Lent, or the 40-day countdown

Tall One In Black · 02-28-2006, 01:22 PM

I was introduced to the concept of Lent in Catholic school. While I’m no longer religious, I still believe that giving up a habit or vice for 40 days is a useful exercise in self-control and personal strength. It’s a powerful way of reminding yourself what’s really important to you.

Therefore, for the next 40 days, I will be giving up things which I feel are not beneficial to my health, mental health, or financial situation:
- soft drinks
- caffeine
- alcohol
- processed sugar (snack cakes, candy bars, etc.)
- snacking at work
- lazing in front of the TV
- dining out
- excuses for not going to the gym

After the 40 days, I hope I’ll feel a little more stable and energetic. And I should have saved a few dollars... which I'll promptly spend at Convergence XII.

Anyone else planning to put yourself through a 40-day “purification”?

While you answer that, I’m running to the store for snack cakes and Coke while I have the chance!

Queenofdarkness57 · 02-28-2006, 01:34 PM

I'm giving up on Chocolate and Meat. Although I have no idea what's the point of it, I mean I'm never going to be able to control my constant needs for chocolate and I once tried to be a vegetarian...It didn't work!

She_Is_My_Sin · 02-28-2006, 02:46 PM

I'm giving up chocolate (excluding my Sesame Snaps, I need the goodness from those seeds!) & I'll try not to be tempted by meat. Last year I tried & failed, hopefully I'll have the willpower this time.

angleangel_doom · 02-28-2006, 03:03 PM

My good friend Romi is giving up swearing and I haven't decided what to give up, yet. Its hard for me since I live pretty modestly. I have always eaten well...wait a minute...I COULD give up random snacking...

Sounds good. Ima do it.

gloom_cookie · 02-28-2006, 09:32 PM

I'm going to try T.O.I.B's processed sugar idea.

I can replace my need for sweets with fresh fruit, right?

WolfMoon · 02-28-2006, 09:46 PM

I'm giving up religion for lent!

Sanctus Dei · 02-28-2006, 10:00 PM

I'm giving up processed foods and spending money...maybe meat too...

pitseleh · 03-01-2006, 12:13 AM

I've been off sugar and processed foods for over a year now, and cut way down on my meat consumption, and I have to say it feels great. But I do it because of a food allergy, not by choice, so I guess that doesn't really count. Just saying it can be done, and you will definitely not be any worse off for it. There are so many unnecessary additives in food, it boggles the mind. The sugar industry is corrupt as hell, every bit as bad as the tobacco industry.

That being said, I don't know if I have the self-discipline to go for 40 days without my vices. I don't have that many, or indulge very often, but (for those that know what I'm talking about) I need a retreat from reality sometimes. And I don't give a rat's ass what society or the law says about that. It's a completely natural human urge. As I see it, the whole point of Lent is that it comes from yourself, and not as an imposed restriction by anyone else. So, I can respect the concept.

Good luck with your "purification", Tall One! I'm sure you'll do just fine.

Cruel Intentions · 03-01-2006, 06:09 AM

I tried to give up eating so many egg and bacon rolls. I usually get one every morning from the local corner shop.

They were too good to resist. I should have known better.

So instead I've given up trying to give things up.

Suiside_Kitty · 03-01-2006, 07:05 AM

I've tryed to give certain things up in the past. I found out that I have no will-power, so as Cruel Intentions said, I've given up on trying to give things up.

I guess the only flaw in that is that I've picked up a few more vices along the way.. and still haven't given up the old ones.

Oh well.

Restless Dead · 03-01-2006, 08:42 AM

Hmmm, does it have to be a food or drink? Is giving up an action alright?

Since i'm doing fine food wise I think I am going to.....give up masturbation/sex for 40 days. Hurrah. Since this is a big way of spending my time it should be appropritately difficult.

Okay it's extreme, but it was one of my new years resolutions to improve my self control, so it's all part of a bigger plan.

Now I might need to go and get a real life to fill my time.... damn...

WolfMoon · 03-01-2006, 08:48 AM

WHAT!!???

Give up masturbation/sex???

Are you mad?

You area better person than I, dear.

Tall One In Black · 03-01-2006, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Restless Dead

Hmmm, does it have to be a food or drink? Is giving up an action alright?

Of course. Whatever works for you.

There are multiple reasons for fasting/abstaining. I have two goals:
- get control back from my food cravings and stop the mood swings induced by sugar, caffeine, and alcohol
- get myself out of the rut I'm stuck in so I can actually accomplish things I'm proud of

succubus,queenofvampires · 03-01-2006, 10:18 AM

I'm giving up on all sweets, especially chocolate.I'm not sure that I'm going to last 40 whole days, but I'm trying!
So far, so good!

3 days down, 37 to go!!

pitseleh · 03-01-2006, 10:23 AM

Just a little cheating-tip for those abstaining from sugar: Most health-food stores have chocolates and crackers that are sugar free. Some are actually quite good, too! I found a white chocolate bar the other day (I forget the name) that was rather tasty.

WolfMoon · 03-01-2006, 10:28 AM

Lucifer!

Is that you?

pitseleh · 03-01-2006, 10:49 AM

I only present the temptations. Whether you act on them is up to you.

Free will - it's a wonderful thing!

Mwhoahahahaaa!

Queenofdarkness57 · 03-01-2006, 11:24 AM

I ate chocolate today, DAMN...talk about self control! Pfff

Empty_Purple_Stars · 03-02-2006, 02:20 AM

Can I Give Up, Giving Things Up?

*ducks*

Wise Child · 03-02-2006, 02:37 AM

I'm not giving up anything. Partly because I'm not religious - but mainly, because then I wouldn't be able to eat chocolate around friends who're desperately trying to resist caving in.

C'mon, those guys got Christ. I need a purpose in life too.

Prof_Moriarty · 03-02-2006, 03:51 AM

I'll give up wearing anything other than my bathrobe and slippers.

Hey, not wearing socks is pretty hardcore for me, yo.

WolfMoon · 03-02-2006, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pitseleh

I only present the temptations. Whether you act on them is up to you.

Free will - it's a wonderful thing!

Mwhoahahahaaa!

HA!

I knew it was you!

Blushing Heliophobe · 03-02-2006, 07:14 AM

Yup. Not giving up anything. Giving up alchohol, cigarrettes, and large amounts of caffeine was enough for me.

Tall One In Black · 03-02-2006, 08:49 AM

One of my tasks at work is setting up meetings, including ordering the food. If there’s any left over, I give it to the people in my group (mostly 20-something guys with fast metabolism).

There is currently a huge platter of pastries left over from a meeting this morning. It is sitting on my desk, taunting me with its delicious aroma. Doughnuts, scones, croissants, bagels, cake… argh!

The guys better get over here fast and deliver me from evil.