What are you giving up for lent? Why do you give stuff up for lent?
By vivasuzi
@vivasuzi (4127)
United States
February 15, 2007 8:04pm CST
Every year, I try to give up something for lent. A lot of people seem to hate this time of year, as if they are being forced to give stuff up, but I take it as a very helpful time. This year, I've decided to give up Pizza (including bagel bites, hot pockets, and anything pizza flavored!). My fiance agreed to do the same. We are way addicted to pizza b/c it's such an easy meal - but it's also so unhealthy.
So I find giving up something for lent as not just a "diet" but also a sacrifice. I know that in 3 weeks I'll be begging for pizza! In the past, we have given leeway on Sundays or something, but this year I'm sticking to my guns and not having any pizza for 40 days. I also try to do something positive during lent, although I haven't decided what to do yet!So what do you plan to give up for lent? and what are your reasons? Do you feel like you really sacrificed when it's all said and done? Does it make you feel better that you made a commitment and stuck with it? Discuss:)
Note: Please only respond if Lent applies to you - any "I'm not catholic" or "what is lent" type responses will be given a "-"
2 people like this
5 responses
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
16 Feb 07
Here, we have traditions During lenten seasons. Some folks here sacrifice to hurt their ownselves by whipping their backs and by crucifying themselves on a cross, an act of which they believe was of repentance to their sins. Others give up on eating meat, for they believed was to be one with God. Older folks put up a "passion", a way of reading the twelve stations of the cross, into some kind of a tune(like singing).
But I never believed of giving up on something or traditions, maybe I'll just pray more on HIM and seek more of His wisdoms and teachings. I'll read more from the bible, instead.
@stateroad (730)
• United States
16 Feb 07
I have not even thought about that yet. Thanks for reminding me. Last year instead of giving something up I attended Stations of the Cross every Friday. That was a commitment I made for my Mom who passed away in December of 2005. I may do that again. I felt better about going to Church more and fufilling that obligation instead of giving something up.
1 person likes this
@littlefranciscan (18327)
• United States
16 Feb 07
I usually don't give things up for Lent; rather, I try to do something positive..Like being more helpful, spending more time reading etc..:)+
@groomtobe23 (635)
• United States
16 Feb 07
Wow... giving up pizza? Now THAT is going to be a tough goal. I am pretty sure I would not be able to do it. I don't typically celebrate Lent myself, so I won't be giving up anything, but it would probably be a good idea for me to give up something like pizza. I could sure stand to lose a few pounds! Well good luck to you on your goals, and let us know how you did!
1 person likes this
@talfonso (246)
• United States
22 Feb 12
I've given up few things for Lent in the past. I gave up fried foods (because I really, really love them). I also gave up soda because I was a heavy drinker of it. (I'm not drinking it as much as usual anymore.) I also gave up Facebook to focus more on my college studies.
But I just ran out of things to give up for Lent. I decided to sacrifice a bit (or bits) of time to prayer instead. I chose to do a 40-day novena to St. Joseph because I'm doing a home-based business. Speaking of which, perhaps I'd sacrifice a bit of time to do it.
