Well, my friends, Lent is upon us and while I do realize that the intent is to prepare for the miracle of Easter Sunday, this year I am going to use the 40 days as a little nudge to take care of some “me” things that I tend to neglect. I don’t think Jesus will mind too much.
Generally, I tend to go more in the “be a better person” direction than the “give up the things I love” direction (since, let’s face it, I had to give up a lot of things I love 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with Diabetes!). And, I am always a work in progress so…The biggies for Lent this year are to be less road rage-y. I lasted almost 10 minutes on that one a couple of years ago! This will come in handy should I get a job in the next 40 days since I’ll be back on the highways with some other less than attentive drivers 🙂 Also, to be sure that I don’t commit to something that I can’t follow through on. This one will be pretty easy since I tend to do that anyway – perhaps it needs to be rephrased to only commit to things after sleeping on them for a night! And just to generally be nice to people.
As far as giving things up, in addition to doing the Cleanse I’m going to talk about later this week, I’ll most likely give up the potato chips I’ve gotten addicted to lately 🙂 I’m also giving up a thing/action or two that I won’t post about but I do guarantee that I will be a happier, more content human as a result.
I also plan to work on the organization part of my New Year’s Resolution — clearing out the gunk that has accumulated in my life. This is going to be hard. Really hard. Since obviously it didn’t come into my life as crap/junk/gunk. I would say that at some point in my life, 90% of what I currently have in my house is something that was a gift (mostly from my mom/parents) or something that I worked hard to get. Or that I loved at the time I got it!
But now it’s too much. And I need to be ruthless! When my basement flooded 3 or so years ago, I was forced to get rid of a lot of things. And honestly it wasn’t too difficult – I admit there are a few things that I regret getting rid of so quickly (I’m looking at YOU old books I loved) but…whatchagonnado right? Generally everything goes to charity so I feel good there. And, it’s not like THINGS matter so much as the memories. And that’s the attitude I have to keep.
It’s going to be a full on declutter — if something isn’t adding to my life, or doesn’t bring a smile to my heart, it is gone. Outta here! And on to a better home.
So whether you participate in Lent (or any Christian activities for that matter!) or not, I hope the next 40 days will bring you clarity, happiness and peace of mind.
outrunningthefork 