Lent

“Maybe you should give that up for Lent,” He said.

Many of my non-practicing Catholic friends still give up things for Lent. I laugh when they tell me that.

I think it is like a do – over for New Year’s Day. All the promises have already fallen by the wayside; gathering dust in the corners of every room. Those resolutions that we felt so sure we would succeed at this time around; all gone now as winter hibernation and lethargy have taken their place.

And

so, here comes Lent, another chance to make a commitment to do something good for yourself. ( I can almost hear my Dad at this point letting me know that is not why we give up things and certainly not what Lent is about. ” I know Dad,  but I am taking creative license here. Don’t worry, 12 years of Catholic education was not wasted, and many other fine blogs are out there about the true meaning of Lenten sacrifice.”)

OK

I do see that most of us need external reasons for growth and change – so what will it be?

~ Giving up Chocolate/Ice cream

~ Limiting your Carbs

~Putting exercise into your daily routine

~Writing in your journal or meditating every morning

~Not cussing or swearing

~Loving your partner and showing that love daily

This is a chance to take advantage of an external prompt and goal. Plus, it is only a short time compared to those 2015, 365 day promises.

I am warming up to the idea.

For me, I am musing giving up working on myself.

That is the question that was posed to me. Could I do it? I am definitely addicted to self- help and constant self-evaluation. I have a pile of books surrounding me that are spiritual, psychological, and therapeutic in nature. I talk process constantly – I mean constantly – it is my work, my play, and everything in between.

What would I do with myself for 40 days?

What would be the reason to give it up? Maybe to take some of the pressure off of myself? Maybe to spend some time being more creative, more relaxed, and more _________?

I am not sure.

I still have a few hours to mull this over.

Chocolate seems like a better and safer bet at this moment!