Pause and rewind

I've decided that my DVR is a metaphor for my life. It's filled up with things that seemed like good commitments at the time, but in hindsight, don't seem so important anymore.

Instead, it's constant pressure to keep watching things because you've invested so much time in them, even though they no longer hold your attention. Why do I have such a hard time erasing things that don't add value to my life? Why isn't it okay to say goodbye to friends who aren't so good for you anymore?

This weekend, after spending hours watching shows that I really didn't want to watch, I purged Desperate Housewives. Deleted Private Practice. Stopped recording Brothers and Sisters. Even canceled Grey's Anatomy. Because, let's face it, those shows haven't been the same in quite some time. So why waste my time thinking they may somehow get better or not being willing to let them go because I've spent years with them? It's over, McDreamy. Goodbye, Mike the Plumber.

And perhaps it's time to do the same thing in my personal life. I have so many amazing friends who really care about me, so why do I feel guilty when I don't spend time with people who don't have my best interests at heart? Why am I unwilling to cut bait and run out on situations that aren't good for me?

That means you, LB. So stop being nice to me and returning my ill-advised text messages. You're officially canceled from my must-watch list. It's sweeps week, and I'm moving on.