create, don't consume

I was watching YouTube recently, and something was said that really stirred something in me. 

"You should be creating more than you're consuming."

Honestly it's been many years since I could confidently say that I create more than I consume. Media consumption feeds my brain worms soooo good, it gives me something to focus on, something to distract me, something to fight boredom with. I know that logically boredom is important, and you can't really be creative unless you experience boredom, AND YET, I'm far too afraid of what I might think when the music stops. I listened to Car Radio by twenty one pilots when I was 14 and that shit stuck with me forever and not in a good way! 

If you’re reading this you might be relating to my words (or you might be patting yourself on the back for not being like me, and in that case, good for you! You deserve the pats). Those of you who relate, I hope you can make some time in your busy schedule for some boredom. Sit with your thoughts for a bit, look around you and take in what you see. 

While walking to uni today I saw a man walking with his daughter. The girl was so energetic the man had to hold her hand to keep her in place and prevent her from running out onto the road. I saw an elderly gentleman wearing a leopard print winter hat. There’s a kind of beauty in these images that cannot be replicated by content on my phone. It’s sad to think I wouldn’t have paid them the slightest attention had I been absorbed in a youtube video.

Writing this blog is a form of creative expression. It’s not especially ‘deep’ stuff, it’s not revolutionary or original in any way, but at least I’m putting something into the world, and that's better than continuing the ceaseless scrolling on my phone. So, if you’ve read this much of my yapping, let it inspire you to also yap on your blog! Go on a walk, pay attention to the little things, to the people around you, let it fill you with wonder the likes of which you haven't felt since childhood. I promise it works wonders for your wellbeing. 

Also while we're on the topic of content consumption, check out Ian Hampster’s blog entry on everyone being chronically online ->Everyone Is Chronically Online - Ian Hampster's Blog | SpaceHey.