Yes, you read that right. I replaced my TV with a plant. A plant. It doesn’t stream. It doesn’t glow. It doesn’t binge-watch crime documentaries until 3 a.m. But somehow, it brought more peace to my life than all 12 seasons of any show that overstayed its welcome.
Here’s why I made the switch—and why I’m not going back.
The Breakup: Me vs. The TV
My TV was the centerpiece of my room—and my free time. It beckoned like a blue-lit siren. I’d sit down to “watch one thing” and wake up six hours later, wondering who I was and why I cared about the personal drama of fictional surgeons.
So one day, I turned it off. Then unplugged it. Then gently moved it to the curb like a friend I’d outgrown. It was time.
Enter the Plant
I replaced it with a medium-sized, photogenic green thing—let’s call it Harold. Harold doesn’t yell at me, doesn’t autoplay reality shows, and never makes me feel guilty for not watching.
He just… exists. In perfect leafy silence.
The Surprising Benefits of Ditching the TV
1. Time Returned From the Void
Without the TV vortex, I rediscovered things like:
- Reading actual books
- Writing in my journal (without live tweeting it)
- Having thoughts that weren’t spoon-fed through a streaming service
2. My Apartment Got Quieter—and Prettier
The TV was big, black, and emotionally needy. The plant is green, alive, and requires just the right amount of attention (read: misting twice a week, not a commitment to 80 hours of content).
3. No More Background Noise Numbing My Brain
With no TV to “fill the silence,” I had to deal with my own thoughts. It was terrifying. But also kind of liberating. Like a sensory detox, but without kale.
4. Conversations Got Better
I couldn’t rely on, “Did you see that episode where—” to make small talk. I had to be interesting. Or at least pretend convincingly.
But… Do I Miss It?
Yes. Sometimes. Especially during cold, rainy nights when I want to curl up and rot my brain like everyone else. But I found other ways to relax: music, books, or staring at Harold while projecting all my repressed emotions onto him. It’s fine.
Is This For Everyone?
No. If you live with other people who love TV, this could get you exiled. But if you’re living solo, or just want to try something different—try giving your TV a time-out. Or relocate it. Or at least cover it with a blanket and see how it feels to not have your living room centered around a screen.
Final Thought
Replacing my TV with a plant didn’t turn me into a monk or a better person (well, maybe a little), but it did change how I interact with my space—and my time. Now I consume less content and grow more chlorophyll. And Harold? He thrives in the quiet.
You should try it. But don’t blame me when you start naming your plants and talking to them like they’re your therapist.
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