9 Things You Definitely Should NOT Give Up For Lent

Lent. It's a season of the Christian Year when we focus on simple living and fasting to grow closer to God. The beginning of the season is Ash Wednesday (this year it was Feb 18th) and lasts until Easter Sunday, April 5th. 40 days. During those 40 days Christians are supposed to fast from something that distracts them from God, and using that time they would have spent on watching reality tv, for example, to pray and read scripture.

Many people chose to give up sweets, but you can fast from just about anything: soda, junk food, bread, reality tv, social media, bubble baths, makeup, etc. Some of us are still trying to decide what to give up, and while there are several posts out there giving ideas on what to give up for Lent, I thought I'd take a different route and list some things you probably should NOT give up until Easter.

1. Deodorant.
For the sake of everyone around you, please, please do not give this up. I'm pretty sure you're fresh scent antiperspirant is not distracting you from God.

2. Cleaning your house.
Sure it's distracting from a lot of things, and none of us really like to clean, but you have to stay healthy and respect your body and it's environment or you'll have a whole new set of distractions to deal with.

3. Trivia Crack.
Especially if you play with me. Please don't give this up!! You are actually learning stuff when you play, or at least I am. So expand your knowledge and keep spinning that wheel!

4. Your Job.
Well.... I wish. But the bills still have to get paid somehow.

5. Blogging.
It does take a lot of time and energy to blog, but if you are blogging about things you are passionate about and it is helping a least ONE person, then you definitely don't need to give it up. Lent is also a time for service to others, so lets post all of our recipes and DIY posts now!

6. School.
Again, I wish. Education is important, so perhaps take small breaks from studying to pray for a moment, and if you can, choose a class that is religion based for that semester/session like I did with my History of Christianity class.

7. Coffee.
If you drink the stuff every single day, lets face it, you have an addiction to caffeine. I'm not saying that bad, cause I do too, but we all know what happens when you haven't had your coffee. It's not pretty. So lets say you give up the frilly flavored creamer or make your own at home instead of stopping at Starbucks. If you drink it black... well good for you. Just don't give it up!

8. Shaving.
Seriously ladies, this is NOT the same as No Shave November for the men. I know it's winter (for most of us anyways, glaring at you Californians and Floridians) but your husband/boyfriend is not gonna wanna tap that when your legs, armpits, and other various regions are hairier than his. Just saying. And for you single gals, you know what, do what you want. #nojudgement

9. Lets just go with Hygiene as a whole.
If I need to elaborate on this for you, please email me and we'll get you the help you need.


*EDIT 2-24-15*

I am adding an honorary number 10 because Emily from Ember Grey made a very valid point. You CANNOT give up Michael Bolton for Lent!

*END EDIT*


What are you giving up for Lent?