Things I'm giving up for the forty days of Lent.

[Connor B]

On Ash Wednesday, I'm going to undertake a forty-day challenge. I'm going to considerably cut back on my Internet usage, only using it for educational purposes. Unfortunately, that means that for these forty days, I will be absent from the Stephen King Message Board. On a more positive note, I can think of this as a physical and psychological vacation. With limited Internet consumption, I can focus on getting work done, as well as writing. I'm going to be attending the YMCA gym regularly during those forty days, working out for at least an hour. I'm not going to be eating pizza, candy, or any junk food. I will strictly be drinking water; no sodas for me. Hopefully, by the time I return here, I will have lost some weight, finished Dracula, completed at least a draft of research paper for my Human Growth and Development class, and have some writing done. In those forty days, I could churn out a load of shorts, maybe even an entire first draft of a novel.

This all sounds crazy, I know. But I never claimed to be a rational boy.

 

[Connor B]

This will be my theme song for those forty days. WARNING: Contains violence and disturbing imagery.

Spoiler

 

[Patricia A]

On Ash Wednesday, I'm going to undertake a forty-day challenge. I'm going to considerably cut back on my Internet usage, only using it for educational purposes. Unfortunately, that means that for these forty days, I will be absent from the Stephen King Message Board. On a more positive note, I can think of this as a physical and psychological vacation. With limited Internet consumption, I can focus on getting work done, as well as writing. I'm going to be attending the YMCA gym regularly during those forty days, working out for at least an hour. I'm not going to be eating pizza, candy, or any junk food. I will strictly be drinking water; no sodas for me. Hopefully, by the time I return here, I will have lost some weight, finished Dracula, completed at least a draft of research paper for my Human Growth and Development class, and have some writing done. In those forty days, I could churn out a load of shorts, maybe even an entire first draft of a novel.

This all sounds crazy, I know. But I never claimed to be a rational boy.

I think being rational is highly overrated. So I say go for it. I am not Catholic but I do lent... I'm not sure why, other than I think it's a good, character building practice. I'm giving up sweets this year. No sugar, with the exception of some healthy fresh fruit. Props to Papa Francisco btw. I love that man!
Thanks for letting us know that you're going to be gone for awhile, otherwise we might have worried.
But I leave you with this one thought. The SKMB is pretty educational, depending on what you want to learn.
I don't want to be a bad influence.

 

[Dana Jean]

Good luck Connor and stay the course!

 

[staropeace]

On Ash Wednesday, I'm going to undertake a forty-day challenge. I'm going to considerably cut back on my Internet usage, only using it for educational purposes. Unfortunately, that means that for these forty days, I will be absent from the Stephen King Message Board. On a more positive note, I can think of this as a physical and psychological vacation. With limited Internet consumption, I can focus on getting work done, as well as writing. I'm going to be attending the YMCA gym regularly during those forty days, working out for at least an hour. I'm not going to be eating pizza, candy, or any junk food. I will strictly be drinking water; no sodas for me. Hopefully, by the time I return here, I will have lost some weight, finished Dracula, completed at least a draft of research paper for my Human Growth and Development class, and have some writing done. In those forty days, I could churn out a load of shorts, maybe even an entire first draft of a novel.

This all sounds crazy, I know. But I never claimed to be a rational boy.

For some reason I read that you were going to cut back on your Internet Sausage. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. I gave up smoking for New Years. I am not denying myself anything else this year lol.

 

[HollyGolightly]

I can't believe it's nearly Ash Wednesday. Christmas was just yesterday! Ish.
Our priest suggests giving up things like: negativity, a grudge, being judgmental, things like that. I can really get behind those. I bad about being judgey sometimes; negative even. There's a grudge or 5 I should let go of.
Also, taking on good things during Lent is a good thing: pray daily, go to Stations of the Cross on Fridays, work a shift at the soup kitchen.
Patricia A somewhere on here once you mentioned to me that you loved Papa Francisco. I had it in my "quote these messages" forever,and then I forgot what I wanted to say. Anyhow, he is quite the Pope! Someone gave me a bobble head Pope for Christmas. He's on my desk at work.

Here's a funny:
Things I love about being Catholic: Popes! Popes! Popes!

Silly

Badass

Joyful​

 

[Spideyman]

Along the lines of what Holly posted-- doing something for Lent. Living more in the "now"-- letting go of worries and renewing faith in the Lord. He hears and knows. Starting each day with a "thank you" and a positive thought. Ending the day that way too! Small things, but often very difficult.
Giving up-- all processed foods- cook more, eat less. Exercise daily, if only a walk.

 

[HollyGolightly]

Along the lines of what Holly posted-- doing something for Lent. Living more in the "now"-- letting go of worries and renewing faith in the Lord. He hears and knows. Starting each day with a "thank you" and a positive thought. Ending the day that way too! Small things, but often very difficult.
Giving up-- all processed foods- cook more, eat less. Exercise daily, if only a walk.

I like that, spidey! I should give up worrying and have more faith that everything will be OK. Maybe things won't be the way I think they should be, but everything is providential. You're right - small steps, very difficult, but how life-changing would that be?!

 

[Spideyman]

I like that, spidey! I should give up worrying and have more faith that everything will be OK. Maybe things won't be the way I think they should be, but everything is providential. You're right - small steps, very difficult, but how life-changing would that be?!

It comes down to something I have been saying for years- Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change. I need to practice that more and Lent is the perfect time. Difficult, yes. But worth a good try.

 

[staropeace]

I can't believe it's nearly Ash Wednesday. Christmas was just yesterday! Ish.
Our priest suggests giving up things like: negativity, a grudge, being judgmental, things like that. I can really get behind those. I bad about being judgey sometimes; negative even. There's a grudge or 5 I should let go of.
Also, taking on good things during Lent is a good thing: pray daily, go to Stations of the Cross on Fridays, work a shift at the soup kitchen.
Patricia A somewhere on here once you mentioned to me that you loved Papa Francisco. I had it in my "quote these messages" forever,and then I forgot what I wanted to say. Anyhow, he is quite the Pope! Someone gave me a bobble head Pope for Christmas. He's on my desk at work.

Here's a funny:
Things I love about being Catholic: Popes! Popes! Popes!

Silly

Badass

Joyful​

Everybody should lift a ladle at the soup kitchens. Learn humility. Discover that there are amazing people who are on the street. Don't look past them but upon.

 

[HollyGolightly]

Everybody should lift a ladle at the soup kitchens. Learn humility. Discover that there are amazing people who are on the street. Don't look past them but upon.

Amen - those are the people Jesus would show up to your house with and expect you to feed. It's what we're meant to do: take care of each other. The least is the greatest.

 

[Lepplady]

On Ash Wednesday, I'm going to undertake a forty-day challenge. I'm going to considerably cut back on my Internet usage, only using it for educational purposes. Unfortunately, that means that for these forty days, I will be absent from the Stephen King Message Board. On a more positive note, I can think of this as a physical and psychological vacation. With limited Internet consumption, I can focus on getting work done, as well as writing. I'm going to be attending the YMCA gym regularly during those forty days, working out for at least an hour. I'm not going to be eating pizza, candy, or any junk food. I will strictly be drinking water; no sodas for me. Hopefully, by the time I return here, I will have lost some weight, finished Dracula, completed at least a draft of research paper for my Human Growth and Development class, and have some writing done. In those forty days, I could churn out a load of shorts, maybe even an entire first draft of a novel.

This all sounds crazy, I know. But I never claimed to be a rational boy.

Well, the point of Lent is to give up something that means a great deal to you, to recognize that Jesus gave up his life. So giving up the internet makes sense.
I usually give up something I eat or drink, like chocolate, meat, or coffee. Something I'll really miss.
I haven't decided what I'm giving up this year. I've got a limited menu as it is, so I'll have to choose carefully.

 

[Grandpa]

If I observed the forms and wanted to better myself, I'd give up political postings.

 

[skimom2]

Dang! IS it really almost Lent?! Goodies are already verboten under the dietary restrictions, and I'm not sure my family is willing to undergo Mom's No Coffee Life Challenge again (seriously. giving it up a couple of years ago was not pretty)... I need to give this some thought. I was (sort of) joking before, but there's no point if it doesn't stretch you as a person. Hm...

 

[morgan]

Everybody should lift a ladle at the soup kitchens. Learn humility. Discover that there are amazing people who are on the street. Don't look past them but upon.

Amen - those are the people Jesus would show up to your house with and expect you to feed. It's what we're meant to do: take care of each other. The least is the greatest.

Matthew 25:40
"...Verily I say unto you, Since you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me."

 

[Jules3155]

I'm giving up Catholicism.

 

[Neesy]

On Ash Wednesday, I'm going to undertake a forty-day challenge. I'm going to considerably cut back on my Internet usage, only using it for educational purposes. Unfortunately, that means that for these forty days, I will be absent from the Stephen King Message Board. On a more positive note, I can think of this as a physical and psychological vacation. With limited Internet consumption, I can focus on getting work done, as well as writing. I'm going to be attending the YMCA gym regularly during those forty days, working out for at least an hour. I'm not going to be eating pizza, candy, or any junk food. I will strictly be drinking water; no sodas for me. Hopefully, by the time I return here, I will have lost some weight, finished Dracula, completed at least a draft of research paper for my Human Growth and Development class, and have some writing done. In those forty days, I could churn out a load of shorts, maybe even an entire first draft of a novel.

This all sounds crazy, I know. But I never claimed to be a rational boy.

Whaaaaat? The SKMB is NOT educational? Oh dear - who knew?

Good luck with the giving up the junk food and going to the gym - those sound like excellent ideas!

 

[Lockdain]

Connor B , i look on you with an admiring envy! My beginnings usually stops on a second week, i should make more efforts.

 

[arista]

I think it is a wonderful idea to give up something for Lent. However, if you do choose to give up something...Please oh Please do not be a like a coworker and talk about constantly gets old really fast.

 

[Sigmund]

Have mercy! Lent, already? (Ash Wednesday is next Wednesday!)
(Mardi Gras, fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday.)

And people who don't know advise you you have *something* on your forehead.



Peace.