Today makes the second Sunday in the Christian season of Lent, which traditionally means that for six weeks, Christians of various denominations (mostly Catholic, Episcopalian, and Methodist) opt to either give up something or take on something new. The original idea behind it is to somewhat emulate the suffering of the Hebrews as they wandered the desert for 40 years as well as Jesus’ suffering when he wandered the desert for 40 days with Satan’s temptation. Obviously nothing we can give up or take on will make us experience anything as horrific as being trapped in a desert with little food or water, but the sentiment is there. I’ve always taken it as something we should do to challenge ourselves and possibly become a better person in the end.
I’ve given up chocolate and alcohol a few times, and sometimes I was successful and other times a was a complete failure. One year I vowed to stop making fun of my boyfriend (is anyone shocked that that relationship didn’t turn out well?), and a few times I’ve vowed to to take on new chores or really and truly do my chores on a regular, consistent basis.
This year I thought about giving up wine or chocolate, but I’ve done those before. And contrary to what people think about me, it really isn’t hard for me to give up alcohol. So this year I decided to give up one of my biggest vices that has plagued me over the last couple of years: shopping.
I have this huge collector’s mentality about me, and I get excited about little trinkets and doo-dads way more than I should. I also like buying new boots, hoodies, and general clothes. The main problem is that I don’t have much of conscience about it when funds are low. That’s what credit cards are for, right?
Considering this last year has been a bit more difficult on me financially after separating from a somewhat guaranteed paycheck with Content Solutions to run my own business, I have to cut the shopping tendencies. I have to delete those email alerts from Teefury, ThinkGeek, and everyone else who wants my money. I need to avoid Best Buy and other gadget-junkie places. I can’t buy any video game that isn’t for work purposes, books, comics, you get the idea.
My hope is that 1) I’ll be able to shave down my stupid bills, 2) I’ll start thinking about whether I really want something or if it’s my compulsion talking, and 3) I’ll realize how much I don’t “need” any of this stuff.
One this second Sunday in Lent, it’s been a week-and-a-half since the start of the season on Ash Wednesday, and I’m keeping strong. Just about five more weeks to go!
(I’m so happy I don’t have a convention to go during this time, I have to admit; I’m not sure I could remain strong in that face of temptation!)
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