5 Hardcore Things to Give Up For Lent
As the season of Lent approaches, you’ve no doubt given some thought to what you want to give up. Rather than taking the path of least resistance, why not consider going all out and giving up something completely ridiculous this year?
The following fasts may not be for the faint of heart, but for those of you who are willing to try them, you may just find yourselves more disciplined, and better prepared to celebrate the joys of Easter.
1) Hot Showers
Nothing says, “Die!” to your flesh quite like showering in 50 degree water.
Not only will your body be subjugated to your higher, spiritual faculties, but you’ll also save money on your water bill since you won’t be hanging out in the shower for as long as you normally would. Win-win!
2) Sleeping in Bed
Get out your old sleeping bag, or the Therm-a-rest pad you use when camping, and get your forty winks on the cold, hard floor.
The discalced Carmelites do it year round. You can do it for at least forty days.
3) All Social Media
It’s one thing to give up Instagram. It’s another thing to give up all of your social media. So say goodbye to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest.
Do you really want to get drawn into another pointless political argument with your uncle anyway?
4) Netflix
Devote some of the time you would spend binge-watching old shows on Netflix to praying and reading Sacred Scripture! You won’t be missing much.
Besides, the next season of Stranger Things doesn’t start until October 31, 2017, and by then you’ll have plenty of time to renew your membership.
5) Caffeinated Beverages
Take the $4.75 you’re dropping every day on your Venti white chocolate mocha, and give it to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, or some other charity. While you’re at it, why not just give up all drinks that have caffeine in them? Your central nervous system will appreciate it, and so will the poor in your community.
Giving up these things may be crazy, but think about what Christ gave up for you! By giving until it hurts, you’ll better identify with His suffering, and enter more deeply into the mystery of His passion, death, and resurrection. You can do it!
What would you add the list? Let us know in the comments!
[See also: Is There Really a “Sunday Exception” During Lent?]
[See also: 13 Super Easy Meatless Recipes for Lent You Can Make in 30 Min or Less]