
If you’re close to me, you might already know of this thing I do where I randomly choose to test my willpower through one challenge or the other. Sometimes it’s pretty easy – like opting to give up alcohol which I barely drank anyway for a period of 3 months (which has now become 3 years and counting); and other times it’s hard – like coffee. My dear darling coffee whom I can count on for bursts of energy, for focus, for elation, and to keep sleep away when the night needs to serve some other purpose unrelated to rest. I promise I am not a junkie.
Maybe I’m lying.
Lent is upon us now. It sounds like the perfect time to take on a challenge, and so I’ve decided I will give up refined sugar. 46 days with no chocolate cake, no ice cream, no cookies? Can’t help but ask myself if I’ve really thought this through. And now, while writing I suddenly feel the need to add yet another layer and DO something each day as well.
Makka Ho.
I recently came across an interesting article about a Japanese exercise routine consisting of a series of seemingly simple stretches touted to transform your body if done right. Brimming with confidence born of my days as a flexible child, I got into position to give it a try. Let’s just say ‘I get am before’ no be property.
In addition to giving up sugar, I hereby commit to doing the Makka Ho routine twice daily, for all of Lent. Amen.
For the record, while this coincides with the most sombre time on the church calendar, this is by no means my spiritual exercise for the period. In other words, no doctrines were flouted in the making of this post. I suspect that this would be my toughest abstinence challenge yet, so expect to hear a little (or a LOT) more about my struggle to keep at it.
What new challenge will you be taking on this period? Care to share? Do let me know, and may the Lord be with you while you’re at it.
xo