It has been 15 days. 15 days since I’ve last had pizza. I gave up pizza for Lent this year. That's 40 days without pizza. I am here to tell you that this is NEVER a good idea. Life without pizza is not a life I would wish upon anyone.

What did you give up this Lenten season? If you're not Catholic and the answer to that is nothing, here's basically what it's like. Have you ever tried eating healthy? When there is something you can’t have, you just want it even more. If you are Catholic, you know the exact struggle I'm talking about. This is basically what it is like.

1. You're optimistic at first

When you first decide that you're going to give up that pizza or eat healthier or whatever you decide, you're proud. Yes, you can do this! You're going to show everyone! Prove them all wrong. Yeah, you can totally go f40 days without pizza.

2. Realization sets in

At about day three, it really hits you. You can't have that thing for 40 days. You actually decided to do this. What were you thinking? Can you really go 40 whole days and nights without it?

3. A first sighting has occurred

That first time you see that pizza you gave up, it's like a fire alarm just went off inside your head. What are you supposed to do? Run? Hide? You CAN'T eat it. But you need it.

4. Being in close quarters is not fair

Your "friends" know that you gave up pizza. They know that you have no willpower and that you can't be near pizza. But where are we going for dinner, you ask? A pizza place!! They didn't even eat at this place until after you gave it up. Honestly, are you kidding me?

5. Daydreams are occurring

You think about pizza more than you should. Instead of dreaming of sandy beaches, you're picturing that pizza you can't have.

6. Sadness has set in

You've been successful. No pizza at all! And your cravings and daydreams are starting to lessen, but then you realize it's only been 15 days and you have so many more days to go. Easter is nowhere near and waiting for it is basically like Hilary Duff waiting for Austin Ames; useless and disappointing.

7. The desperation is real

Now you're trying to get crafty. What counts as pizza? Can you have any other foods that are kind of like pizza? You beg and plead your friends to tell you that you can eat that cheesy bread or Hot Pocket without it counting it as cheating, because it's not technically pizza, right?

8. Victory is upon you

The 40 days are finally up! After all the struggles and hardships, it's over, and you survived. You've made it through Lent without breaking or caving at all!

9. It's celebration time

Easter is here, and all you want at the end of the day is that pizza. And you deserve the biggest, cheesiest one you can find.

Giving up anything for Lent is difficult, but you can do it! In the end, you'll realize how worth it it really was. If you can go without something you're dependent on for just 40 days, you're remembering the reason for the season. So don't give up yet. You're almost there.