According to the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights while enduring Satan’s temptations.
Without being religious, I think Lent is the perfect amount of time to reflect on and sacrifice what you think is toxic, sinful or disruptive to your day-to-day lifestyle.
Ash Wednesday marked 63 days since I’ve had a cigarette — and giving up smoking is the hardest thing I’ve done in my life.
For around seven years, I toed the line between ‘social’ and ‘antisocial’ smoker, not knowing the extent of my addiction.
I thought it was a release; something to do with my hands and mouth to pass the time; and it looked cool.
Now I’ve given up, I can confidently say I’ve flirted with temptations and come out on top.
My mission to properly give up ciggies started on Boxing Day last year; I'd had too much sparkling red with my Christmas pavlova and, combined with a cigarette afterwards, I felt crook and was found vomiting in my aunt and uncle’s house.
I got sent home.
At my own family's Christmas.
Even though the alcohol was probably more to blame than the cigarettes in this situation, the sheer embarrassment of lowering my colours in front of my family formed a strong association between cigarettes and letting my family down.
Quitting ciggies is branded permanently in my mind, but I think it’s also fun to try sacrificing other things for month-long phases and seeing the benefits.
In January, I went alcohol-free; this month, I’ve avoided major fast-food outlets.Next month I’m going gluten-free, and I have plans to trial a vegetarian and vegan diet for a month each later this year.
So for one month (or, in the case of Lent, a little longer) I encourage anyone to try to give something up they could (or should) go without. Sacrificing something for a small — yet achievable — time period tests your willpower to see out a commitment.
And you might notice amazing lifestyle changes.
From ditching the darts, I cease to cough every five minutes, my lung capacity has improved, and I have more energy. I’ve also saved $250, which could easily equate to a month of groceries.
So have a go against your status quo; give something up.
You might surprise yourself.
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