Ah, Gentle Readers, the start of Mardi Gras. A day known as Fat Tuesday, where parties and feasting abound. Where you are to indulge in all of the decadence you can handle. The last hurrah before the start of Lent, in Christian faith at least. While you may or may not proscribe to the ideas of Lent and giving something up, you can still use this time as a period of growth and development.

I remember in school we used to do silly things like give up chewing gum for Lent. A few couples I knew gave up kissing to see if their relationship could survive without that act of intimacy. I don’t recall specifically if they made it or not. Usually within a week we forgot about the whole thing and life went back to normal. Well, normal for teenagers in the mid to late 90s.

The act of forgoing something you enjoy for the sake of Lent always struck me as odd growing up. In my more limited world view at the time I heard the “Well you will appreciate it more the rest of the year” that goes with this. However, giving up something as silly as candy or chewing gum, doesn’t really bring about any personal growth. I think it would be more effective to do something positive. Like, commit to working out in some way every day to promote better health. Volunteering at least once a week at a nursing home or homeless shelter or animal shelter. Read more to expand your mind. These don’t have to be college textbooks filled with something you will never use. Pick up a joke book, or a cookbook, and broaden yourself in some small way.

As for me, I am going to make a nice drink and enjoy being with my family this evening. Then tomorrow, get back to working on my goals for the year. Have a great day my Gentle Readers. Until next time.