What are you giving up...

I always hate to hear people ask other people that question this time of year, also known as Lent. I never realized that non-Catholics gave something up until Westminster, when all my fellow non-Catholic friends started giving up dessert in the caf, pop, fries, tv and even FACEBOOK. (that last one is a REAL sacrifice, let me tell you, if you aren't in the know-facebook to my generation is like--wait, there really is no past equivalent. Let me just say that for some people, facebook is a primary means of communication and contact with friends and family all over the country!!)

This concept was completely new to me- I had not once made such sacrifice in the name of Lent. I had made resolutions and done different things, but the thought of giving up something I really enjoyed, loved or remotely cared about for a few weeks really confused me.

I asked around to a couple people, and I couldn't really get a straight answer. Most people who gave something up, had been doing it since they were kids, so they summed up their reasoning to "tradition", while some others said they did it because everyone else did it.
So what did I do? I gave up something too (I guess the "don't follow the crowd" speal my high school teachers taught didn't sink in).

I can't even remember what I gave up, wait-scratch that- now I do.
I gave up instant messenger.
AOL.
The lifeline to instant chatting capabilities.

I was serious about this, so I not only stopped signing on, but I deleted the whole program from my computer. I'm pretty sure it lasted all of two weeks till I was i-m-ing my neighbor, Megan, asking what time our sorority meeting started. So let's just say, Lent never sank in in college.

Now that i'm a refined 24-year-old-single-independent woman with a kitten and a car payment, I am trying something new with Lent this year. I actually got the idea from my Aunt Maureen. She is one of the most devout Catholics I know, so what she said to me has major clout. Every year for lent, she gives up a negative habit that she struggles with. Whether it be gossip, negative thinking, grudges...she picks one and focuses on not doing it.

EUREKA! Something that makes sense to me! So that's what i'm doing, i'm giving up a negative habit, and trust me, there are plenty to chose from. I can still eat ice cream to my hearts content, watch unhealthy doses of reality TV with Beth--and take care of my soul in the mean time.

All is well with the world.