Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent in the Church. Lent is the 40 days before Easter that consists of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This year, Lent begins on March 1st. It is 40 days of a time of renewal, and rebirth, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus.

Christians are advised to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, and every Friday until Good Friday, which is two days before Easter, and the day that Jesus died for our sins. Easter falls on April 16th this year.

Every year, we are instructed to give up something for those forty days, but I always end up failing.

So, this year I have some tips for me and you to still keep the faith and partake in Lent without having to give up your favorite ice cream or video game.

1. Pray

People always need prayer. Whether you pray for someone who needs a special intention or someone in your family, praying for others can never do any harm.

2. Donate

Do you remember when you were in school and Operation Rice Bowl would roll around for those in need? Now, is a better time than any to donate your spare change to a great cause. Every day save up your spare change or lunch money and throw it in the bowl. You will feel better and be making a difference.

Also, you can donate old clothes/items to those who need them. Many stores like Goodwill and the Salvation Army take items that people don’t want anymore and sell them to people in need.

3. Do Good Deeds

Although you should be doing it every day, good deeds make others days better. Hold the door open for someone, pay for the person that is behind you in line order, pick up trash, or anything else that will brighten someone’s day!

4. Fast

Now I know many people don’t fast all day, but you could do a form of fasting. For example, you could give up meat on Fridays, or skip dessert every day, or don’t eat that extra roll at dinner. Make the effort.

5. Go to Mass

As Christians, we should be doing this anyway, but go to mass that is not on Sundays. Take part in your parish’s Living Stations of the Cross, or attend mass on Holy Thursday and get your feet washed. The more we have Jesus in our life, the better it will be.

6. Volunteer

Soup kitchens, charities, animal shelters, Habitat for Humanity, The YMCA, and many other organizations could always use the help. Lent is a time to give back and helping out at these places could not only make you feel like a better person, but can boost your resume. If you can’t go to a big organization, tutor a friend, or help at a bake sale.

7. Cut Back

Instead of giving up something completely for 40 days, it’s hard. Believe me, I know, try cutting back on things. Cut out an hour or two on your phone, computer, or game, and spend that time talking to your family. Instead of buying lunch at school every day, buy it two days a week. Little things can really make a difference.

8. Be Kind

Kindness should be happening every day, especially now more than ever, but during Lent, make it a priority to be kind. You could be nice to a nemesis, smile at a stranger, etc. Kindness goes a long way. Get rid of the cruel comments, and mean thoughts, and focus on the positive.

9, Go to confession

Lent is a time of renewal and forgiveness, so confess your sins and start a new.

10. Remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season

Yes, we like getting chocolate for Easter, and going on Easter Egg hunts, but remember why we celebrate this holiday in the first place, Jesus’ death and Resurrection.

These are only 10 things you can do during Lent to better yourself. During Lent and every day, be kind, humble, do good, and keep God in your life.

Have a happy Easter!