeling that your time could be better spent elsewhere? Have you tried to quit? Would the idea of ‘passing by’ help you to be successful in using your time in a more fulfilling way?

I am curious about your thoughts. Please comment below or send me an email with your bit of a think.

Inspired by CBC Ideas.

Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

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glenn.walmsley@icloud.com