What are you giving up for Lent?

Growing up Roman Catholic, these are words I’ve heard every year of my life.

The Catholics celebrate Lent for 40 days leading up to Easter. These days are intended to signify the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert fasting and avoiding temptation. Lent this year is Feb. 22-April 6.

These 40 days are supposed to help the devout prepare themselves for Easter. To achieve this, they spend more time praying, avoid meat on Ash Wednesday and Fridays and give something up as a personal sacrifice. It is a time of reflection and self-discipline.

Many people take this time to give up something they view as a vice, such as drinking alcohol or swearing or something unhealthy like chocolate, soda or junk food.

For anyone looking for some inspiration, Good Housekeeping shared some ideas of creative things to give up for Lent. Some suggestions include nail biting, clutter, using your phone at dinner, video games, gossiping, coffee or social media.

Good Housekeeping stepped into the creative side by also offering suggestions of things to do instead of things to sacrifice. One suggestion is forgoing listening to music and replacing it with time for quiet contemplation. The list also suggests writing one letter of gratitude a day to remind yourself of the blessings in your life or setting aside items to be donated each day.

Personally, I align with the second school of thought. Instead of giving up, I would often strive to do more or be better. I would try being more patient, counting blessings instead of complaints and sharing compliments.

Whether or not you recognize Lent or celebrate Easter, I send you all good wishes and blessings for the end of winter and into the spring season.

Samantha Anderson

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press