40 in 40

It’s that time of year again!

I don’t know exactly how it snuck up on me but here it is Fat Tuesday and I’m realizing Lent begins tomorrow.

I know not everyone practices Lent but I love the idea of “preparing”… much like we do in the season of advent. For many people Lent is about restrictions or giving up something they love in order to show their devotion to God. That’s not really my gig… but hey, you do you.

For the last several years I’ve written a letter of gratitude every day for the forty days of Lent. I can’t even begin to tell you what that has been like for me. It almost feels “un-lenten” because it gives me so much joy.  It’s taken my gratitude practice to an entirely different level.

In addition to writing my Lenten Letters I also do a 40 bags in 40 days challenge. Yep, every day for forty days (well, mostly anyway) I go through a drawer, a closet, a shelf and clear away some clutter. This year I’m really going to hit the dreaded basement area of my home (wish me luck!)

There is much to be said for doing something of this nature for forty days. I just finished doing a journaling challenge with a group of almost 50 women who dug in and tried out this practice. If you were one of those brave souls perhaps you want to continue to journal and turn it into a  daily rather than weekly practice. Maybe you want to join me in the 40 bags challenge or maybe there’s something else nudging at you. I want to encourage you to lean in and listen closely to what might be whispering to you.

Some people use Lent to motivate themselves to give up a bad habit or improve an area of their life that isn’t working well. The trick to this or to trying anything new or challenging is this: don’t be a perfectionist about it. The reason most people give up is because they put unrealistic expectations on themselves. If I tell myself “I HAVE to write a letter every day or else” it feels like a noose around my neck. If I tell myself I GET to write a letter that is going to go in the mail and quite possibly make someone happy- that sort of changes my motivation. Be realistic and as always be kind to your sweet self!

If you are trying to add something good (journaling or a gratitude habit) or subtract something that is hurting you (clutter or negative thinking) and need a little help- raise your hand! (click here to chat with me)  If you just want to tell me that you are in it with me- let me know that too. I love hearing from you! One of the best parts of my job is supporting people who are trying to make changes to make their lives better. 

If you follow me on facebook and instagram I’ll be posting my progress… feel free to play along!

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