The Next 40 Days

Wednesday has arrived! Last normal school day schedule for me today #amen #allthepraisehands 

Today is Ash Wednesday which signifies the beginning of lent. Over the next 40 days we strive to lose weight, eat less chocolate or even work on being a better person. 

Lent is a time for prayer, reflection and fasting.

As a kid lent meant pizza and mac n cheese on Friday's.

As a teenager lent meant giving up pop, pizza or candy.

As an adult I have found that lent has a much deeper meaning.

Last year I gave up social media (Facebook,instagram and twitter) I found this to be 1. Rejuvenating and 2. Helpful 

I can't say I have been 100% loyal to limiting or not using social media, but as lent draws near again it reminds me that social media should be used in moderation on a daily basis.

Lent doesn't have to be about giving up something or depriving yourself from something you love. Lent can and should be about making yourself a better YOU. Taking time to reflect, listen, pray and focus. Lent is a journey and it takes time.

I have decided to make a top 10 list of ideas you can use throughout Lent. Maybe you do want to give up your late night snacking or you want to work on your patience with your friends and family ;) either way you are focusing on YOU! 

Here we go :) 

1 Limit your negative words or thoughts. Try to change your daily verbiage so that each day you use positive words and thoughts :) 

2 Be thankful for what you have. Do not always want the next best thing. Have gratitude. 

3 Work on patience. Be kind to others around you. Don't lose your temper. Control your emotions and focus.

4 Start to trust. You cannot control the future. Trust Gods plan for you. He is right beside you each step of the way. Leave your worries at work or at school. 

5 Try to complain less. Complaints turn you into a sour person and cause others to steer away from you. If you have a complaint journal it or write it down. 

6 Don't feel the pressure from outside sources. Be you. There is only one of you. Don't worry about what other people might think of you. Stay away from people putting you down. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. 

7 Fill your heart with joy. Do things you love. Hang out with people who love you and you love them back. Try something new. Who knows you might end up loving it :) 

8 Volunteer. Put your selfishness aside. Head to a PADS site or local food pantry. Help with after/before school care. Drive carpool two days in a row even though it's the last thing you want to do. 

9 catch up with old friends. Spend time showing them you care. The smallest text, call or coffee date could be just what your friendship needs. 

10 Quiet. Quiet your mind and body. After busy days at work or school come home and give yourself at least 10 minutes of quiet a day. No Netflix, No Spotify, No news. Sit in the quiet and prepare your heart and mind for what is to come 

If you find yourself on a Lenten journey struggling with what to do or what to give up, I hope my list sparks and idea or two in your heart & mind.

Today Im off to get ashes after school. My lunch consists on a PBJ and all non meat items. Fish is on the menu tonight :)

See you tomorrow for some St. Patty's Day Ideas!

xo