Do you give up anything for Lent?
No judgement if you don’t, just wondered out of interest.
I think I have given up chocolate for Lent for the past ten years or so.
Wow a whole decade or more of dedicating myself to giving up something I LOVE for 40 days. Some would say that’s impressive, yet I would say it’s normal for me. And it’s something I mentally prepare for every year.
I actually used to give up both chocolate and coffee, but since entering the 30s club my caffeine intake has dropped significantly (due to health reasons too!). So I didn’t think it was fair to give this up as it’s not deemed a challenge in my eyes.
Whereas I eat chocolate in some capacity EVERY day, so going without it is extremely tough for me!
What can I say, the sweet tooth game is strong!
Why I give up chocolate for Lent…
I’m sharing the reasons why I give up chocolate for Lent, as no, I’m not religious. I do it for the reasons mentioned below.
1. I like a challenge
I’m someone who likes to test my willpower and resilience and giving up chocolate for 40 days definitely does that.
Chocolate is my first love in this world (just don’t tell my boyfriend hehe) and when I have that inkling for something sweet, nothing else satisfies that itch like chocolate does.
Trying not to snack on something chocolatey when that craving kicks in is a real challenge. And in doing so, it tests my willpower and resilience to not give into temptation, stay head strong and focus on the goal ahead.
I’m quite a driven person so I love the thrill of a challenge. And better yet, I love to do something that truly tests me and being able to see myself succeed at the end is empowering.
There’s no better feeling!
2. It increases my gratitude
Call it silly or a bit extreme, but going without chocolate definitely helps me to be more grateful in life. As I mentioned earlier, I literally have chocolate EVERY day in some capacity, so it’s something I’ve gotten used to.
And almost relied on!
In life when we get used to something (or even someone) we may be guilty of taking it or them for granted. It’s our comfort, we’re used to it and we don’t fully appreciate the gift that that person (or thing) is in our lives.
They do say that you never know what you have until you lose something, and this is a similar principle here. By going without something you truly love, or feel you NEED.
Honestly, when that first bit of chocolate hits after Lent, I instantly go mmmmm and I’m reminded of how much I missed that sweet and satisfying treat. And I also feel grateful to have it back – especially when time of the month comes a knocking!
If you know, then you know that eating your body weight in chocolate is essential when Aunt Flo makes a monthly visit.
3. It’s a reminder that ANYTHING is possible…
As long as you put your mind to it!
To me, it’s a reminder that you can survive without the things you think you need!
You will convince yourself that you CAN’T do something, as it feels easier to visualise failure than success. And if you’re anything like me, then your mind jumps to the negatives first.
So when you do succeed, you literally take yourself by surprise and think WOW I actually DID that. And when you get hunger for success, you will continually push yourself out of your comfort zone, doing the unthinkable to not only prove to others that you can do it, but most importantly to prove it to yourself!
Honestly, you’re capable of a LOT more than you think. You just need to test yourself and push to find those things that will shock you into success – I know you can do it!
All of these reasons tied up into one are beneficial to me, because it enables me to continually work on being the best version of myself that I can possibly be!
So these reasons hold more weight than just giving up chocolate because it’s the seen thing to do!
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