I successfully completed 6.5 weeks of Lent last year, and I was a better person because of it.
I’ve decided to give Lent another go this year; as the future continues, I’ll likely make a yearly tradition of this, continuing taking small steps to better myself and the world around me. It’s incredible how even the smallest actions can make a difference on the way you view the world. Although Lent is the perfect opportunity to reflect on personal impacts, I think we should spend more time observing them throughout the year.
I have lots of days, when a bad day makes me wish I stayed in bed, or when I curse my poor decisions and the imperfect scenarios I deal with… but the reality, is that I’m incredibly blessed to wake up every day and live my life. As much as people can attest to my endless complaints and the occasional appearance of my spoiled brat attitude – I try to appreciate the little things and the special people that make every moment of life worth living, as often as I can.
Although not quite as extensive as last year’s ‘plan’, here’s this year’s goals for Lent:
Mondays/Fridays: Take a picture of something/someone I’m grateful for.
Since Mondays are often dedicated to loathing the work week, while Fridays are spent focusing on preparations for the weekend ahead – I feel these are the best times to just appreciate something significant in my life.
Wednesdays/Saturdays: Leave a positive message for someone.
Everyone deserves to feel good, about themselves or something they’ve done. I’m going to remind people they’re appreciated and spread the love.
Sundays: Spend at least one hour reading a book.
I struggle with taking time for myself, and allowing my body to relax and rest. I also have a stack of books that I should pick up and read, but never give myself time to do so. This task will teach me to sit and ease my mind, and I’ll finally push myself to indulge in one of my favourite past times.
This schedule is just a simple guideline; there’s always room for revisions and extra random acts of kindness towards myself and others. The more goodness we share with one another and ourselves, the better place our world can become. So, don’t forget to smile and spread happy thoughts to everyone around you.
I’m looking forward to another year of Lent, and another chance to make every day better myself and the good people I come across. I hope you can find opportunity in the next 6.5 weeks (or more) to do something good for the well-being of yourself and others, and to appreciate the life you have.
— Happy Lent.
