I watched a lot of pro wrestling in the 80s when I was a teenager and young adult in high school and college. Loved Ric Flair and his persona. So, when a friend sent me a link to some of his classic matches and interviews on YouTube, I jumped in and took a trip down memory lane. Next thing you know it’s 45 minutes later and I have this incredible feeling of guilt and shame. Why?
I hate wasting time. Those 45 minutes of empty-calories came at the expense of doing more productive things, more personal things. I could’ve called my mom to check-in. Could’ve taken a walk through the neighborhood with my wife. Could’ve done a quick check-up on personal finances or prepared for the next workday. Could’ve done a quick fitness band workout. Could’ve gassed-up the cars. The fact is, I could’ve don’t a lot of things a heckuva lot more productive than getting some dumb laughs with some simple entertainment.
I beat myself up a lot over things I should be doing better or things I haven’t yet accomplished. After I was done watching the videos, I started kicking myself again for time wasted. But then I stopped. And you know why? Those videos made me smile and think back on simpler times when I was younger. Then I started talking about memories with my wife, laughing while telling her about high school and college days with my buddies. Watching those videos made me stop being productive for a while, stop pushing myself for a while. Those videos helped me be in the moment and relax and connect for storytelling and personal time with my wife.
Time wasted watching those videos. Looking back, nope.