Year of Kindness and Gratitude: Lent Challenge 40 Days of Giving
Ash Wednesday means Lent has arrived along with the question “what I am going to do for Lent.” People often give up something like candy or eating out so often. This year instead of thinking about what you want to give up, think about what you can give to others or yourself. Ask yourself, what do you want to have changed on Easter morning? What difference do you want to have made?
Instead of thinking about what you would give up, think about what you would give.
For example,
Give time to others, e.g. a loved one you don’t spend much quality time with a friend who may be struggling - find time to give to others.
Give your focus to the person in front of you: Be present, look them in the eye, use their name.
Give up a grudge. You know which one. Let it go and make amends.
Give a compliment, a smile, an ear to listen to someone, a shoulder to support someone.
Give thanks to others who gave up things for you.
Give gossip, complaining, whining, and gossip, a rest for 40 days or forever.
Give up your regrets. At the end of the day, take time to review the day. Are there words you wish you could take back or words you wish you had said? Is there someone you shut out of your life? Make amends.
Give up sad and depressive thoughts. Think of your life as a music soundtrack, what do you want that soundtrack to be, and listen to it.
Give these words to others: You were right...I’m sorry...I love you …You did a great job… Thank you… I am grateful for you.
Give up these words: You always...You never.
Give thanks to 40 people. Call, text or mail a thank you note to family, friends, teachers and neighbors who have impacted your life.
Give thanks for the life you have: The kids. The home. The dog that eats your shoes. The friends. The mess that is your life.
Give yourself 40 seconds every day to remember who you are in God’s sight. Remember God’s love for the imperfect you who will probably cheat and eat candy, drink a beer and maybe even say a cuss word during Lent.
Give yourself a break. No more beating yourself up over your weight, your choices. Forgive yourself.
For 40 days, ask yourself this:
What would someone who loved themselves do? Then go do it.
https://www.reginabrett.com/blog/40-days-to-give-lent-a-chance-to-change-your-life-forever?rq=lent