Today I want to talk about a sore point for me, it is about our over reliance on technology and screens to fill that void we call boredom.

Catching public transport is a great joy for me. Not because it is especially comfortable or remarkable in an overt way. Why I do find it to be such a precious resource, is that it puts restrictions on you and what you can do. What I mean, is that you have very few options when it comes to passing the time, while you wait to arrive at your destination.

This gives anyone a fairly predictable amount of time in your day where you can get around to a vital activity that many people don’t do enough of, reading. When I look up from my book, I see a sea of commuters all with little digitally lit up faces; either mindlessly scrolling through some app’s feed before refreshing it for the hundredth time, or they are streaming a movie or TV show that they like. (Me personally, I sometimes like looking at their screens to see what they are doing, trust me you will never see a person more panicked to look simultaneously engaged and disinterested at the content they are watching… I always laugh to myself about that paradox)

Just like I constantly like to remind people, reading is vital and should be a part of your day, no matter what. Yet I find that most people wouldn’t even consider that option, that makes me sad. The morning and afternoon commute time is such a perfect opportunity to read something of substance, instead of relying on the morphine drip of meaningless digital content to dull boredom (awkward if you are reading this on the train or bus right now… argh my content is fine… it empowers people to improve their lives… right?).

I know I probably sound like I am rambling but it really annoys me that too many people are throwing away something that could be a daily ritual to learn. Maybe my mind has just become addicted to learning, since I found out the powers it can release. Moral of the story is go read a book, I know that sounds lame as it doesn’t give much direction as to what you should read; but that does mean that you can pick something you’re interested in, and if that doesn’t work, the first video on my Youtube channel is about five great books everyone should read.

Like I said, commuting on public transport is convenient in the sense that it limits your activity; but if you don’t catch public transport, you should still make time to read. It will just mean that you will have to be a bit more disciplined to cut out time at home to do it.

I think you get the message and I hope that you take up the challenge to put down the phone or tablet and pick up a book. Do that for a week and you’ll be on your way to creating a brilliant habit.  Remember, start with reading a sentence because everyone can do that, then try for a page, then a chapter.

Once again my friends and Hedites, keep living your best life, as the young folks say.

Deuces.