Lent. Six weeks. 40 long days and nights. 40 days that you’re supposed to give up something of meaning and importance to you in recognition of the 40 days Jesus Christ spent in the desert.
While giving up your habit of closet-eating Reese’s cups or Snickers bars in honor of the pain Jesus endured is noble, are you really getting anything out of it? Yeah you may be cutting a few calories here and there, but after those 40 days are over, are you going to go right back to your secret hiding spot and devour those chocolate covered peanut butter cups that you’ve so badly missed?
Most likely.
After pondering what I’m going to give up for lent this year, I came to the realization that giving up certain foods or drinks really isn’t going to benefit me in the long run. Instead of focusing on the little things, I decided to shift my focus to the bigger picture.
This year for lent, let’s try and give up things that actually matter. Things that negatively influence our lives as well as others.
As this task can be very daunting, I’ve compiled a list of 10 things to give up besides a piece of chocolate:
1. Comparison
Comparing yourself to other people brings nothing but insecurities, jealousy, and self-hate. By stopping yourself from comparing yourself to other people, you’ll start to become more comfortable and confident in yourself.
A small daily change that can lead to permanent results.
2. A social media app
Whether it’s Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc.- going without a social media app for six weeks will help you focus on what’s really important and happening in the moment, rather than what’s happening on a screen.
Our lives have become so consumed with technology that we take for granted the things happening around us. This change will encourage us to be more present.
3. Talking shit about people
Yep, we all do it. Whether it’s the meanest girl in school or your own sibling, we all speak negatively about others behind their backs. This negativity is so unnecessary and does nothing but bring ourselves, and other people, down.
4. Complaining about school
Every morning when I’m awakened by the drilling sound of my alarm there’s nothing more tempting than staying in bed and skipping class.
But then I remind myself that I’m lucky enough to have parents who pay thousands of dollars for my education, and that I get to walk across a stage to accept a college degree in two years.
While taking stats exams and writing papers analyzing Kant’s Categorical Imperative aren’t my favorite past times, I need to remember that education is a gift.
5. Saying “I want to …” and instead start doing
“I want to try this restaurant.” I want to start working out more.” “I want to start eating healthy.” Try that new restaurant that’s been on your bucket list! Get that Planet Fitness membership. And starting eating more vegetables instead of just talking about it.
Actions speak louder than words.
6. Avoiding conversations that you know you need to have
Whether it be with friends, family, or even yourself. Certain subjects can be hard to bring up to those that we love, yet they need to happen. Honesty is key. Even with yourself.
7. Self-criticism
By eliminating the hateful comments you tell yourself when you’re feeling insecure you can open a whole new world of confidence.
When you tell yourself something enough you start to believe it, negative or positive. It’s so easy to replace those negative comments with positive ones.
8. Spending money on things you don’t need
No one needs this advice more than myself. Not only does this dwindle your wallet, this makes the more significant purchases less meaningful. Prioritize your needs and wants.
9. Taking shortcuts
In work, academics, and life in general. By taking shortcuts you’re only cheating yourself. Finish an assignment without googling the answers. Complete a task without asking your friend for help.
Put in a little more effort and take the long way.
10. Ignoring your needs and wants
Lent ultimately leads to Easter, a holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, after he was crucified so we may be forgiven for our sins.
As we are forgiven for our sins, we are able to live happy and healthy lives. Make sure you’re living that happy and healthy life!
Don’t forget to take the time to pay attention to your needs and wants. This will lead to a more positive perspective that you can then spread to those around you.
Yet if you still want to give up that Reese’s cup, go for it. But how big of an impact is that really going to make in the end?
