The Season of Lent- Doing More, Being More

I have read several blogs lately (soggywetlettuceleaf, fatbridesmaid) where people are using Lent as a time to recommit to their health goals. People are giving up certain foods, committing to breaking certain bad habits, or using it as a 46 day push for something.

Those are great ideas and I am all for it. Lent is a time of self reflection. It is a time to do better and to be better, not only for the benefit of your own well-being, but for the benefit of the community around you. Doing something for others is incredibly rewarding for your spirit. I also find it reduces stress which is something you just can’t measure with a scale or a tape measure.

So, for Lent, I am going to commit to giving some of my time to others.
1. I will be serving food at my local soup kitchen at least 4 meals.
2. I will be giving at least 5 hours of service at the local food bank.
3. I will register to a walk for a charity. Since I live in NJ, most of them will occur after Lent is over. But, I will make the mental and financial commitment.
4. I am going to spend more time with my family: visit my father, take my aunt shopping, give my sister some free babysitting.

Oh, and one more thing: I am going to recommit myself to going to church. I have always enjoyed going. It was a reset for my week. This past year, I spent way too many nights on the road, and somehow it got out of habit, out of fashion… whatever you want to call it. Then I went through a phase where I rejected all things spiritual because I decided I was mad at God. Really, I was just mad at myself. I need to re-engage the things in my life that make me the happiest. It is a big part of my own journey to wellness.

Ok, I lied, one more thing: I promise not to talk about God too much. I am not a preacher and don’t plan to be. Typically, people who have crosses and fish and praise music blazing all over their blogs annoy me, as I feel like by reading their stuff I am pushing some sort of agenda. I don’t want anyone else to feel that way when they read stuff here. That being said, if God is your bag, 'right on!' LosingEthel = God-lite. ‘Nuff said.

I wish you all well, and I am routing for you! RAH RAH!

*Comic from choadwarrior @ stripcreator.com*