Growing up, Lent meant giving up things I liked. I can't imagine what it would be like these days!
If you want to understand more about why Catholics (among others) give up things for Lent, click here. As difficult as it used to be to sacrifice something for Lent when I was younger, I actually really like the concept as an adult.
This year, the things I’m giving up aren’t a sacrifice at all, they’re my excuses.
- I don’t have time to workout because I have to…
- I was so tired because of ____ that I just didn’t feel like cooking dinner (rare)
- I got home from work late, and I need to walk Sofi, so I can’t workout.
- I stayed up late grading/watching tv/blogging and I couldn’t get enough sleep last night.
- I can have this (indulgence that I shouldn’t be eating) because I did a great workout today.
- I just don’t feel like going to the gym tonight.
- I can’t fit in all my water because I don’t get much chance to use the bathroom while I’m at work (true, but this can be worked around).
- I’ll start back on my plan after the weekend.
You get the idea. You’ve read plenty of my justifications and excuses over the years, and for the next 40 days (and hopefully forever), I’m banishing them from my vocabulary. Because for every stupid excuse/justification/reason there is a counterpart as to why I should just go ahead and do the healthier option. So that’s what I’m going to do.
I’m going to check in every Wednesday of Lent to see how I’m doing. The scale will be an indicator, as will my food and exercise diaries on MyFitnessPal.
Do you give up anything for Lent? What’s your plan this year (if you are)?
Hey, for the record, Episcopalians do it too! I’m kind of bummed that I’m not going to go to church today though. Working through lunch and long-standing plans for a social run tonight. First year I’ve missed Ash Wed in many years… I’m being pretty lame for Lent this year, but I posted my last second decision (chocolate, but also trying to do something proactive/positive).
I knew some (all?) Protestant religions also observed Lent, but I wasn’t sure which ones, and since I’m Catholic, I figured I’d only talk about what I knew for sure. I think giving up chocolate is a great Lenten goal.
Definitely not all. I’m surrounded by Baptists here and they don’t. But I still don’t know which others do, or if it’s just Catholics and Episcopalians.
Episcopalians & Catholics really are so similar – just a few differences.
No negative energy absorbed or expelled from me!
I really like that one! Very healthy!!
I was going to give up all chemicals in my food- eat only real, whole foods. But then I decided that instead of giving something up, I’m going to start a prayer journal- to write in it daily and strengthen my prayer life. That, unfortunately, seems alot more difficult to do than anything I could possibly give up…
I love it! Sometimes taking action is much more difficult that giving something up. Good luck with it.
I struggled with what to give up this year. I always make it a food choice, but being on MF it isn’t realistic. So I decided to give up the social games I play through out my day. Honestly, I think it’s not the best sacrifice, but I’m already living my life in a Christ like way so I can’t figure out anything else that would mean something to me. Decided I’d rather devote that time to prayer, meditation (I need to learn) and bible study.
I’ve never participated in Lent (not part of my childhood religion at all), but it does seem like a good way to gain control of a particular behaviour for a set period. I love what you’re giving up – No Excuses!! Good for you!