For Lent?

So, although I'm not a Catholic, I have always tried to give up something for Lent.  The year I didn't realize that caffeine was not only in soda, but in chocolate and tea as well was a particularly miserable year.  One year I gave up Facebook, which was a great idea in theory, but disconnected with me from friends all over the country.  This year I have noticed several articles floating around the social media world with some really good messages about Lent.

The first: Make your sacrifice meaningful not miserable.  Is what you are giving up helping to better you as a person or just a random thing you're challenging yourself to live without?

The second: Find a way to peel off any old dead layers of yourself and replace those layers with a fresh new and rejuvenated perspective.

The third: Twenty Things to Give Up For Lent - (taken from the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd...off Facebook)
Guilt
Fear
The Need to Please Everyone
Envy
Impatience
Sense of Entitlement
Bitterness and Resentment
Blame
Gossip and Negativity
Comparison
Fear of Failure
A Spirit of Poverty
Feelings of Unworthiness
Doubt
Self-Pity
Retirement
Excuses
Lack of Counsel
Pride
Worry

So what am I giving up this year?  Well...nothing, really....just making several changes in my daily routine to grow in my spiritual journey and become a healthier, happier person.

Our church is doing a Lenten study of The Daniel Plan.  Although I cannot participate in the study, I purchased the book and have decided to make that plan a part of my life for at least the next forty days. It states there are five essentials to wellness: faith, food, fitness, focus, and friends, and I will reflect upon my practices in those areas, making improvements where necessary.  I am also keeping a journal which contains a daily food tracker, so that I can keep track of my progress.

Some other cool suggestions I'm taking from the 'net:

-Give up technology for one hour each day.  It was suggested to use that time to strengthen bonds with family face to face...however I plan to use that hour to incorporate devotional quiet time as well as guarantee some quality reading time each day.

-Sacrifice by giving.  Pay it forward, random acts of kindness, etc.

40 days of giving back, doing good, and living generously

Ash Wednesday is a day that reminds us that we're not here forever and challenges us to live the best everyday.  It is a time to reflect and share our thanks, for this is the time we remember the greatest sacrifice.