The question, “what are you giving up for Lent?” has been asked countless times on the hilltop this month. The common answers include soda, fried foods and candy. These are all fine options to give up for Lent, considering for some giving up candy is like rejecting happiness; but maybe we could go about the Lent season in a different way. Instead of abstaining from unhealthy foods and drinks, take advantage of the season and focus on aspects of yourself you want to improve. You could conclude the Lent season with feelings of happiness and pride after achieving your self-improvement goals.
One idea is to give up negative thoughts. I know it is impossible to completely rid yourself of pessimistic thoughts because self-doubt and negativity are practically embedded in our human nature; however, it is possible to counteract those thoughts with positivity and encouragement. For example, say you have two huge exams next week that you’re dreading because you don’t feel comfortable with the material. You could either allow your negative thoughts to convince you that you will never understand the material, OR you could think positively and tell yourself to breathe. Make appointments with your professors or tutors, form study groups with classmates, or bury yourself in your books all week: give yourself a chance to learn the material.
Simply put, be kind to yourself. Don’t let negativity drag you down. If you tell yourself you’re not good enough, you’ll end up losing in the end because you’ll never realize your full potential. So think positively, and ignore the negative words of others.
Another idea is to be kind to others. In other words, don’t be so impatient and selfish. I’m sure there are days when you are stressed out and the simple action of someone breathing the wrong way could annoy you, but be patient. Everyone is stressed, and everyone has their own plate of struggles. If you are kind to people, you will make their day a lot easier, and maybe you’ll influence them to be kind to others. So commit one kind act each day this Lent season. It could be as simple as holding the door open for someone or paying for a person’s coffee. A kind, unexpected gesture goes a long way.
Maybe there are other aspects of yourself you wish to change. You could improve your communication skills. You might find yourself talking a lot, so in that case, try listening. Or maybe you feel you need to speak up, so speak. You could work on your patience level, your work ethic, or your hesitance to try new things. Maybe you simply need to stop skipping classes. Whatever it is you want to change about yourself, you can dedicate the rest of the Lent season to that goal.
So I challenge you to take advantage of the Lent season and focus on self-improvement. These changes could form new habits, allowing you to become a happier person. If you’re happy, you’ll help other people be happy.