So while the expression 40 days and 40 nights may remind us more of a raunchy rom-com starring the gorgeous Josh Harnett, this week marks the beginning of Lent, one of the biggest festivals in the religious calendar. While the origins of the tradition stem from the Christian religion, the practice of giving something up between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday is wide spread. We don’t have to do it but most of us wind up flirting with attempting to…
It is commonly seen as a test of strong will and determination, often replacing the New Years resolutions that didn’t even make it past January. Chocolate is the common prohibited vice, normally in preparation for the gorge fest that Easter entails, however each year we all know the crazy and determined who give up something presumed inconceivable (this year a friend is cutting out hot showers!)
In the bible, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Lent marks the period that Jesus spent in the desert fasting and proving his faithful commitment to God by resisting temptations from the devil. A tale that makes quitting alcohol seem like a significantly miniscule feat!
While the main aim behind lent is to prepare the Christian believer, (through prayer, penance, repentance, alms-giving and self-denial), it also offers a great opportunity for you to test your own willpower, without having the long-term commitment of the NY resolution. Whether we look to give something up, hoping that by the end of the month we will cut it out completely (smoking is the common choice here), or even choosing to take something up (joining a gym, spending more time in the library…). Here are some examples of how fellow HCX writers are getting into the spirit of lent:
“I’m giving up Facebook and twitter this lent, in the hope that it will help me focus more on uni work… Here’s to hoping!”
“I’m taking something up…I’m giving someone a compliment every day of lent”
“I’m giving up smoking when i’m out!”
“I gave up chips and crisps in first year, was the worst fourty days ever. especially after a night out!”
“Swearing, although i’m not convinced its going to be successful”
“I’m going to try and take more on: as in actually do dissertation work on days I’ve set aside for that!”
“Last year I gave up food on nights out, purse strings and jean waistbands were getting a little too tight for comfort!”
So for you many faithful Lenters out there who are suffering from the penitence of no chocolate, or the cold turkey-ers out there who are craving that final fag, here are some top tips on how to stick to your Lent:
1) Chose a fast or sacrifice that is reasonable, that way you are more likely to stick to it.
2) Let people know what you are giving up, that way when you are about to falter hopefully a helpful hand will reach out and reprimand you.
3) Post messages and encouragement around you room, to help motivate and remind you. (Last year a friend’s mum brought her a fridge pig, it oinked every time she opened the fridge. While slightly harsh it kept her off chocolate for the whole hog!)
4) Think like Pavlov- yes positive condition ladies… Buy some nice gym gear, treat yourself every week you don’t smoke, maybe some new stationary for that all important dissertation?
5) KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE!
And finally good luck from all of us ladies at HCX!
Photocredits: justjared.com; bandgroupiethesweetspot.com; liberalvision.org; carolinegardner.com