Growing up in a very Catholic household, my family takes Lent pretty seriously. My parents always emphasized how important it is to give something up in order to understand how tough it can be to sacrifice something you truly love. For most people, things that come to mind are social media, sleeping in late, soda.... the list goes on. For me, I cannot live without sweets -- so I decided to take on the arduous challenge of giving them up. Since Easter was finally this past Sunday, I have lived to tell the tale of the forty days without cookies, candy, cupcakes, or ice cream. And I'm not going to sugar-coat it (haha!)...it definitely wasn't easy.
Week 1. Okay, I can do this.
Knowing that I wouldn't be able to eat sweets for the next 40 days, naturally I stuff myself the previous week with enough cookies and ice cream to last me for a while. I'm optimistic about the upcoming challenge that I'm about to take on, and hopefully conquer.
Week 2. This is a cruel, cruel joke.
I start off pretty positive about the situation, but then Valentine's Day happens. Being the non-dramatic person that I am, I just sit alone in the corner as everyone celebrates with chocolate and cookies and candy and everything else that is good in this world.
Week 3. I'm bitter and feel bad for myself.
I get frustrated when I see a line forming outside of White Mountain, the ice cream shop near my dorm. Naturally Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day is this week! What are they giving out? Free ice cream. What do I want more than anything? Free ice cream. What can't I have? Take one guess.
Week 4. Okay, this is starting to get a little better.
I've stopped craving sugar as much, and I'm actually able to sit next to someone who's eating sweets without getting irrationally angry at them. I just keep convincing myself how much better they'll taste after being away from them for so long. **cue "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus to play in the background**
Week 5. I am invincible and powerful and fearless and strong.
If someone told me to go bench press a 1,000-pound weight right now, I could probably do 50 reps. If someone put a cookie in my face, I'd swat it away (unless it was chocolate-chip). I am so close to overcoming this incredible and terrifying and ~dangerous~ journey.
Week 6. Who am I kidding... I'm desperate for some sugar.
With easter right around the corner, what do I see when I'm in a store? Chocolate easter eggs. Marshmallow bunnies. Hard candies, taffy, countless baked goods.... Sometimes life just isn't fair. I hide out and seclude myself for the next week until.....
