Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a time of reflection and fasting. To some, it is a time to give up smoking, drinking, cursing, certain foods, or certain “bad” habits. To others, it is a time of deep reflection and sacrifice on a deeper, less physical plane.
I recently read a blog by a lovely lady named Kendra. Her blog, Catholic All Year, featured a post about Lent. It listed 66 things to either give up or take up this Lent, including a guide for beginners, intermediates, and advanced. Some of her ideas were interesting and very do-able, even for beginners.
I still consider myself a newbie to Lent, and I still conclude that it is a time in which I give something up that I consider “bad” or “toxic” to my life. It is also a time in which I pick up something I would consider good for me. For example, one year I gave up Diet Coke (which at the time I considered toxic to my well-being), and started working out and eating healthier. I have to say, that was the longest 46 days of my life that year! Good thing was that I didn’t drink another Diet Coke for over a year!
I have participated in Lent for the past three years and I have to say, it’s not easy to give something up that has become such a mainstay in your life. For me, Diet Coke is my “morning coffee”. Last year, I figured it up, and I was consuming the equivalent of between a 12-pack and a 20-pack of Diet Coke a day! YIKES!!!
You can read my previous posts about Lent here and here.
When I think of Lent, I think of those inspirational figures who gave up many things in their life, and not just during Lent. Mother Teresa, Pope John Paul, Pope Francis, and Gandhi all sacrificed and fasted for their faith and for their beliefs. It is from these people that I draw inspiration and energy.
My friend, Katy, shared a post on her Facebook page about 20 things to give up this Lent, and there is not one materialistic thing on that list. You can read the article here.
This list includes the following: guilt, fear, the need to please everyone, envy, doubt, self-pity, the spirit of poverty, impatience, the sense of entitlement, bitterness and resentment, blame, gossip and negativity, retirement, excuses, pride, worry, comparison, the fear of failure, the lack of counsel, and feelings of unworthiness.
It seems to me that this list embodies what Lent is all about. Yes, we can give up physical, materialistic things like chocolate and Diet Coke, but we can also give up gossip and negativity, excuses, and envy.
What better way to improve your spirit and soul than giving up something that will truly change your life. The say that it only takes 21 days to develop a habit. So why not take the next 44 to 47 days to develop the habit of not gossiping, of not comparing yourself to others, of not worrying. What have you got to lose?
Also, this Lent, enjoy some good movies such as Henry Poole is Here, The Mission, and Life is Beautiful. You can see a list of some other movies to watch here.
Or if you really want to challenge yourself, then try this Lent photo challenge.
Photo Credit: Slate Project
Be blessed the Lent season. I would love to hear from you about whether or not you participate in Lent, and what you gave up this year.
Have a great day!
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