Yesterday I made some decisions. I decided to be rich and happy along with a host of other things. You know, the usual fall-out from a mid-life crisis. 
Continuing in the same vein today, I decided to get rid of my feedreader.
Image: dullhunk
I reckon I can probably do without it, but even if I can’t I’m just going to tough it out.
My feedreader has become the easiest way for me to procrastinate when there’s something else more important to be done. I convince myself that keeping on top of my feedreader is important, when in truth it really isn’t important at all.
I’ve also noticed recently that I tend to go to the reader when I’m feeling a little bit stressed i.e. when the kids are pushing the boundaries. And I have absolutely no idea how this habit came to be an emotional support. That’s just crazy.
As a result of cutting the reader I’ve had a much more enjoyable day so far – and I achieved a lot more.
My wife is out today and I’ve got all four kids and the two dogs. We’ve been for a walk in the woods, we took the boys to get haircuts, we went shopping for a birthday cake, we went to the park to play on the swings and slides, and at lunchtime we picked up some junk food at the drive-through.
We’ve had a really nice morning.
I found it too easy to spend an hour in my feed reader every day but now that I’ve cut it out, I’ve found time to do the things that really make a difference.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I have to say I totally hear you on this one. It’s not only a distraction to me but sometimes I feel like it’s a bit of a an anchor. Good for you for cutting it loose.
Hi Jen, I think it was a good move. Finding an empty feedreader is an excellent way of reminding myself I’ve got better things to do
LOL
Never used a feedreader. Just always visit the blogs in my blogroll when a new post pops up that interests me. Except this blog when I come over here even when it says: ‘nothing to see over here’. I still come visit. x
I use Google Reader which, ironically, I just subscribed to your blog on.
I’m so behind on my reader after being on holiday. Don’t think I’ll ever catch up!
Tara
x
I know you do. That’s because you’re totally lovely. You always have been!
Insomniac Mummy
LOL at the irony!
In an ideal world I’d keep the reader because I like to keep up with EVERTHING that interests me. I’m just trying to be a little more focussed (and slightly selfish) with my time. I can see a time in the future when I might go back to it but it was becoming a bad habit. But I am grateful you added my site to your reader
I like letting all the posts build up in my feedreader until I feel incredibly guilty and then I push past that point to “OH my Gawd I can’t believe those bastids actually expect me to read all their lousy crap because they certainly aren’t reading mine – You hear that Mashable? I know you’re not subscribed back, you non-reciprocating biggyheads” and then I hit delete all and feel very satisfied with my nice empty reader and keep up for about 4 hours then let it all build again.
It’s a game, really.
Good for you! I wish I could let go, I really do – but I can’t. Even though my current unread count is 484 and rapidly increasing. And I find myself actually getting angry with the people I subscribe to, thinking “hos dare they publish yet another post when I still haven’t read the last five?” I get chills just thinking about it. And I’m looking at you, Tracy.