Lent has officially begun, and as I thought about how it is falling exactly during the crunch season of me wanting to be fund raised by the end of March, I know I had to give up things that would challenge me and make me a more disciplined person.
Yes, you can deduce that I am a person that lacks discipline. As a huge ENFP, I have given into allowing my moods and desires to take over, being easily distracted, and finding a million things to be passionate about in order to find a way to save the world. Furthermore, planning and organizing have never been my forte, and follow-through is even worse. But there are exceptions, as I know I am not the most unreliable person (sorry if you are, and get it together while you’re at it) and yes, you can count on me to get things done usually. Especially when it comes to vital and important things that affect others, I usually give it my all.
But when it comes to Amy, things don’t play out the same. So during this season of Lent, I hope to increase my discipline and grow that tiny speck of a trait to be more natural. I know I can’t just force myself to not be who I am. It would be as if I asked a whale to just sprout wings and fly (this is all obviously hypothetical because that would be the last thing I would ever want), and it can’t because it wasn’t made that way. Perhaps this whale could at least jump out of the water and glide in the air for a few seconds everyday.
As I was deciding on exactly what was going to be the practical thing, I stumbled upon an idea that got me intrigued and soon determined to make this something I needed to do: give up 40 possessions in 40 days. It was perfect for this season, as I think about need to live more simply and take away the clutter in my life. I am afraid one day I’ll end up on Hoarders, as symptoms I currently have are 1)buying way too many useless things, 2)having a hard time throwing things away because I might regret it in the future 3)I have no more closet space. Plus, I’m moving out soon and need to make my transition easier.
To sum it up, Lent for Amy will consist of:
- Limited television. I waste so many hours of the week watching TV. It is seriously one of my greatest loves, but this season will teach me not to sit in front of the boob tube catching up on hours of Jeopardy. The discipline: only 7 hours a week (Only exception are movies with others, if we had the intention of hanging out and not just to waste time).
- 40 items in 40 days. The discipline: Use a big box to get rid of things everyday and donate it at the end of Lent.
- Go through the entire book of Psalms: The discipline: 3-4 a day, in the morning, before I do anything.
My friends, if you are also participating in this season of Lent, I’d love to hear about what you’re doing as well! Comment below please.
This is Amy Hu signing off for February 22, 2012.
JUSTFIVELETTERS 
Going through the entire book of Psalms centers my life. I often feel like I would rather give up my Bible reading plans in favor of going through 5 Psalms a day (and 1 Proverb). Some of my best months despite circumstances came from that monthly discipline.
Hope it’s as good for you as it was for me.