Oh, Lent…how I've missed you. For those of you that don’t know, Lentis a time to repent, fast and prepare for Easter. It lasts for 40 days and begins on Ash Wednesday, March 1, to Holy Saturday, April 13 of this year. During this time, people, generally Christians, will give up something personal like fast food, they will reflect on their relationship with God, or they will give those 40 days to others and become selfless to really understand the meaning of service.

Lent is not a fad, but it is a time for Christians to reflect on who they are, to examine themselves in the eyes of Christ, and to really grow the relationship that they have with God. Seems simple enough, right? Wrong...the struggle is so real.

Ash Wednesday is generally meant to be a day of fasting. But in that time, it’s a chance for people to thirst and starve for the love of Christ…at least to me—although breakfast the next day is the most amazing meal you'll have. For years, I was on the band wagon and gave up chocolate, social media and ice cream, but sometimes people are unsure what it is they can live without. Here are some useful things to give up, gain, or try this Lent season:

To Practice Love:

1. Stop caring what the media says and help your community.

2. Go to church more.

3. Help a stranger.

4. Participate in community service once a week.

5. Make a large donation at the end of Lent to a charity.

6. Smile to a stranger.

7. Look yourself in the mirror every day, say to yourself that God loves you, name one thing you love about yourself that he did for you and pray.

To Practice Selflessness:

1. Do more for others, even if you don’t like them.

2. Offer to buy someone’s coffee or lunch once a week.

3. Compliment someone every day for 40 days.

4. For those who hurt you, learn to forgive them and let it be.

5. Don’t put yourself above others, and make more time for family and close friends.

6. Call your relatives, especially grandparents, just to say hi.

7. Learn something new, broaden your horizons and educate yourself on God’s creations.

To Practice Giving Up Something You Love

1. Do NOT give in and get Starbucks.

2. Give up video games.

3. Give up social media.

4. Give up drinking—That happy hour will still be around, trust me.

5. Avoid going out to eat at restaurants and cook something at home with your friends.

6. Don’t give in to those new shoes, save your money for after Lent.

7. Consider giving up that favorite sweater of yours and donating it to someone who doesn't have anything to wear. While we don't see it, there are a lot poor areas in the world. Jesus gave his only life because he loved you...I think you can give up some of your favorite things.

While these are just simple suggestions keep in mind a few things. God loved you so much that he sent down his ONLY son to walk this earth, to take His life on the cross so that you can live eternally in heaven with Him.

We forget day-to-day the ultimate sacrifice that was paid to get us to where we are. The next time you think about giving up chocolate just think—Jesus died for me and He sacrificed His own existence because He loved me. He knew I was special, He knows I can do good, and above all, He is the reason I stand here today. With that said, is chocolate worth giving up, or is it something more?

PSA: The black stuff on my forehead is not eyeshadow or because I fell on the ground(Yes, that happens on a daily basis)…they are ashes. Respect the mark, please.