Goodbye Sweets

For those of you who are practicing Catholics, today marks the first day of the Lenten season. It also marks the start to the period where many give up their favorite food, habit or vice for the next forty days. In past experience, this has started out well. The goals are set, and the pantry is raided of all sweets, unhealthy food and post-its are left around the home and workplace with friendly reminders. “No Soda” or perhaps “No Smoking” notes of inspiration are found scattered with exclamation marks and enthusiastic smiley faces. The best of intentions are set out early on, but for some this can be a real testament to boundaries more than that of faith. Take for example a coworker I had a few years back who gave up caffeine. Keep in mind this is a person who seemed to shoot lasers through you if your morning greeting did not include a nice hot cup of java. The Lenten season started out smoothly, with talks of switching to hot tea and making long-term, health conscious life changes. Then, somewhat like Jekyll and Hyde things took a sudden and rather unfortunate turn for the worst. Like any addict, there were warning signs. It started with the late arrival for work. Then throw in the haggard appearance and the inability to focus on things that once seemed to derive such joy and excitement. While this downhill spiral only occurred on day five, it is a truth that this season can be hard for both the devout and inactive religious follower. Personally, I am giving up deserts. That means cookies and candies including my personal favorite: dark chocolate. I will clarify that my daily morning snack of Greek yogurt, blueberries and almonds does NOT fall into this category. Balancing personal goals with the ability to keep close friends around could be challenging but is by no means impossible. Good luck everyone- I hope to hear back from you in forty.