Lent-ish

My non-religiousness is not in question. I am a non-believer. Period. But darn it, some of these religious things are just so darn fun, or not fun but good, you know? So once again, I'm borrowing, and tailoring to my own purpose.

Not all of Christianity observes the 40 days that precede Easter, the period of Lent. (Those 40 days don't include Sundays, in case you're counting.) Many celebrate Mardi Gras without really realizing the point of the whole thing beyond cheap bead and naked boobies. That is SO not it.

Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday is the final day before the period of penance, atonement, self sacrifice that is Lent begins. It's "gras," or "fat," because it was customary to use up all the butter and eggs and milk since Lent involves (for many) fasting. Forty days of it. Many of the faithful now choose rather to give up something they hold dear - television, chocolate, coffee, cigarettes, sex. Whatever, it's all over when the chocolate bunny shows up. Wikipedia actually has a pretty decent what's what if you're so inclined.

Like I said, I'm not religious, but I'm borrowing this. I'm not fasting, I'm not giving up chocolate or red meat or coffee, but I'm taking the next 40ish days to give up a bad habit. I snack. A lot. Today I did not snack, not once. Was I tempted? Of course! But like the observant Christian who ponders his Lord's sacrifice every time he denies himself a Snickers, I'm contemplating the trashing I've perpetuated on my body every time I resist a handful of M&Ms or a mid-morning cookie or two. Can I have a cupcake? Sure, with dinner. Chocolate? Coffee? Candy? PopTarts? Yes, as long as they are eaten in the context of a meal.

I did this with coffee a few years ago, and candy another year. If nothing else, this intentional denial causes me to be more aware. Making tea instead of mindlessly pouring a cup of coffee gave me an opportunity to examine my place in my life. Same kinda sorta with the candy. The snacking's going to be a challenge, but I think I'm up for it. It takes 21 days to create or break a habit. I've got 46. One down, 45 to go.