Lenten Promises

Hello Sunshines!

As most of you know, I am Catholic and love expressing it to everyone openly. One major event we practice is Lent, a 40 day reflection on Jesus's journey to crucifixion and resurrection. During this time we fast, give back (almsgiving), and prayer.

In light of all of this, I wanted to write a post on everything I plan on doing over lent and will plan on taking with me after lent. Enjoy Sunshines!

Fasting:

1. Desserts and Sweets: I always find myself eating sweets way too much and way too often when I get stressed. It got to the point where I relied on it. So that's a major reason why I gave it up, I can't rely on something like that.

2. Hot showers: So, taking hot showers has become a very "necessary" thing in my life to where I cared too much about hot water. I gave it up! Only luke-warm or cold water for me.

3. I'm doing a refined version of my Spiritual Cleanse where I become more mindful of what I watch, listen to, and exposure to social media. Basically this means I limit my exposure and remove myself if I feel unhappy. (I deleted several apps too.)

Almsgiving:

1. I received a little "Rice Bowl" donation box for CRS (Catholic Relief Services) that I plan on donating $1 a day and then on the final day I will donate a larger sum.

2. I always donate $1 at every mass to benefit the church and charities they collect for in the giving baskets. With every dollar this lent, I will say a prayer for each one to benefit something particular in the church.

Prayer:

1. Podcasts: I have my friend to thank for getting me into podcasts (you know who you are). I will listen to one Catholic podcast episode a day.

2. Daily Devotion Book: My best friend gave me a wonderful book with a daily devotion that I haven't been terribly consistent on lately. So I will be pushing myself to be consistent every day this lent.

3. Little Prayers: I never really said prayers throughout the day, but I've been told how they help keep your nerves down and allow you to develop a healthy relationship with God. So this Lent I'm going to start (3 days in and I love it).

That's all I have Sunshines! I will do a follow-up/experience post at the end of Lent!

xoxo Sunshines!