Why I’m Not Giving Anything Up for Lent :: Instead, I’m Giving More of Myself

Why I’m Not Giving Anything Up for Lent :: Instead, I’m Giving More of Myself

Every year after the fun of Mardi Gras, Lent comes upon us. Growing up religious, we were encouraged to sacrifice, or give up something we love, for Lent. I’ve done it all. From chocolate to social media to sushi to wine. It’s a long 40 days, but if Christ sacrificed himself for me, the little I can do is sacrifice something I love for 40 days.

The older I’ve gotten, the more aware I have become about myself and my faith. I’ve decided that instead of sacrificing something, that honestly most of us have not always succeeded to do for 40 days, I try harder to give more of myself. Obviously, we all try to be “good people,” but I mean that in these 40 days, I work on specific ways to spread happiness and kindness. Moms are already stretched very thin, so “giving” of ourselves happens pretty much all day, every day of the year. So, if some of you are eye rolling me, I totally get it! I just feel like I make a more conscious effort during Lent. Below are two ways to give more of yourself and spread kindness.

stressed mom at laptop

Pay for the Coffee of the Person Behind You

This is an easy, often mentioned way to give more during Lent. You don’t know what other people are going through. Sometimes you are in line fore coffee just because you need the extra caffeine for the day. Sometimes you are having a difficult day and want the comfort of your favorite coffee. Either way, no one knows the exact story of the person behind you in line at the coffee shop. It is a wonderful act of random kindness to pay the bill for the person after you.

Be Kind

Practice Patience

This is the one I pride myself in trying hard to do. We all try to be patient with all that life throws at us. During Lent, we should try to exercise more patience than usual. This is a hard one. We all get our buttons pushed. A side comment. A criticism. Getting cut off in traffic. We react or get defensive. We are human; however, during Lent, try not to react or show frustration. Everyone is going through a tough time. I think to myself “what if this person is saying this because they are hurting.” Yes, they may just be evil, but I won’t let it get to me. I am a stronger person. I try to just listen to the comment and walk away. Let the angry driver cut me off and not yell in reaction to it.

For me personally, once I try these during Lent, I am able to practice these tactics over the year. Everyone is fighting their demons but I feel my job is to make life happier for myself and everyone around me.

there is power in kindness

Kristina Robertson
Kristina is originally from Miami, Florida but calls New Orleans home for the last 8 years. She got her undergraduate degree from the University of Miami and her Podiatric Medical Degree from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. Kristina and her husband moved to New Orleans to lay some roots in the Big Easy. She is currently co-owner and practitioner at NOLA Sole Podiatry. She has a lovable and amazing daughter, Victoria Isabel. In her downtime, she loves being out and about with her husband and daughter. They love trying new restaurants and going to festivals. We love exploring different cultures and cultural events here in New Orleans and loves exposing her daughter to them. She also loves going to parks with her family and furbabies. Kristina loves supporting dog rescues and wishes she could rescue all the adoptable dogs in NOLA but will settle for 2 right now.

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