My plans for Lent

The last time I created a Lenten Challenge for myself was 2009. I gave up the Lenten Challenge last year for Lent*. It is back again this year, since the opportunity to reflect and (ideally) better my person through a challenge which might seem overwhelming is a good idea. I have many hopes for this year’s challenge. Here is what I plan to do:

- Give up television

I tried to get the family on board with this one, but I don’t think they (my husband) is going for it. It does seem difficult to remove this from my life for 6 weeks, but can you imagine the benefits? I can read more (yeah!), I can cook more (yeah!), I can actually talk with my husband and kids at night instead of staring at the screen (double yeah). We could have a weekly family game night, instead of our weekly movie night. I would probably get to bed on time. And maybe I would have time to investigate a new hobby. I am going to do it, to heck with the rest of the folks in the family.

- Turn off computer and iPhone by 7pm each night

Without the TV, this could be harder. I can certainly get sucked into Angry Birds, or stay up late answering emails and doing searches for shoes on Zappos. But again, if I turn these devices off, I can be more present for my family and do other activities that possibly give me more meaning. Yoga springs to mind.

There are a few items I would like to consider as Lenten Challenges, but it won’t be an all or nothing activity. These are things I would like to keep watch on:

• Make exercise an important part of my weekly schedule
• Eat out less (cook more at home)
• Find something new to challenge myself every week

Are you taking on any personal challenges for Lent? If so, what have you decided to do? I know Valerie is going to stop eating out (and begin pocketing all those savings for home improvement). Share your ideas!

* I feel it necessary to point out I am not Catholic, nor will I pretend to be during Lent. I just like that it is a specific period of time and the personal challenge and time to reflect is useful.