Accountability

I don't generally watch television.  I haven't had cable in 12 years, and I've never missed it.  Last year after Christmas I decided to sign up for Netflix since santa brought the kids a Wii.  Months later I found myself in a mood one night and decided to watch an episode of Grey's Anatomy.  It only seemed right to watch the first episode of season one.  One show, and I was hooked.  It took four weeks for me to marathon through 7 seasons.  Then a couple months ago I found out the eighth season had been released on Netflix.  I think I finished the season in a week. 

 

All this to say that tonight I was watching the latest episode after I discovered last week that I can watch the current episodes on ABC.com after they have aired on television on Thursday nights.    When you watch current episodes on ABC, they play 90 seconds of commercials at the breaks.  Unfortunately, they play the same commercials at every break.  The repetition only serves to drive home a message in me that the advertiser never intended with their marketing scheme.  I begin to look past the humor and see the poor influence companies push on consumers.  I was reminded that I live in a world where I can't turn my head without some marketing campaign trying to convince me of one more thing I need; no matter the cost.  

The show began closing with a song by Birdy that's sure to set the mood for the scene, whether a person realizes that's what's happening or not.  Then it closes with a song I had to look up.  At first I assumed it was Florence and the Machine, but after some research discovered the song was Home, by Daughter.  Never heard of this band before, but the song was an excellent choice.  Whoever is in charge of selecting music for that show does an excellent job of it in my opinion.  The song led right into the closing words;

"Because when you know who you are, it's easier to know what you're about; and ultimately, what you really need."

If the music hadn't already worked its magic on me, the closing statement did.  I began to think of the woods; camping, hiking, bike riding.  A place I go where I feel like I know who I really am.  Then visions of time spent with my kids laughing and carrying on passed through my mind.  Suddenly I was struck with the idea that submersing yourself in those things that fill you with that passion and love will lead you to more confidently know who you are.  It seems such a simple concept; one I've heard a hundred times or more I'm certain.  And yet tonight, it struck a new chord.  Tonight I also saw room in my life for more of those things.  I visualized a life pursuing those things I am passionate about, and walking away from those things holding me back.  It can be such a great challenge to pursue who we really are when we live in a world where so many people want to tell us who we should be and what we should desire.  I can't see myself ever growing tired of reflecting on who I truly am in the midst of all the noise.