Giving Up Lent For Lent

I realize I'm not a religious person. I fall squarely in the category of agnostic. I used to consider myself an atheist, but I realized that atheism is just as logically flawed as any religion. There's a leap of faith involved in atheism too.

Anyway. I realized a lot of my friends are giving up things for Lent. I understand the origin of the practice, but I have to say that it really bugs me. I feel like if you think there's something you need to stop doing for 40 days, or something you need to stop doing completely, that you should just do it. Connecting it to a holy day seems to cheapen the commitment to stopping smoking or refraining from chocolate or not wearing white after Labor Day or whatever the hell you're doing. It's like a mental out. I really like frappucinos, but I have to stop drinking them for 40 days because Jesus wandered the desert for 40 days without food and drink while the Devil temped him with the possibilities of earthly delights.

If you really think something you're doing is that damaging to you or that you could improve your life by doing something for 40 days, I have news for you: it's gonna keep fucking you up after those 40 days are over. Or you should keep doing that thing for 40 days, depending on what you're trying to accomplish.

I'm not trying to knock organized religion. I think it's really helpful to some people. I just wish people would empower themselves a little more by taking initiative on their own and really owning their accomplishments.