You’ve probably gathered that I’m not a traditional religious sort of person. I’m spiritual – I might fall into the pagan category, but certainly not in the purest sense of the word. So when I decided to observe Lent, my friends and loved ones said, “Huh? Why would you do something like that? You’re not Catholic.”
As it turns out, Lent is not the exclusive property of Catholicism. Also known as Quadragesima, it is observed by Lutherans, Methodists, Anglicans, and Presbyterians. As you may notice, pagans are not included in this list, but I did go to the Presbyterian church when one of my grandmothers took me to whatever church they could.
Regardless, I decided to observe Lent as a test of my self-discipline, which I have struggled with for some time. I’m not being all crazy about it, but I am giving up something that tempts me – and that something is sweet stuff.
Yes, dessert (and snacky sweets) has gone off into the desert of my past for the 40 days of penitence. I have no real devout aspirations – I just want to see if I can do it. It’s been almost a week tomorrow and I have been tempted sorely by fruit tarts, brownies, home-baked cookies, numerous pies, and luscious chocolate bars. And I am pleased to say that, while tempted, I have resisted.
The whole thing is good for my diet, good for my teeth, good for my temperament, and good for my spirit. In fact, I’m finding it somewhat of a relief to have this self-imposed moratorium on these things. I know I have a tendency to indulge, and to eat emotionally, and sweets are one of those things that I turn to in times of stress, boredom, and depression. With this personal pledge, I don’t have to worry about it. And it’s helping me be more proactive with healthier eating in general – for example, today was Meatless Monday.
I think the main thing for me, aside from the health benefits, is proving to myself that I can stick with something I’m not keen on doing for 40 days. I believe this entire experience will go a long way towards furthering my faith in myself, and my ability to meet challenges, even when they’re not fun or easy (if it’s fun and easy, is it really a challenge?) So I guess in many ways, the whole thing is about having faith.
That’s pretty cool, isn’t it?

Image courtesy of http://www.vasenia.wordpress.com
10 comments
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February 27, 2012 at 11:09 pm
slpmartin
It is indeed very ‘cool’! Oh…but that picture of chocolate is very tempting…think I’ll go step on the scales…that should reduce any temptaion I have. 😉
February 28, 2012 at 11:25 pm
Seasweetie
Darn those scales.
February 28, 2012 at 1:39 am
TBM
Good luck. When I participated with Lent a couple of years before people questioned my why I did it as well since I’m not Catholic. I did it for the same reasons as you, to see if I could and healthier living. Except I gave up potato chips (crisps in England). I forgot to do it this year…oops.
February 28, 2012 at 11:25 pm
Seasweetie
I think once is enough, don’t you, TBM?
February 28, 2012 at 7:41 am
waywardboundnc
Yes it is cool. Faith in your self is a wonderful thing. You will be fine.
Sharing that bookstore sounds serious. 🙂 Locks of Love has always one of my favorites, I know you are proud of Kelsea.
February 28, 2012 at 11:24 pm
Seasweetie
A little bit serious, waywardbound. 🙂
February 29, 2012 at 9:37 pm
Erik France
Excellent! I’ve given up chocolate for Lent, which I figured would be not much of a real challenge anyway (evil!), but turns out I nip some form of chocolate now and then more than I’d realized — how many days in are we now? Tempting, but so far, so good.
February 29, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Seasweetie
I think it’s 8 days now? It’s been a good experience for me – rather “enlightening”. 🙂
March 1, 2012 at 7:50 am
e-bro
Cool indeed. Vegetarian and alcohol-free for Lent here. I was kind of inspired by what the Orthodox do for Lent, though they traditionally go a lot further even than that. (They also take out eggs, dairy, olive oil… now you know why Greek Easter feasts are so big.) Still, that first Easter Sunday celebratory beer is gonna taste really good.
Don’t forget the other two parts of observing Lent, though – prayer (style of your choice) and gifts/acts of charity!
March 1, 2012 at 11:45 am
Seasweetie
So good to hear from you, e-bro. I think I cover the other two almost daily, but it’s good to have my consciousness raised about doing so! I love you.