3 Lent

Yesterday was the celebration of Ash Wednesday, or the start of Lent. Often people celebrate Lent by giving up something. In the past, I've tried to give up Facebook but I couldn't. However, I went through a few months without checking Facebook two years ago.

This year, rather than giving up something I enjoy, I am going to work on my relationship with others and glorifying God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit through making goals for myself to follow this time of year. I find that devoting myself to bettering my world and the world of others is a great way to celebrate Lent and Jesus in general. I want to be like Him. He is my inspiration and someone I admire much, not only because I am a Christian but also as a global citizen.

I think the following goals or challenges I had in mind can apply to anyone, which is why I am sharing them.

1. Listen More. A lot of the time, as many of us do, I am listening to others but the moment I think of something I want to say, I automatically only think of that instead of listening intently to the other person. I really want to work on this communicating challenge because I am not the only person who likes to talk. Language is an incredible tool to share ideas and spread love to those around us. The best thing we can do for each other is learn to listen. I often want to be heard. And so do others.

2. Slow Down. I have been home sick with a mild case of bronchitis for the past few days. To tell you the truth, it has been one of the most calming times in my life because I am able to rest and reflect. I am able to bingewatch TV shows online, which has helped me to take care of myself, especially the humorous times. I usually am so busy I do not get to watch clouds outside my window. I've even been doing more meditation today. In the past 2 years, I have only called out three days, other than my two hospitalizations (3 weeks altogether). I can agree that I have needed this time to calm down and remember that I do not need to do all and be all. I can just be. I can enjoy being. I can enjoy living. Not that I did not enjoy being and living before but it's just been nice to sit and rest. I feel like my whole life has slowed down. I don't have to do this, this and that. I can take my time to feel better.

3. Think Before I Speak or Act. This is an ongoing struggle for me. I am working on my actions and reactions towards life events and different things I am going through, like the death of a friend. Each of us has gone through times where we wish we wouldn't have said this or that to someone else. Oops! Sometimes we need to slow down and think about what we do or say. We have to keep the other person in mind when we say certain things. It is not always easy but it is worth working on this goal.

I may not know everything about everything but I am working hard to make this a great season in my life. I want to make a lasting positive impact in the lives around me. I want to share God's love, kindness and understanding, the same things that He and so many others in my life have done for me. So before I go watch another episode of a TV show, I just wanted to say thanks for reading my blog. I am incredibly thankful for your time, encouragement and support, even if I may never meet you.