Why I Gave Up Giving Up...

So today marks the beginning of Lent, a period of time where, according to biblical text, for forty days and forty nights Jesus fasted as he crossed the desert and resisted the Devil's temptation. To honour this scripture it has become that of tradition that, during this time before Easter, we sacrifice something in our daily lives in order to appreciate just how much we have to be thankful for.

Now, although I was raised by a Catholic father, I have never been one for completely abiding by the rules (something that was entirely encouraged by my not-so-religious mother) and so that is why I gave up giving up. Instead, I decided to opt for the far more positive attitude of "taking-up" - almost like a New Year's resolution, only in February - and this year I have chosen to focus on MIND, BODY and SOUL.

MIND: I intend to read more. I say this every year but it truly is something that I want to attempt to do every day. It could be a chapter in one of the copious books I have begun and never finished, an interesting online article, or even just a few pages in a magazine rather than quickly flicking through the pictures and never getting round to ever opening it again.

BODY: I have been trying ever so hard on improving my health over the last six months. An unexpected diagnosis of PCOS left me feeling vulnerable and mistrusting of my body. Although I have come an awful long way in that short time (this blog would not have been started otherwise) I still wish to go much further and I plan to make small, weekly goals for myself in an attempt to maintain motivation.

SOUL: To make some frickin' time for myself. This is the one I struggle with the most as I constantly feel as if I could be doing more - more work, more exercise, more time with friends - but what about me? I need to remind myself that there is no harm in taking an hour out of my day to practice yoga, or go for a walk, or take a bath, or simply sit on the sofa and do naff all! If anything, this time to myself is more likely to be of benefit to me and my often-too-high stress levels so I should treat it as a priority.

And so, I invite you all to give up giving up for Lent and rather take up taking up. 

Ask yourself, what else is possible for you?