Awe, Lent. Being raised Catholic, we were always taught about Ash Wednesday, Easter, and Lent. Growing up I always gave up what I thought my parents wanted me to give up -- chocolate, junk food, and sweets. Now, if you have ever given up anything cold turkey, let me tell you it is always difficult. They say it takes 21 days to break a habit, but to be completely honest after Easter, I went straight back to my habits. Looking into the 40 days, you can truly start to see how beneficial it is to let some things go, even if it is just for those 40 days. During lent, there are many emotions you experience when giving up something you're tied to. Here are a few:
1. Grateful
Just stepping out from receiving your ashes, you feel great! You know that you can make it 40 days without the item(s) you gave up. Feeling closer in your faith more than ever, you feel unstoppable. You may keep your ashes on all day because then everyone will know you are Catholic and ask about it. Remember not to be too boisterous, though!
2. Annoyed
It feels like you see the item EVERYWHERE, and you are at your wits' end. You see your friends and family use the item 24/7, and it is making you annoyed of their presence. You start to get angry and don't know if you can handle being without the item any longer. Who knows how the vases broke?
3. Crazy
Your friends and family are worried for not only you but their well-being. You start having doubts and think about caving in. Your family and friends start to avoid you and bubble wrap the rooms. You don't even realize that it has gone this far. All you do is dream and think about the item, nonstop!
4. Confidence
You start telling everyone about your "journey" and about how far you have come. Since you hit the 21-day mark, you feel unstoppable and overly confident. Your family is happy to see you partly sane again, and you even "let" them use/eat the item in front of you. You even treat yourself to something pretty!
5. Pure Happiness
You awake on Easter morning, and the first thing you do is run to the item. Without even thinking about it, you consume yourself. All day and night is tied to this item -- you realize how happy it made you. Pure happiness pours out of your soul. You know that your friends and family are also happy to get you back in their lives.
***Lent is a religious time where you fast for 40 days. You can fast on the item of your choice (ex. Facebook, pizza, Fox News), it is totally up to you! The idea is to get closer to God and to repent your sins in the process.
