I Don't Know What to Give up for Lent...

My biggest vice is my Facebook addiction, so that is out the window for Lent. I am hoping to dedicate the time that I'd normally spend on Facebook doing constructive things around my home, so that when my children are awake I am focused more on them and less on the other things I need to accomplish. I am also planning on trying to do some spiritual readings regarding parenting/marriage, and to make at least a few good Confessions before Easter.

I try to think of something different too. I gave up speeding last year & this year. It's very hard to do and takes a little longer to get where I'm going, but that is why it works good for lent.
Good luck!

How about reading the Bible daily?

Maybe you might consider doing something for your community or church community, volunteer work, help in the nursery...or some how go out of your way each day to help someone else. It doesn't have to be a big feat, but you'll feel so good about yourself and you'll be helping someone else.

What a great question. Our priest challenged us to give thought to what in our lives was pulling us away from a life of love. It could be a selfish habit, a stingy habit, an angry habit, a habit of rushing without time for contemplation, not educating ourselves about God (reading the Bible or other religious books daily), etc. So I hope you find something that makes helps you grow closer to God and people.

What if you not so much give up something but add something that will take up maybe TV time or other "wasted" time. Maybe get involved in your church more or in your community, maybe a mission or local charity that could use your services during lent..

I am giving up talking, texting, looking at my phone while driving. I have limited my talking on the phone with my son in the car (unless it is my husband), but at stop lights I would check to see if there were texts or emails, etc. This is bad for so many reasons, and just telling myself not to do it didn't seem to be working, so I am doing it now. I didn't get off to a good start yesterday (although my son wasn't in the car), but I have told my husband what I am giving up. He said, "does that include me?" I told him that unless he calls over and over so that I know it is an emergency, I won't be answering for anyone. He is actually the main one I talk to while driving, but the safety of myself, my son, my unborn child, and those around me, isn't worth it. I need to charge of my unused hands free earphone for those emergencies, but I am trying for cold turkey right now.

Is there something that you know you need to change, and just need a little push to do so?

I think I'm going to limit my TV-watching. I'm not glued to the TV, but I really watch way more than I should. I think I'm going to pick and hour or hour-and-a-half each day that I can watch, and see if I can create a better pattern in my life. Good luck.

I know a lot of people who are genuinely giving-up things like Facebook because it has so completely taken over their lives.

I, personally, am giving up junk food. I developed a bad sweet tooth following chemo and need to get back to a healthier state. 2 days into it, and the worst thing I've snacked on was a rice cake.

Perhaps you could add something like a daily work-out, meditative session, personal journal entry.

I like all of the ideas with social implications. I was raised Catholic but attend Quaker meeting now, so I don't give up anything for Lent, but I have been trying to . . . improve myself, I guess. Again, it's hard to say without knowing you, but in the vein of complaining, you could also consider something like gossip or saying bad things about others. You could also commit to spending time each day doing something with your kid(s) that you don't usually or always find time to do like reading, art . . . I guess it would depend on how old your kids are. I really do like the tradition of Lent in any case. Maybe I'll have to get back to it. Thanks for posting the question!

this may seem odd to everyone else, but one year I gave up telling my bosses how to do their job. Take this lightly--there is obviously a backstory and much detail I can't expound on here- but essentially I was constantly sharing my opinion about everything under the sun. The moral of my story is that when I stopped worrying about things at work that were a) not in my control and b) not mine to worry about- I was actually happier and more productive at work. For me it went beyond just breaking a bad habit.
so, maybe there is another personality trait you would like to minimize (like when you worked on cussing) or a positive one you would like to concentrate on- such as complimenting someone everyday- especially someone you're not close to or fond of.
This year I gave up chocolate and coffee. Generic sounding but for me it is a vice.
BTW- I am not Catholic, but my husband is and our children are being raised Catholic. So, I participate but maybe not the same way as a true beliver. Maybe reading some literature about the lenten season will give you some inspiration.

I am trying to give up complaining. I figure it will be good for me and help me be more of a light positive influence on others. www.complaintfreeworld.com

Can you make mass? Do you grow any plants, if so, bring at least one a week to the nurse's off at the local hospital and ask them to give it to a patient that has no visitors, with a note saying the Blessed Mother Loves you. Or when you go to the grocery buy a sack of potatoes and bring it to the local St Vincent Society. God Bless

I don't know how active you are, but if you don't already go to daily mass, you could try adding that to your week.

I always think it is a good idea to say the Rosary....can't go wrong!

Good for you to seek out something away from the mundane or superficial! I have two suggestions: One young lady in our Youth Group, as a challenge from a Youth Conference gave up secular music for 30 days. She listened only to Christian Music or talk radio. She loved it and it said she felt changed in doing so. I know her goal was 30 days - but I think you could do that for Lent. You can check K-Love or Air 1 websites to find out if there is a station in your area. While I'm at work - I use the live feeds on my computer.
The other suggestion I have is read the bible daily or do a daily. You can go to http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/ and along the left side are links for daily scriptures and devotionals.
Good luck and God Bless...

How about adding something this year instead of giving something up? You could make the comittment to become a regular volunteer at a local service organization; volunteer with the Red Cross and work a Blood Drive once a month; work with a reading tutoring program once a week, etc. There are many ways to volunteer and give to others that do not take all of your free time. Service to others is what Christ was all about. Check out your local Hands On organization, Red Cross, Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Clubs or your local elementary school.

Good Luck and Happy Easter !!!

I have one friend who is giving up facebook and another who will only go on it on Friday's only, just so she doesn't get too far behind. Another says she will continue to go to service, but refuses to give up anything.

What about finding a few extra bucks every day of Lent (skip coffees out, buying lunches, etc), and making a nice donation to impact those suffering in Haiti?

One year I went to adoration once a week. Ideally, you would do this every day, but that was not possible for me. However, even once a week was very meaningful. If you have never done this, I would recommend it. Hope you have a wonderful Lent : )

I know I may be asking a lot, but how about really challenging yourself and giving up smoking? It would be SO good for you and the whole family...definitely a life-changing thing. I try to pick something that has a negative effect on my life. Good luck with whatever you choose!