2012 seems to be a good year for me, and I can feel it getting better by the day. No doubt, I'm expecting some low days, or bad ones, but I think the general feel of it is: Happy.
Ash Wednesday just passed - a day of fasting, abstinence and alms-giving for Catholics all around the world. My own Ash Wednesday was a very normal day. I spent several hours working on my seminars, studying, reading about humanitarian intervention, spent some time with Malini at the LAC trying to figure out our case, lectures as usual, and then Solemn Mass at the Holy Name at 5.15pm. The only real difference was the fasting bit: the will to keep going despite the lack of nourishment. The BEST part is when you're at the end of the day and you know, you've done it. It was difficult, but you did it. And that's what Lent is about - to realise your strengths and weaknesses, and learn that they do not define you or control you. If Jesus, the Lord and Saviour, could have done 40 days in the desert being tempted by Satan himself, he will give us the strength to do our own sacrifices, rest assured.
Of course, Lent is about repentance too, very much so. The indulgences we allow ourselves sometimes - we take a step back and avoid them and try to stay away. Indulgences are manifestations of greed and selfishness, dangerous states to be in. So in our 40 days, we try and try to deny ourselves, and in that process, we find our true inner selves.
This year I am giving up poultry and red meat on weekdays during Lent. Sundays do not count in this Lent period anyway because they are days of rejoicing, so I may try to avoid meat on Saturdays as well and see how I do with that. I'm also giving up shopping! This is proving slightly more difficult than I thought. I spent several minutes earlier thinking - I want new tops! I'm also heading off to Aberystwyth this weekend.. where I ALWAYS GO SHOPPING. I need to pray harder!
I've also started a letter project, wherein I write one meaningful letter to someone every day. This takes up about 45 minutes on average, and a whole lot of tears. So far I've written to Mum and Dad, perhaps two of the most difficult ones to write, but the most meaningful and heartfelt as well. Letter-writing is something people don't do enough these days! Writing a letter is so much more soul-searching than a Facebook wallpost or a Twitter mention or a blogpost, even. It leaves you feeling a bit raw for a while, but satisfyingly so. I would recommend this to anyone. :)
I'm just going to end this post on a Thank You God for the Wonderful Life You've Given Me note. Life in the past few weeks have been amazing - thank you God for the highly satisfactory exam results! Thank you for the lovely people and support You've given me. Thank you for loving me and giving me this life which I want to live in your name!
Have a Blessed, Holy and Purifying Lent, everyone!
Ash Wednesday just passed - a day of fasting, abstinence and alms-giving for Catholics all around the world. My own Ash Wednesday was a very normal day. I spent several hours working on my seminars, studying, reading about humanitarian intervention, spent some time with Malini at the LAC trying to figure out our case, lectures as usual, and then Solemn Mass at the Holy Name at 5.15pm. The only real difference was the fasting bit: the will to keep going despite the lack of nourishment. The BEST part is when you're at the end of the day and you know, you've done it. It was difficult, but you did it. And that's what Lent is about - to realise your strengths and weaknesses, and learn that they do not define you or control you. If Jesus, the Lord and Saviour, could have done 40 days in the desert being tempted by Satan himself, he will give us the strength to do our own sacrifices, rest assured.
Of course, Lent is about repentance too, very much so. The indulgences we allow ourselves sometimes - we take a step back and avoid them and try to stay away. Indulgences are manifestations of greed and selfishness, dangerous states to be in. So in our 40 days, we try and try to deny ourselves, and in that process, we find our true inner selves.
This year I am giving up poultry and red meat on weekdays during Lent. Sundays do not count in this Lent period anyway because they are days of rejoicing, so I may try to avoid meat on Saturdays as well and see how I do with that. I'm also giving up shopping! This is proving slightly more difficult than I thought. I spent several minutes earlier thinking - I want new tops! I'm also heading off to Aberystwyth this weekend.. where I ALWAYS GO SHOPPING. I need to pray harder!
I've also started a letter project, wherein I write one meaningful letter to someone every day. This takes up about 45 minutes on average, and a whole lot of tears. So far I've written to Mum and Dad, perhaps two of the most difficult ones to write, but the most meaningful and heartfelt as well. Letter-writing is something people don't do enough these days! Writing a letter is so much more soul-searching than a Facebook wallpost or a Twitter mention or a blogpost, even. It leaves you feeling a bit raw for a while, but satisfyingly so. I would recommend this to anyone. :)
I'm just going to end this post on a Thank You God for the Wonderful Life You've Given Me note. Life in the past few weeks have been amazing - thank you God for the highly satisfactory exam results! Thank you for the lovely people and support You've given me. Thank you for loving me and giving me this life which I want to live in your name!
Have a Blessed, Holy and Purifying Lent, everyone!
