I think we all know which one of the two will be easier for me. And, no, you are not being pranked.
For most of my adult life, I've made my annual decision about what to give up for Lent rather quickly. That process has occasionally left me kicking myself, like it did the year I gave up chocolate, beer, and red meat. I know that seems like there may have been some health considerations there, but it really was a game time — Ash Wednesday morning — decision.
These past couple of years, I've put some thought into it and didn't really come up with anything inspired.
I've brought back the quick thought process this year. One day last week I texted a friend, "I think I'll give up booze for Lent," and that was that.
I occasionally like to do things like Sober October. The last time I did that was in 2023, which I wrote about here and here. I wasn't dumb enough to tempt fate and do Sober October during an election year, so I'm a bit overdue for a scheduled liver rehabilitation. Dry January was never an option, because I truly believe that to be the Devil's work. No month on the calendar screams for the sweet release of alcohol like January. I've often contemplated not sobering up enough to get a New Year's Eve hangover until Groundhog Day.
Sundays are days of celebration in the Church and not considered days of Lenten penance and fasting. We're technically allowed to indulge in whatever we gave up. Sundays are my Mondays, however, so my liver should get a proper rest.
I also like to do something positive for Lent and have put together a good spiritual reading list. Yes, Protestants, it includes Bible study.
Honestly, I'm looking forward to this. I am in need of a focused Lent, and a brief bout of sobriety will help quite nicely. I'm only joking about struggling to be nice while not frequenting any of the 10 tap rooms that are within 1.5 miles of my house, but I think I can pull it off. I don't know if I've mentioned this recently, but work has been a lot of fun since January 20.
OK, I'm off to load up on electrolyte replacement powder for Easter weekend.
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