Rumor Has It + A Lenten Journey

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Whether you know me in real life or follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you probably know that I am Catholic.  Or, maybe all of the Pope Frankie shout outs tipped you off.  Throughout my life I have really struggled with Lent.  I have tried giving up candy, coffee, tv, etc.  I almost always fail.  The years I have added something to my life have proven to be significantly more effective and rewarding.

Well, this year I am going to try and give something up.  And I already know it is going to be a challenge.  Which is why I am sharing it on the blog.  In hopes that those in my life will hold me accountable.


I am giving up GOSSIP!!

That means no celebrity gossip!  No real life gossip!  No mean spirited or unkind conversation.
While I am ashamed to admit I partake in all of the above, I do.  It is a truth of who I am.  
Good. Bad. Ugly.

Celebrity Gossip

I will be deleting some of my favorite celebrity focused applications on my phone.  
I will also be unfollowing a few Twitter accounts.   
I cannot read any tabloids.
 I can't talk about celebrities.
Not even about the fashion.
The really cute, darling babies that I don't know?
Nope, can't chat about that either.
I can discuss a film. I can discuss the art.  Can't discuss the beings behind the characters.  

Real Life Gossip

I can't have conversations about people who aren't actually in my life.
If I haven't spoken to a person in years, I probably shouldn't be discussing them with other people.
I can still share kind, thoughtful stories about a person.
Hopefully, it will inspire me to call them up and say hello.
If I am sharing information about one person to another person, it needs to be thoughtful and well intentioned.
Rule of thumb: if I wouldn't say it to their face, I shouldn't say it to anyone else.
If I feel like other people around me are gossiping I need to step out of the conversation.
Can I still discuss world events?  Sure thing.
Can I make snarky comments about the world leaders?  Nope!
Am I allowed to have gossipy thoughts?  While I can't control this, I hope the count will reduce dramatically come Easter.  



I hope this will make me a more thoughtful, kind, and, sincere person.  
I am hopeful this will make me a better friend, help clean out the clutter, and, stick with me long term.
I am hopeful this will let me let go of a few things.

What will you be doing for Lent?  Do you prefer to add or remove something from your life?  I would love to hear your thoughts!


1 comment:

  1. I hope your Lenten Journey will prove successful for you! I struggle with finding that one thing to add or remove in my life for 40 days and always come up a bit shy of even making the goal a reality. I always tell myself I will try an go to church more often, however, I have become a CEO (Christmas and Easter Only). My mother is not exactly thrilled, yet at least I go to make her holidays even more joyous.
    You are taking on quite a feat and I wish you all the luck. At the school one of the 8 keys of excellence that we try and teach our students is to "Speak with Good Purpose". I have tried this myself and often times fail, however, I have become more acutely aware of when I do it rather than in the past where it was just natural. :)
    Good Luck! Happy Lent! Did you go get your ashes?

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