For those who celebrate, Lent is here. For everyone else, what exactly is Lent?

Lent is 40 consecutive days beginning on Ash Wednesday and lasts until Holy Thursday. This year, it starts from Wed. Feb. 22, 2023 – Thu. April 6, 2023. It is a season of prayer and a self- controlled fasting of some sort. People who participate in Lent do so in recognition of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. During this time, believers recognize his death, his defeat of death, and the resurrection that brings eternal life in heaven.

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In addition, it is tradition to participate in some sort of self-controlled fasting during the 40 consecutive days. Many believers abstain from something they enjoy or participate in. The idea is that if they are abstaining from something they have chosen, they can reduce distractions, get closer and focus on their relationship with God.

Even if you are not a believer, it can be good to participate in a controlled fasting of sorts. A reset of your wants, needs and desires can be a good time for self-reflection. Here are some ideas on things that you can give up for Lent to help get you started.

20 Things to Give Up For Lent

Modern Day Technology

  1. Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, etc).
  2. Additional time (or limited time) spent on electronic devices
  3. Watching a certain television show
  4. Online shopping
  5. Video games

Foods

  1. Sweets/desserts
  2. Carbs (breads, pastas)
  3. Coffee (Starbucks would be a hard one!)
  4. Sodas
  5. Alcohol
  6. Fast Food

Self-Awareness

  1. Worrying about things you can not control
  2. Excuses to not work out
  3. Complaining or criticizing others
  4. Gossiping about others or participating in it.
  5. Saying no to things out of fear, habit or energy.
  6. Swearing
  7. Avoiding reading a book
  8. Rude or bad habits (like using your phone at dinner)
  9. Interrupting people when they are talking.

There you have it! I hope that this list of 20 things will give you a good start. Let me know in the comments below if you are thinking about participating in Lent this year and what you’ll be giving up.

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