What are you giving up for Lent?

Bags, on the other Lent thread I said just that.

'When you give to the needy do not let your left hand know what your right hand doeth'.

I agree, feetle about Lent giving people something to feel virtuous about, and the annoying bit – telling others about it. My attitude is Just Do It; the rest of us don't need (or want) to know. Lent has become a "show" like so many other commercialised calendar dates.

My DGS when about 6 said that he was giving up being good for Lent. We all looked surprised as he was rarely good and it wouldn't have been difficult. (He is a little treasure now he is 12)

I agree, thatbags. I also think that the idea of a 'soul' doesn't have to have religious connotations.

Not having a 'soul' as far as I know, I am wondering how self-denial can possibly be good for it. Surely it just gives people something to feel virtuous about?

But you don't need religion, nor even a soul, to undertake self-improvement in a committed way. And you can do it any time. Which is why I forgot it was still that time called Lent.

Of course. But any form of conscious self-denial can only be good for the soul, surely - even if the original concept of penance has been watered-down somewhat?

Besides, neither you nor I know what has motivated others to 'give up' something for Lent.

An excellent analysis Ariadne.

As Nanaval and ga have confirmed, is not Lent an occasion to try to emulate Christ's forty days and nights in the wilderness, taking the sins of humans upon him as scapegoat for their sins?

I thought, that, for believers, the penance of renouncing flesh (nowadays, luxuries it seems) was a serious commitment and self sacrifice, and I suppose the trivialisation of this is a sign of our innate weaknesses, or ignorance of the spiritual aspects of Lent. Or both?

Nonu I love it when you x

I know, I know , sooooo exciting , it will be like a little peach !!!

ditto supernana

Goodness, you've got a way to go then, Nonu! Your skin will be positively luminous by then...

Easter Sunday , 20th April !

Is it still Lent? When's Easter this year?

I am posting here as I cannot find the other thread . I said I was having a DRY which I am , and am so chuffed that my complexion has got real GLOW to it , looks so fresh , even though I say it myself, mind you , himself when we were chatting over our cuppa , in bed this morning remarked on it .
We have also started taking a little constitutional each day , so that had to good also !
I feel so chuffed , just had to share !
BIG

absentgrana ...wash your mouth out!!

I bet nobody has even contemplated giving up gransnet. (Nor should they.)

I don't think Lent has to be about sacrifice. It's more about focus on the positive as far as I'm concerned.

Well said Joan!

Nowt - we're on the basic pension so we've given up enough!!

I'd like to give up work, but that ain't gonna happen
Not just for Lent though ...

I`d like to say I`m giving up being a slave, but I don`t think I`ll be allowed to!

Sorry that comment sounds very smug and preachy not meant to be.

I think grannyactivist's family has the right idea. Lent is about self sacrifice. Why not give up some of your time to do some good deeds or visit someone who can't get out.