Lent: What's it all about!?
Lent is an important observation in the Christian calendar, but in recent times it has become an extremely popular tradition for many, irrespective of religious affiliation, culture or upbringing. Rather than seen as a solemn and reflective time to ‘give something up’, it can be just as fulfilling an experience challenging yourself to do something new!
Our Senior Girls Project Worker, Kate shares with us her views on Lent and what she’s planning to do this year.
“Lent! It’s one of those times of year I always have the ambition to give something up and never end up doing it… mainly because I get overly ambitious! This year I’ve been thinking about my own wellbeing – I spend a lot of my time talking to young people about taking care of theirs, and then find that I’ve been neglecting my own and forgetting to practice what I preach!
I’ve been thinking about how I could look at lent differently this year. It can be a little like those New Year’s resolutions where it becomes another thing to feel guilty about, saying you’re going to do something and then giving up a few weeks…or even days in! So, this year I’ve decided to think about doing something new instead.
Often I find that I dwell a lot on the negative when I observe what’s going on around me. I spend a lot of time worrying about those who are struggling with their mental health, or going through difficult, intense or toxic situations. Sometimes it can be a struggle to see the good in my surroundings. I spend time on social media comparing myself with others, feeling mediocre and more aware of my own failings, or questioning why I don’t have the things that everyone else appears to have. I forget that there are so many good things around me and that there is always hope. I forget that I have a job that I love, friends and family who love me, but also the simplicity of a kitchen to cook in, a bed to sleep in – those simple things in life we take for granted.
So this year, Lent for me is about spending time dwelling on the good. Filling my mind with those positive things that I’m thankful for instead of worrying and dwelling on the things that kill my joy. There’s an amazing quote that says:
“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians: 4 v 8)
So instead of filling my mind with the negative things, I’m going to take time out each day to reflect on the positive and be thankful for the good things – by keeping a gratitude journal. Perhaps it’s something you could have a go at too? It doesn’t have to look beautiful or over-complicated – just a scrap of paper or a note on your phone would do. Whatever you choose, could you join me in writing just three things you are grateful for each day for the next 40 days…? Personally I’m a fan of bullet journaling and making things look pretty, so I’ll do it that way – as creativity is also a way I take care of my wellbeing.
However you choose to do it, it’s important that you do it in a way that you’re most comfortable with (and if you’re as forgetful as me, maybe set a reminder on your phone to make sure you take two minutes each day to fill your mind with good things!) Perhaps practising the art of gratitude will mean you’ll also find that seeing the good becomes easier… Even after Easter and the chocolate coma is over!”
This year, Lent starts on Wednesday 26th February (the day after Pancake Day!!) and ends on Thursday 9th April. If you choose to take up something creative that can boost your wellbeing like Kate, we’d encourage you to continue doing it even after Lent has finished, making it part of your daily, weekly or monthly routine.