Lent

I was recently reminded of Lent by a good friend of mine. While I had not forgotten about it, I did not realize that it had started already. Last year was the first year since high school that I did not give something up for Lent.


This is interesting because I am not Catholic, nor do I associate myself with any other religion. The first time I gave up something for Lent, it was because a friend of mine Senior year of high school was doing it. I thought it was interesting, and decided to do it. It turned out that I went to a Jesuit Catholic University so I was around people again that followed Lent, and I liked it from the year before.


Last year I'm not sure why I didn't give something up for Lent. It could have been that I was not reminded of when it began, whatever the reason, I'm ready to resume my tradition.


Lent, for me, is a time to attempt to better and to challenge myself. I admit, I do not follow Lent for the same reasons as a practicing Catholic might. I understand the ritual, and respect the beliefs associated with Lent.


So this year I have decided to give up/limit the following:

1. Swearing: I have noticed that I swear more than I would like to. Jamaal is a bad influence here. I have decided that "heck" is okay. But pretty much everything else is off limits including h-e-double hockey sticks.


2. Soda: I am allowing myself only 1 can per week. I think this one is going to actually be very difficult. Flavored, carbonated waters do not count. And no ordering of soda at restaurants.

Starting tomorrow....