Couch Potato

I sat on the couch...
I turned on the TV.

I watched as others lived my life.

Sometimes I press my face to the screen as I change the channels.
Every flicker, was my heartbeat.

*click* Love unfulfilled...thump-thump
*click* Dreams deferred...thump-thump
*click* Opportunities missed...thump-thump

I became entertained with possibilities.
I laughed...I cried...I learned...I was kept in suspense.

Once, I saw a drama about a woman who risked everything to accomplish her dreams. She did not come close... She did gain valuable life experience and she was happy.
I admired her,
then I hated her.
I changed the channel.

A hilarious comedy about friends who were close like family, sharing life experiences, depending on each other and having a big laugh at the end...
Had me rolling,
then accentuated my loneliness.
I changed the channel.

A romantic love story about soulmates who find each other during trying times and do whatever it takes to make sure nothing stands in the way of their love, while thy fight the good fight for a love that last a lifetime...
Made my heart swell with warm fuzzy feelings,
then an aching tightening pain.
I changed the channel.

Ah! A one woman show starring someone sitting at home watching TV, letting her life pass her by, while feelinf self-pity and hopelessness, settling for watching others live her life for...
Captivated me,
then pissed me off.

She was being ridiculous! I could not watch her anymore.
I tried to change the channel.
She would not go away.
I realized the TV was off.
I had watched myself watching my life be played out by others.

So...

I got up.