My social media is currently vomiting information about Lent. I mean that in a most religiously respectful manner. However, I mean that in a Judgey McJudgerson way, too.
Every year for Lent a series of posts, conversations and promises are made about a specific "thing" that a person is giving up for the upcoming 40 days. I get it- you go Glenn Coco- you sacrifice for your Lord and Savior! I approve! But...I think it's lame that you give up food. Food is so...unoriginal. Not to mention somewhat of an easy feat, when you consider it.
Growing up in the Orthodox faith, every Lent meant the sacrifice of meat for the entire 40 days and dairy and oil for specific days/weeks. It sometimes sucked but frankly it was never that hard. Additionally, (sorry Mom)...it didn't make me more contemplative, pleasant, or repenting. It kind of just made me hangry (Hangry, adjective, meaning "When you are so hungry that your lack of food causes you to become angry, frustrated or both." Definition generously brought to you by Urban Dictionary).
Sidenote: My mom was particularly tedious because she also believed (for a time) that there should be no birthday parties or celebrations during Lent. My brothers and I broke her of this habit by basically Trojan Horse-ing her: "This isn't a party, it's a gathering of friends, a get together". I also think some legit incessant complaining/nagging/crying ensued on my part, as a March 31st birthday.
I digress...
I was a vegetarian for 10 years. Currently I am on a kick with Virgin Diet (something I'll probably explain in a later post) where I have predominantly eliminated the 7 highly intolerant food groups from my menu - gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, corn, sugar/artificial sugar. I am of firm belief that giving up a specific food or a food group is not hard, especially when you benefit from it. You people out there giving up sugar treats- are you telling me you don't enjoy the weight loss you get out of that?
I guess my point is this- give up something you're particularly bad about. Give up something that hurts or something that you you know you are going to struggle with. Why? Because the whole concept of Lent is to contemplate that Jesus Christ gave his life so that you could live. So...shouldn't you probably give up something that is particularly difficult? Maybe even a sin you commit that you'd like to try to rectify? Just my personal take but I feel like food is a fatty mcfaterson's cop out and requires very little effort or self control.
DRUM ROLL PLEASE. I thought a lot about this, and, in addition to the traditional Orthodox fast that I'm going to jump back on the train with, I am also going to give up excuses.
Excuses? Yes, excuses.
I am going to give up the excuses I use to get out of doing the things I do not want to. This excuses could also be categorized as " little white lies" but no one likes to call themselves out like that, including me.
"What excuses do you use?" you may ask. Just a few.
#1- "I'm too tired to work out, I worked a long day" will be replaced with "Get off the couch fat ass, everyone is tired and the endorphins will help you build up some energy".
#2- "I'm sorry I can't go out tonight, I have to wash my hair" will be replaced with "Thanks for the invitation to go out this evening but I am really in the mood to stay in. Maybe next time!"
#3- "I don't feel like going to church on Sunday mornings, its the only day I get to myself all week!" will be replaced with...just going to church.
...and so on and so forth. My excuses aren't necessarily the #1 reasons that I'm not doing something. They're often the "supporting arguments" that substantiate the big, central idea behind the general avoidance. So, why not just tell the truth? E'rebody got time for the truth.
In doing this I'm hoping to maybe improve myself in a way that I wouldn't normally commit to. Okay, and to help me quit being lazy. Cause ain't nobody got time for that.
***2 Week Update***
Despite a minor set back at a certain temptation ridden brunch, I've been able to maintain my meatless fast.
Additionally, I have not made any erroneous excuses yet. Spring Break from dance has helped.
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