I have never done Lent. Not because of any aversion to weird and wonderful self deprivation rituals (okay, maybe a little aversion), but mostly because, well, I don’t know. I never felt like it, I guess. Isn’t that the reason we don’t do many things- like become lawyers, or wash the dishes before they become caked in a concrete layer of cheerios?
But this year, I have decided to mark this annual Catholic sacrifice fest. No, I will not fast in the desert for forty days (although if it means that I could escape winter…) nor will I attempt any meaningful conversation with a burning bush. And yes, I have ulterior motives. I recently read that it takes 21 days to break a habit. That after 21 days of doing something regularly, it becomes actually harder to engage in the habit rather than do it. So I am resolved to try out this theory. And as this little tidbit of info came to me just in time for Lent, I thought I would dress up this resolve in a nice religion coated frilly dress and bow.
Of course, Lent is 46 days not 21. But this also appeals to my Catholic raised self. If it takes 21 days to break a habit, I should probably double that time and add 4 just to be on the safe side.
So the resolve: I hereby declare the holy sacrifice of my night time snack. This will help me resist Satan, I am sure of it. No longer will I engage in rice cakes, almond butter and bananas late at night. I will resist the siren call of the chocolate chips and raisins.
Let Lent 2009 begin!
Lina Branter 
okay. You’re going to have to explain this one to me in person when I make my grand return to Montreal. I don’t understand how you were raised by a Catholic mom and you have NEVER had to participate in Lent? Does this also mean you somehow got to escape the Ash Wednesday ashes on the forehead thing? I am officially confused.
I remember the subject being bandied about, however I recall no concrete action. And yes, we did go to church every Sunday and yes, we did get the ash thumbed to our forehead. But Lent? Nah.Why? Did your family engage in the fast?
I am so coming over bearing gifts of rice cakes and bananas.I am satan’s little helper, shinguen.
well, no. dad wasn’t catholic so there was a whole whack of problems there. I think mom always encouraged us to give up something, but I had a hard time wrapping my head around the notion of giving something up and how that would help me be a better jesus lover and I think I just asked too many questions in general. I’m very good at exasperating my mother with my “logic”.