As the streets of New Orleans grow quiet, and Ash Wednesday sinks in and the promise of Lent grows, it's always a time of reflection for me. In the past, I have been guilty of setting the bar too high for myself and not following through. It isn't fun to admit but it's true!
Over time, as I have grown and evolved, I have realized that big changes can be made up of a bunch of small decisions and actions. Whether that be a weight loss goal, graduating from college, commuting to work, reading a book, fulfilling your Lenten promises, all of these things and more can be broken down into many tiny steps and choices that helped you succeed.
For example with graduating from college, overall you achieved your goal, but there were so many tiny movements that helped you pass. Studying for tests, acing group projects, befriending classmates, and the list goes on and on. The little gestures and practices you did day to day got you to your graduation date.
A few years ago, I decided to shift that form of thinking to my goals and promises for Lent as well. I have integrated my longterm goals with my intentions for Lent. The past few years I limit or give something up as well as focus on my future self by incorporating long term goals.
Something you could give up might not even come to mind right away but I know my aunt gives up chocolate every year because she loves it. My friend Lauren usually gives up Instagram every year. Both of these are great examples of something that's a pretty big sacrifice for them! These things may seem big or small to you, but I know to them that how they feel their best way to honor the season. I personally, love chicken fingers, like I have a problem. And I know that if I give them up for Lent, that will be a sacrifice but also help my future self in conjunction with the goals I am setting for this Lenten season.
This year, I'm getting back into the swing of Weight Watchers. If you've been following my blogging journey this last year, I started it up in June and saw great results! But I fell off the bandwagon around Thanksgiving and haven't really been as committed since.
Since losing my job in January, I have been feeling kind of lost and out of a routine. This in turn has made my diet and exercise suffer. Which makes me feel down and doesn't help in the self-confidence department. The cycle spirals from there.
I am going to focus on utilizing Weight Watchers, fitness and more healthy sleep patterns to help my overall well-being. WW will limit what I intake and I have integrated my long term goals. I am also going to continue on focus in the job market and hoping for the best in regards to securing a job. While also giving up chicken fingers. Which might seem juvenile, but that's a sacrifice for me!
Whatever you do this year, do to better yourself. Everyone has different goals, dreams, and cravings. Whether you love chocolate or you spend too much time on your phone, practice with intent this season. Make a goal that will develop you as a person these next forty days and beyond.
