Content Warning: Christianity, Lent, faith
Hello folks! It’s been a little while – the usual things got in the way again, you know, like work, toddler, housing issues…
So we’ve blasted through the first two months of the year, haven’t we? January went so fast I barely blinked and I’d missed it, then February and my birthday happened, and tomorrow is Shrove Tuesday (or Pancake Day) which means Wednesday is the start of Lent! Which is an exciting time for me as a (relatively) new Christian.
I’ve never really done Lent properly (that I remember), despite attending a Catholic primary school, but since I’m a year into finding my feet in faith I figured this would be the perfect time to challenge myself and strengthen my relationship with God. So this year I am giving up social media. That means no Facebook, no Twitter, no Instagram for 40 days and 40 nights. I don’t like the idea of giving up food or drink (messing with those is a sure fire way to relapse into unhealthy thought patterns) and quite frankly, I am addicted to my phone and I need to give my head a wobble and break out of the habit of picking up my phone every 3 seconds, checking FB, putting it down, then picking it back up!
I’m going to be downloading an app called AppBlock which can block selected apps for periods of time you choose to help me. You can even set a password to prevent you from uninstalling the AppBlock, which is something I’m going to get Daryl to do to help me.
I plan to use my time more wisely – I want to really get into studying my Bible (if you want to do this with me, let me know!!) I want to pray morning and evening (which is something I try to do daily, but sometimes I lapse), and I want to be more present when I’m with my friends and family instead of having my head stuck in my phone!
Another thing I would like to focus on during Lent is random acts of kindness. I’m always seeing Jesus in the little things – someone giving money to a homeless person, passing on bus tickets to people when you’ve finished using it – and I want to add my own little moments of joy to other people’s days if I can. There’s a lovely verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:
11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
I already try to be kind in a world that is often the total opposite, so I’m going to keep pushing those good vibes as much as I can. I’m excited to see how I get on! And in the meantime, how about some pancakes?
Are you giving up anything for Lent this year? Let me know in the comments!
Sundresses Sarah 
Even though I am an atheist, I can understand and respect others for their beliefs. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn’t Lent practiced by Catholics only? Anyway, I see it as a religious way to get rid of toxicity in your life; which is a good thing. Sarah, I only hope that after 40 days you return to social media, but in a way that benefits you. I mostly enjoy your family related posts. It has been a joy to see you, Daryl, and your precious little one grow the way you have been. Of course, as a man, I enjoy your ‘other’ posts, but I won’t miss them as much as your family posts. It will be a long 40 days to see if you return. I wish you all the best. Anything you decide is going to be the best for you. So, we will all wait to see what happens! Hugs to you and your little family. Please take care…
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Catholics and some Protestant denominations! I’m hoping I’ll be able to have a healthy balance of life and social media, where I don’t just scroll endlessly. I will miss your lovely comments too x
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I hope your tech rest brings peace to your soul. I will miss the photos of your loving family, delicious meals and other general shenanigans- concert going!
The random acts of kindness will warm the cockles of your heart, they do mine. After Leonardo last week I needed to use the ‘facilities’ on Bolton bus station. Found my 20p, and there was a man there, reading the sign very closely and checking his wallet, obvs no 20p, so I just gave him one of my several, he looked surprised, but relieved, no pun intended. He thanked me profusely. I was just glad to help him.
So enjoy your lent, you’ll have time to watch birds, enjoy your garden, play with Violet etc xx
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It’s such a nice feeling being able to do good! Even just little things. I’m looking forward to the break to be honest. I can still send you photos on WhatsApp though! Xx
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Whilst I do not observe lent, I can understand the benefit of having 40 days of restriction and self-reflection. Studies have shown that it takes around 30 days to break a habit, so it’s a perfect opportunity to be healthier! Best of luck!
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Yes I’m hoping to be a lot less reliant on my phone by the end of Lent! Thanks for the encouragement x
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I also went to a Catholic school and Lent was always really difficult for me as I usually tried to give up chocolate and failed a few days in! Reducing time spent on apps to reflect on something so important to you is a great way to spend Lent though best of luck with it!
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Giving up chocolate is really hard!! I couldn’t do it now. Feeling more positive about Lent on the whole now I’m older, and looking forward to a tech break! Thank you x
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