By Michael Armijo

I was at home one day recovering from a recent illness and I had not gotten cable yet so I was forced to watch antenna TV.  What was on was “Gilligan’s Island”, “Father Knows Best”, and “I Dream of Jeannie”. Watching these shows brought me back to when I was a kid and a teenager in the 70s and 80s. What also brought me back was remembering how simple life was back then.

You see, back then there weren’t many complications; there was just Gilligan getting hit by coconuts, the father from “Father Knows Best” staying with his family and spending time solving family problems, and “I Dream of Jeannie” misinterpreting what her Master said. I started to think about what happened to those days, and why was my life so complicated now? Why couldn’t I commit to a relationship or stay focused on the quest of being more successful? Why was I so distracted? Why did I want to run when tragedy struck my life?

I realized that I am to blame for not enjoying all the fruits of my hard work, and all of the benefits of what I’ve truly earned. Of the love I’ve earned and the security I deserved. It was my fault and no one else’s. I’ve learned that I kept distracting myself. I kept cluttering my life with everyone else’s life instead of fixing my own.

I have a beautiful family, I have my dream car, I live on the beach for God’s sake. Why am I chasing empty promises, other people’s broken dreams, and lost love?

Two hours in front of a computer, or two hours walking along the beach under the palm trees holding hands with someone who loves me.

So I turned to God and I’ve asked Him to help me find peace. And He did.

Those who know me know I am not, and probably never will be, a “holy roller”. But I’ve learned to pray each day. I’ve learned to be accountable for my actions. I’ve learned not to be so selfish. I’ve learned to be more patient and kind. I’ve learned to attend church regularly. What have I received? Peace.

Social media is a great thing and a nice tool for many. But for me it’s just a distraction from who I truly am. So today I will enjoy the rays of light that come from our joyous sun. I will love, enjoy, and help my family. I will work hard to provide but I won’t overdo it. I’ll continue to smile at strangers. I will continue to give to those who are in need. And I will no longer complicate and distract myself from who I need to be; to be a better man. I will just enjoy the simplicity of life.