The Lenten Plan 2012

Two years ago I gave up meat and pizza for Lent and made a promise to write for at least an hour a day.  That practice led to the addiction, “the good, the bad, the happy and sad”, that have played out on these virtual pages the last two years. All along it has been about creating, moving forward and not accepting the fear,sloth and other dark thoughts that kept me on the sidelines for far too long.

Recently that quest  has spilled over to Contrarian Fanatics a project I am really excited about…check us out.

Last year Lent was all about no beer, training for a half-marathon, and the ultimately failed quest of getting a draft compiled of my experiences as a “stay at home” dad who also works a late night job.  Which begs the question, “how was I a ‘stay at home’ dad?”

No beer was tough at times, I am not a dedicated runner, and that failed project is coming to life again, when time permits…  That has been the key each Lenten season, integrating new things into my life, finding the time.  It is there, but creativity and dedication are key elements.

This year the ante is upped again. Lent 2012:  no meat, no alcohol, training for another half marathon, working on this blog, working on  “Contrarian Fanatics” and the soon to come podcast for that site, and also settling in on the long-delayed, much thought about “The Other 97%”.

What I get from the first two Lenten items, the taking away luxuries (other than a level of piety), is the realization that I can do without more than anticipated.

As for the mess of creativity, well, it is part of my life now.  When you spend 15 years building up ideas and never acting on them you are going to have a backlog.  Organization has never been a strong point of mine. It may be time to bring in the big guns on this one: my wife.  There is nothing she cannot organize.  She could be the one to set me on task.  Letting go of complete control, another lesson to be had?

I am sure there are those who shake their head at my “sad devotion to that ancient religion”.  It has served me well too many times, and been missed when I stray too far from that aspect of my life.  Call it a crutch if you must.  All I know is that if I had a broken leg a crutch is a good thing.  Lord knows my soul is wounded.

My faith does not define me wholly, but it is far too important of an aspect to dismiss.  These past two Lenten seasons have made me a better, more complete person.  I expect this one to follow suit. I have my faith to thank for that.  Without that reason why the hell would anyone give up beer and meat?

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