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!
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.
ReplyDeleteYou 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?