while i'm not really god-fearing, i do try to take on the challenge of giving up things at Lent to remind me to be mindful. this year i'm giving up cheese and weekday morning coffee. the former is a heartbreaker b/c i literally eat cheese at 9/10 meals. the latter is more about willpower b/c i think i depend on morning coffee at the office. we'll see how it goes!

Guilt.

That's my stepbrother's joke, so thought I'd pass it along.

Lol - fantastic, kate. I'm trying to make sure I get 30 minutes of exercise each day, so I guess I'm giving up 30 minutes of being a lazy bum on the couch.

I find that Lent, unlike the New Year, when I feel like warmed over dog doo, is a good time to focus on self improvement. Generally, I take the model of St. Francis of Assisi, and think of how I can follow his example of gentleness, pacifism and respect for all creation in my life. Last year it was "don't cut people off even if I know what they're going to say." This year I've decided to me more mindful about what I consume.

Or, you could start by not using phrases like "warmed over dog doo."

I few years ago I switched my Lent observance from abstention to doing something good for myself that is a bit of a challenge (sometimes these are the same thing, but not always). This year, it's not food related. BUT, I have been interested in cooking more vegan meals (I'm a vegetarian married to a lactose-intolerant omnivore, so sometimes vegan is actually what makes us both happiest, oddly). I've got Veganomicon--time to hit it for Lent!

i don't practice Lent.

I'm giving sugar the boot today.

When I was younger, my mom always made us kids give something up and try to do something that was either good for us or good for others (though usually those are one and the same). This year, I'm giving up my unfortunate swearing habit (and this includes using replacements like "fudge" for, erm, you know...), and I'm trying to be more patient.

And I'm not just talking about waiting in line without getting huffy patience; I'm trying to really be mindful of what gets me upset or frustrated, and decide if it really is an external factor or if it's something I can control. Should make for an interesting 40 days.

lent shment.

I'm giving up recreational shopping for Lent. Obviously I will still go grocery shopping and purchase needed medicines, etc., but no more online shopping, picking up random kitchen gadgets, shopping for new clothes just for fun, etc. A couple of years ago when I first graduated from college, I was definitely in a "building" phase with things, where new (i.e. more professional) items for my wardrobe and building my kitchen collection were really useful, but I've realized that now I have the reverse problem of being overrun by clutter. So I am going to try buying nothing new beyond the essentials as a way to step back from my over-consumption of late and think about what I really need.

Or I could give up my cubicle and just stand in the hall for 40 days.

I am a recovering Catholic, but I still observe Lent. Since I've been dieting since mid-January, I've already given up sweets and alcohol, which is what I normally give up for Lent. So this year I'm going to try giving up meat. Will still eat fish, though...

I agree with other posters that Lent doesn't always have ot be about giving something up. It can be about taking on a challenge as well. What that challenge will be for me this year? I haven't decided yet...

I usually treat myself to a chai latte from Starbucks on Friday mornings. Despite not being Christian, I'm giving up those lattes on Fridays for lent (in an effort to save money, mostly.) We'll see how it goes -- some weeks, it's the only thing keeping me going to work...

I'm not Catholic (but still a Christian), but I do practice Lent.

This year i'm giving up Sugar and Breads.

I love the fresh promise of lent! This year I am going to try to rid the house of high fructose corn syrup, I've sneered at the topic for years, but I'm now coming around to how awful and pervasive it is in everyday food. But what I really love about lent is seafood fridays! Sushi, fried shrimp po boys, seafood gumbos and bisques....mmmmmmmmmmm.

Also, my daughter has entertained us a lot with her lenten choices. Last year her 1st grade teacher asked her what she would give up and she said, very honestly, "My bad attitude." This year she's giving up squeezing people too too hard when she hugs them. She's funny.

You should read the responses to this question on WashingtonPost.com. . .

We are supposed to remind ourselves during Lent that we are really nothing at all - so I have given up cake and morning pastries. I am already suffering from withdrawal, a very painful reminder of how very human I am. Only 39 more days. (Another recovering Catholic.)

For the past few years I've given up chocolate, which was really difficult to do. It cured my addiction! :) This year I have a baby due in 2 days though so nutritionally I can't give up much other than sweets; my husband's giving up meat, fried stuff, cheese, refined sugar, alcohol and coffee, so my diet in general will be better because we'll mostly be eating the same things. Lots more grains, vegetables and fruits. The idea of giving up something for lent is great even if people don't want to be 'religious' because it really makes you think and evaluate your lifestyle and choices.

I'm giving up...giving stuff up. That's right, I will not give anything up during Lent, as my sacrifice. I will continue to smoke, drink, and fornicate as normal while still giving something up. HA!

Mine's not food-related... but I'm giving up Facebook for 40 days. I blocked it on my computer and removed the app from my phone - just to make temptation a little less in-my-face. I know it will be difficult for me, which is the exact reason I'm giving it up for awhile.

I'm also a recovering Catholic so Lent no longer applies to me. When I did practice, however, I was taught that giving up something is much easier than doing something or changing a behavior...which is why children are encouraged to give up sweets, etc.

I'm giving up pasta.

May the Baby Jesus help me.

How about an option for the Non-Christians?? (weird christian world we live in....)

I grew up Presbyterian (USA) and now attend a Lutheran church. As a child Lent wasn't really emphasized, at least not as a fasting period, but rather more as a season of the church. My church now is much more "into" it and I actually really like it. I think it's useful to remember things like suffering and sin, which often mainstream churches avoid for topics like grace. (Which, of course, I also prefer. "I like" is more like "I realize is good for me.")

(Also being Protestant I lack "Catholic guilt," but literally every "recovering" or cultural Catholic I know gives something up for Lent, beginning with meat on Fridays and going from there. It's fascinating to me.)

For myself: I'm already technically pescetarian but essentially vegetarian, so I'm giving up sweets. But more importantly, I'm waking up each morning at 7:30 to meditate and pray, and prepare for my day. I've also given up Twitter and Facebook (I have serious wordvomit issues). Though being physically healthier is one thing, I'm trying very hard to be more centered, mindful, and constructive with my days, and in general less frivolous.

I find that somehow I am much more disciplined during Lent than I ever was for New Year's.

I'm giving up Lent for Lent.
Ba-dum-ching!

I am WAY more disciplined during Lent than right after the New Year's holiday. Last year, I gave up alcohol and did pretty good-I only indulged on 3 different occassions over the coures of 6 weeks. This year I am giving up alcohol during the week only. The work week is too touch to not enjoy my Friday night dirty martini's.

I'm giving up cereal grains, being a sloth and facebook.

Elevators! Thankfully, I don't live in NYC - and my office is on the 4th floor. But I did hike up 9 flights this afternoon for a meeting.

I'm not giving up anything *for Lent*, being an Asatruar.. however, I have given up grains, dairy, and refined sugar recently *for me*

I don't usually do the Lenten sacrifice thing, but I quit smoking almost four weeks ago, and I'm counting it this year!

i was giving up snacking between meals, but after having read this, i'm changing. i am now giving up recreational shopping, what a good idea and a good habit to break!

Religion.

.. but maybe giving things up is something that has universal appeal this time of year.. I've given up gossip blogs. My brain feels better already.

I gave up lent when I gave up organized religion.

I'm giving up bread. I used to give up chocolate and/or sweets, but I'm not a huge sweet tooth and even when I do have dessert, I'll choose something fruity rather than chocolatey. So chocolate or dessert wouldn't really be challenging or meaningful. I picked bread because I LURVE it, and I will be reminded of Lent every morning when I pack a not-sandwich for lunch.

Cupcakemuffin, I gave up recreational shopping a few years ago. Hardest Lent ever! I did go to the grocery store once a week, but I stuck to a list - no impulse buys. And no shopping or browsing for anything else, either. It was difficult but very satisfying in the end. Good luck!

I'm giving up self-loathing for Lent.

instead of giving up something, i'm giving to a cause. i have decided to give a portion of my paycheck to causes that benefit cancer research (my boyfriend and i have both lost fathers to different forms of the disease in the past year). i plan to give throughout the year, and plan on giving to other charities as well.

My husband and I are giving up all junk food, alcohol, and coffee. We're also doing smaller portions and lower calorie meals. It's basically a huge weight loss plan. He's never done Lent before, but I do it every so often and normally it's just chocolate or junk food, but this year it's everything. It's tough but I can't wait for the results.

My friend is doing lent and I'm doing it with him solidarity. I was loosely raised as a catholic, but I do because I like the idea of sticking your guns in giving up something you like but is probably no good for you. I'm giving up pre-packed foods like chips, pop, candy, cookies, TV dinners, Mr. Noodles, etc etc etc... Whole, real foods only. Wish me luck because I LOVE me a McDonald's cheeseburger once in a while. I can already hear you all shudder ;)

And come on guys, let's put down the "I'm giving up [insert comment that is sneakily derisive to religious folk here]." I'm not a Catholic, and religion isn't my personal cup of tea, but let's be respectful of those people for whom it is...

I'm an atheist, but I think Lent's a great idea, I've done it in the past and it always makes me think of how lucky we are. However this year I have no job and high blood pressure so I feel like I've already given up everything unneccessary! No recreational shopping, less meat (expense-I don't buy factory farmed), no car/buses for journeys I can cycle, I count buying junk food, alcohol and sweets as recreational shopping; cheap veggies and pulses are the only things I buy and eat at the moment anyway!

What has Lent ever given up for me?

MegP, I am with you. January 2, and I decided it counted for lent too.

Facebook. It's proving to be harder than it should be.

I give up sarcasm for Lent! I've never yet made it through a Lent without falling off the non-sarcastic horse, but hope springs eternal even when one is not religiously motivated!
All my admiration to those abandoning pasta and/or Facebook!

i'm giving up eating out - no more coffee, cocktails, brunches or dinner, in preparation of attending grad school and being a broke student, in short, forcing myself to cook more.

having a structured environment to practice self-discipline is a good idea - i'm skipping the almost-daily dunkin' donuts run, and donating the $4 or 5 i'd be spending. i'm also trying to remind myself to be more patient and avoid getting angry for no reason, partially by giving up talking to people who think it's still funny to be judgmental about religion. har.

FACEBOOK! That's crazy talk.

Yeah, I don't do Lent, obviously. :-)

I'm giving up TV. :-)

Thehalfie, Lent is a religious idea. It is predicated on the idea of replicating Jesus' 40 days of fasting in order to be 'closer' to him/God, and more . It's perfectly reasonable to respond to the question "what are you giving up for Lent" with a non-serious remark about religion, because the question contains the assumption that either you belong to a religion that observes Lent, or you don't but you are willing to adopt it without adopting the beliefs that it's based on. Why not just ask "do you observe Lent" in the first place instead?

don't know why that didn't type; was meant to read "... and 'therefore' more virtuous."