Starting to Write for Lent

I belong to a liturgical church. We divide our years into liturgical seasons. A new season, Lent, began this week on Ash Wednesday.

People who do not know much about Lent think it is a time to feel bad about yourself. They believe Lent is all about being sad and sorry for who you are every day. I do not see Lent that way.

Lent is a season of assessing and making changes to find balance in our lives. Many people choose something they would like to give up or do without for the season. Some people stop eating chocolate or using social media. They see themselves as overly dependent on certain things, and decide not to use them.

Some years I give something up for Lent. Other years I work to add a practice or develop a habit. For me, this year is a developing/adding year. This year I am starting to write for Lent.

You may ask, But don’t you write a blog? Three days a week? Yes, I do. That is not the writing I mean.

I have loved reading books as long as I can remember. The idea of writing a book intimidates me.

It has only been a short time that I have been able to say, out loud, to another person, I think I could be a writer.

Part of my challenge is that I am an extroverted person, and writing is a solitary practice. Part of it is that I would like to write the best book ever written.  There are other parts.

After thinking about writing for a long time, it is time for me to begin.

What would you like to change in your life during Lent?

How will you take the next step toward balance this week?

[Image by peteoshea]