Clean Monday is the 7th and then Lent begins on Wednesday.

I always have people comment on my giving up something for Lent as I'm not catholic.  Well that is true but being from a murky Judeo-Christian background I quite like to honor tradition. Sure I snark on many such as Christmas but well.. I'm ready to admit I am a hypocrite.  

Outside of the tradition and cleansing of giving something up it says to me that I am able to abstain from something that maybe I should cut out of my life entirely. I know many people who would struggle to give up soda, coffee, alcohol, sex or any of these things.

The items I give up.. well it isn't typically more than an inconvenience to me so what does it really matter?  Again, tradition, purity, dedication to something benefiting me physically and mentally.. 

I have sat in meditation--ie my very rusty voga-- and tried to reflect on the things from my life I should trounce out of my life for a good 40 days if not longer.  I try to evaluate the purpose of these things and how giving them up can best serve me if not someone else.

I gave up alcohol for 40 days in November as a weight loss thing so that was a bit vapid. What if I gave up alcohol and donated money I might spend on a charity. True, I almost never go out but I honestly believe in even small amounts changing the world.

I typically give up red meat. I could again try to be vegetarian but that sent my blood sugar on a naughty not fun dance of vertigo and the shakes.  Red meatlessness isn't much of a challenge these days.. unless I forget to inspect my chili and 'cheat' on accident.

I've pretty much conquered my addiction to peppermints. That was probably the most challenging in college.

I have given up facebook and things like that for long periods of time, also my laptop, and tv shows.

I wish to undertake something that means just a tad more this year.  Should I combine everything?

Maybe I should make myself stay away from travel websites...but I KNOW I'll need to cheat on that as I have to book a trip sometime in middle to late March.

Any suggestions???

I do so wish that I could have a greater impact on society than I do here in the valley. Again, why I need to move to a larger city out west! SERIOUSLY!

All of the best to you... if you are finding good weather and sun on your face as I am I hope that you are taking the time to enjoy it and take a relaxing breath! They are limited and we are lucky!

xx