Every year, I try to omit something for Lent. And though I am not the most religious person, this opportunity gives me a chance to see how abstaining with a movement can apply to other habits. I am giving up cheese this year.
Lent provides structure.
Many people, religious or otherwise, commit to giving up something. What’s given up is usually a vice. 2 years ago, I gave up beer (and found a couple loop holes then promptly respected the process). Last year, I tried giving up refined carbs, but then gave that up after being exhausted with Covid-induced isolation. This year, I am trying to give up cheese. In a state known for it.
Notice how it’s not just giving up something, though? By giving up XYZ, people are encouraged to turn to other things… By omitting, we’re encouraged to commit to others. Internally, I see how life can be consumed by “vices” like cheese. Or beer. Or bread. But life is so much more than food. We need to consume more than food, so instead, Lent becomes a way to get closer to our relationships. Closer to God? Closer to ourselves?
Lent provides support.
Because there are so many people involved, it’s easier to have a support circle. It gives credibility, we’re all on these independent journeys, alone or together, even if my choice of cheese is mine. That’s probably why I couldn’t handle giving up bread/pasta last year, despite being so internally driven.
It’s easier for me to say, “I’m giving up cheese for Lent” than “I’m giving up F@cebook this year” because of my various identities. Lent is a Christian activity, and using social media is a marketing activity (and also a personal activity). So the absence of something that is subscribed to a certain identity is harder. Most marketers use F@cebook, and I still will, after I delete my personal profile. But I can see why it seems contradictory. Maybe giving up cheese feels contradictory to my state, too.
Lent provides schedule.
It’s only 40 days. To some people, it’s not even weekends. It’s mainly just Fridays of no meat. To me, it’s not much of a sacrifice, but it’s still a personal choice.
Some people struggle with abstaining completely, but I have learned that I am overall an “all or nothing” person, too. So by saying “NO cheese”, it’s easier for me to completely eliminate, no cheesecake, no cream cheese, no vegan cheese. But I know by sacrificing now, I will enjoy cheese even more, come Easter Sunday. Are you giving up something for Lent? Let me know with a comment!
If you’re interested in my journey of committing and omitting habits, I’ll be sharing a whole new section on the website soon!
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