What we shouldn’t give up for Lent

By: Samantha S. Daviss

 

As we all know Lent began yesterday. We hopefully got all of our playing and “sins” out on Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”)…you were able to cut up, let loose and get all of our urges out of our system to maintain our purity throughout the Lent season. Even though Lent is more heavily connected to the Catholic religion, it seems that everyone, not matter their religion, is trying to sacrifice something during the season of Lent; either to better themselves, to break a habit, or just to see if they can give something up for that duration.

Whatever the reason, good for you. Sacrifice is never a bad thing, in fact it is a very selfless act. But I have decided maybe we should look at Lent a little differently this year. Instead of giving something (or somethings) up this year; let’s try going about this another direction. Let’s see what we need to not give up.

Let me explain…we are always saying “I am going to give up chocolate for Lent” (well, first I must applaud you…because chocolate and French Fries are my Achilles Heel)…but instead of giving chocolate up; for Lent this season, let’s maintain the strength not to give into our weaknesses and desires. Which leads me to my entire point of this article, stop giving into our weaknesses, and learn to stay strong, learn to always be a better person.

Make all your weaknesses a daily reminder of the negative person you are trying to avoid becoming; and make them aides-mémoires of the person you want to be. Another example, if you have the urge to speak with a sharp tone or in a degrading manner; use this season to train (or re-train) yourself of how you should actually speak to others.

Another example is honesty; instead of trying to stop yourself from telling a little “white lie” so you don’t hurt someone’s feelings, or just don’t want to create a situation; try using this season of Lent as your time of honesty. Process your words and thoughts before you tell the truth, but nonetheless, be honest and truthful. In the end you will be so much more thankful, not only to yourself, but to the situation as well. You won’t have to keep compounding lie on top of lie to cover your original lie. Just be candid from the get-go.

Gossip…now that seems to be everyone’s Achilles Heel, whether we want to admit to it or not. But as I have grown older, I have learned that I don’t say anything about anyone that I couldn’t say to that person’s face. So this season, instead of trying to break the habit of spreading gossip or talking about others; let’s use this time to talk about others…yep I said it…talk about anyone and everyone! But let’s praise them. Instead of saying negative, let’s just be crazy and out of the blue say nothing but positive about people. I know it sounds crazy, but let’s each try to make this world a little more positive place to live…who knows it may just catch on.

So instead of talking about someone’s weaknesses, or downfalls…let’s lift them up in praise and talk about their strengths and the positive attributes that they bring to our world and lives.

Here’s another task you can do during Lent. Instead of running from the unknown, face it front on. We all use Lent as our time to refrain and avoid…let’s use it as our time to confront and face new challenges. For example, if there was always a hobby you wanted to start, then start it. Or if there is that one person you don’t know very well, but have always heard your friends talk about; instead of partaking in the gossip, go introduce yourself to that person, and make your own conclusions about them, instead of “following the crowd”. Who knows, that person could be your next new best friend. Or if there was an activity you have always wanted to try or were scared to do; then make yourself do it.

I always tell me kids, don’t worry about what other peoples’ actions are; it’s our reactions that we need to be concerned about. And that is what I want you all to do during this season of Lent. Stop worrying about what everyone else is doing, and take this time to try something new, instead of partaking in the negative, go full force into the positive; and face your fears head on, stop running and go forward.