Today is Valentine’s Day! Honestly, Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays, but this year it’s definitely different for me. So, one of my soft spots are sweets. I love them so much and I actually can get quite addicted to them. However, even though I love chocolates and ice cream, Valentine’s Day falls on Ash Wednesday this year!
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So, what’s Ash Wednesday? Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent, which is for six weeks. Typically people commit to fasting and giving up luxuries to replicate the 40 days that Jesus was in the desert. I think Lent is seen as a predominantly Catholic holiday, but I know some Lutheran and Methodist churches also celebrate. However, I am neither of those.
I started participating in Lent when I was in high school, but I never really fully committed to it. I’ve committed to it a couple of times when I was in college, and I also did it last year. I’m not sure why my family started doing it, but the church that we used to go to when I was little participated. I don’t really go to church now, but I do consider myself a spiritual person.
So, why am I participating in Lent this year? Well, it’s been a difficult year for me and after dealing with some hardships, I do want to give back. This year, I see Lent as a way of giving thanks. Almost always my family gives up sweets for Lent for the six weeks because we all really enjoy them. It’s super hard, but I do feel accomplished. I do want to eat clean as well during this period. You would think being a vegetarian that I wouldn’t have problems with this, but I do love my french fries and potato chips!
Related: It Doesn’t Feel Like It’s Been A Year
Now, I’ve done the sugar thing before. In fact, from August 2017 to October 2017 I didn’t have any sugar. Since then, my sugar consumption has picked up mostly because of the holidays. I’m not going to lie, but I was pretty bumbed that Ash Wednesday was on the same day of Valentine’s Day, but don’t worry, I got my chocolates in before then.
So, what am I doing for Valentine’s Day? Well, I’m a single lady and I haven’t been shy at all about still loving Valentine’s Day. However, I will be working on a couple of projects, I have a doctor’s appointment, I would like to do some stretches today, and I want to go to the gym. I’m actually really excited for the gym because I can guarantee not a lot of people will be there.
I really just want to take this time to get back on track and find myself again. So, happy Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday to those who celebrate!
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