2.23.2012

Starting Fresh


Lent came at an opportune time this year! To me, Lent always brings about a fresh start and a chance to look at my life, post-new-years-resolutions, and determine how to make it better and more fulfilled. In my Church growing up, we were always taught that it is often more rewarding and "Christ-like" to add a good deed to your routine rather than give up something meaningless.

I suppose this year, I plan to do a little of both.   Mostly because, after Pittsburgh, I was meaning to break some of my bad habits anyway and Ash Wednesday just happened to be the day after I got back from my trip.  So in honor of saying goodbye to bad habits and "sacrificing" something for Lent, I am in day two of NO soda.  Trust me, this is a hard one, and I can definitely feel the lingering headache today.  To help me through the transition period, I am allowing myself one cup of half-caff coffee.  But eventually, I want to cut that too.

As for what I plan to enrich my life with, well, it somewhat has to be secret because I don't exactly believe that announcing your good deeds to the world (or the four people who read this) for recognition and "good-for-you"s is the best way to go about performing such deeds, at least not before they happen.  Let's just say I have some ideas kind of along the same lines as the, "The person in front of you just paid for your Starbucks."

Additionally, I want to continue to enrich the lives of the people I actually know.  I want to engage in meaningful conversations with my friends and family.  I want to express my appreciation and love more often.  I want more date nights with my husband, which start tonight!  I want to spend more time with my Little.  I want to spend more time with my actual little brother as well.

What are you doing in honor of Lent?  Giving up anything? Adding something? Partaking in weekly fish fries? I hope to do the last one a couple times this year too!

5 comments:

  1. Two years ago I gave up coffee and all candy. Last year was just pop. I've given up pop for the month of February, the first week is hard because of the headaches...but it got better. I'm like you, with wanting to do more good deeds for others. Great post Sarah.

    P.S. I bet more than four people read this :)

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    1. So tomorrow will be one full week! And it's already been better. No headaches the past two days, and no coffee either :) YAY!

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  2. I'm giving up alcohol, except on St. Patty's Day. I always swear that each ensuing month will be "sober month" and it never happens but I'll try! Despite not being religious, that Catholic guilt still makes me want to give something up!

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    1. I'm with ya! I don't know what to call myself, "religious" or "non-practicing" or simply "I have my own beliefs." But I know what you mean by Catholic guilt. Don't get me wrong, I am not ashamed to be Catholic, but there are some traditions I just can't break because I feel sinful, lol! Good luck with the non-drinking! I should try that sometime soon :)

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  3. I am not giving up anything this year but adding something as well... :)

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