Please note that I am in no way trying to make fun of Lent as an important period of observation or preparation for Easter. I fully respect those who choose to participate in Lent beyond the fasting of one item/activity and who practice with utmost sincerity.
It is the beginning of March and there is a little over a month until Easter, which can only mean one thing: it’s time for Lent! In case you didn’t know, Lent is a religious (practiced by various Christian denominations) observation period which takes place during the 40 days before Easter. It’s traditionally a time of spiritual preparation and discipline. However, Christians and non-Christians alike generally fast (or abstain) from something of their choosing during this time.
Lent comes at a convenient time. You see, New Year’s Day is obviously January 1st and that’s when people make resolutions, deciding to change their lives and become better people. Of course, I’m not a huge believer in that. Still, a lot of people are, even if it doesn’t last too long. But, somewhere around the end of January and beginning of February is Chinese (Lunar) New Year, which is like a second chance at resolutions. That was a month ago, though. Who knows if the second month was any more successful than the first? This brings us to Lent, which people use as yet another excuse to better yourself as a human being.
The nice thing about Lent is that it’s only 40 days. When you make a resolution, you are resolving to change for the rest of your life and that’s a daunting task. On the other hand, 40 days is much more manageable. It’s barely over a month and we can cut one thing out of our lives for a month, right? If you’re stuck, I’ve compiled a list of suggestions. Lent has already technically started, but you can either join the party late or have a bunch of ideas for what to give up next year.
Social media
This one is a popular one and it’s pretty obvious why. You really need to give up all social media to make this worth it because so many people have their Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (+ others) connected that even if you gave one up, chances are good that you’d still see the posts somewhere else.
Junk food
I mean, if you’re really dedicated, you could give up all junk food, but I can tell you from experience that just choosing one particular one is hard enough. I gave up cookies one year and ice cream another year. It was a sad time. Also see: stress eating.
Netflix
I dare you. Another version of this could be TV, for the more traditionally inclined. Or, if you’re like me, YouTube. (Who am I kidding? Did you read my last article? I couldn’t give up YouTube.)
Negativity
Or stressing. Or vanity. Or complaining. Or being petty. Or criticizing yourself. Whatever your vice is.
Caffeine
I really don’t recommend this if you have a caffeine addiction. You either have to start weaning yourself a couple weeks in advance or just choose to limit your intake during the season of Lent. Trust me.
Procrastination
Except...since this is coming out after Lent started, you’ve already technically procrastinated. Oops. Scratch that.
Using emojis
I know they’re like a technological version of hieroglyphics and we’re able to convey full sentences and concepts using these pictures. So just try, for 40 days, to use words to communicate. Also, for good measure, give up “bae,” “I can’t even,” and “I’m crying” when you’re not actually crying.
Sarcasm
Just kidding. I’d be silent for 40 days. Oh, was that what you were going for?
My favorite ideas of the non-serious ones include giving up my job/school, hope, sobriety, caring, and sleep. At least, I hope those were not serious.
You don’t have to just give up things for Lent. You can also try to enrich your life by adding things, such as writing down something you’re thankful for every day, setting aside time for prayer, choosing to spend time with people instead of your phone, exercising regularly. You get the picture. So, there you have it. Go try for a third time to make your life better. And who knows, maybe 40 days will turn into a lifetime of change. Godspeed, everyone.
