That's what Mardi Gras means, in French: "Fat Tuesday." It's the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent-- a 40-day preparation for Easter. As a good Catholic, Lent has always been part of my life. Stereotypically, people think it is about giving up something like chocolate, and not eating meat on Fridays. That is partially true, but Lent really means a lot more. It has a 3-fold focus: Prayer, Fasting, and Sacrifice. And most years, I find it incredibly refreshing and inspiring. It's kind of like New Years', when you look back over the year, think about what you want to change in the next year, and then make resolutions about losing weight, spending more time with friends, etc. But Lent lets us do that while being guided by prayer. It's hard to keep a New Years' resolution. Most people lose steam after a few weeks. But Lenten resolutions are between you and God, and it's only for 6 weeks. So if you really go through with it, you can reach Easter as a changed person.
This year, I am focusing on my role as mother. Sure, I think overall I'm a pretty good mom, but there is always room for improvement. Mainly, my patience/anger levels. When I am alone with both kids, and they start whining for things, I get flustered really quickly. Sometimes I get snappy and tell them to shut up, or stop being dumb. But my toddler has started repeating some of these phrases. Oops. So I need to focus on ways to deal with their needs and my patience levels:
1. Get more sleep. I keep forgetting that I am pregnant and need to sleep for 2. Me staying up late and not taking naps takes a real toll on my whole family.
2. Spend less time on the computer. I get sucked into Facebook, including the pathetic Mafia Wars and Kingdoms of Camelot games, and get annoyed when the kids interrupt. Selfish, I know. So I am giving up those games for Lent, and trying to limit computer time to the kids' naptime.
3. Make better meal choices. I have been tired and lazy during this pregnancy, but the more crap I eat, the worse I feel. I need to focus on healthier snacks and meals so I won't be so edgy.
4. Pray every day. I don't do this right now. I plan to take a few minutes each morning and start the day RIGHT!
So those are my goals this Lent. It will be a challenging 6 weeks, especially since hubby will be gone at training for most of it. But I think it will be a good practice to make me a better Mom and get me ready for deployment! Does anyone else have Lenten resolutions? Or are you currently taking specific steps to help yourself or your family?
Thanks for posting the link to this blog on fb! I have enjoyed reading your last two latest entries. I appreciate your honesty, as it helps me to reflect honestly about post-pregnancy, and lent. For lent, I am going to give up caffeinated coffee. I also feel the need to cut down on fb visiting, so as I think out on your comment board here, I think I will try cutting it down to maybe once on Wednesdays and Sundays(verses a few times every day). Unlike you, I am giving myself lots of sleep, and have to start staying up catching up on a few family tasks (uploading videos to free up flip space, uploading photos, filling out a form or two, and doing more frequent/thorough job hunting). Sounds like we need to swap in that habit a bit! Please don't spend too much time worrying about your weight gain, as the weight is still a healthy level, helps the baby develop healthy, and gives you energy you need to "feed" the baby! You are BEAUTIFUL, Lizann, pregnant and not pregnant -- your body has already experienced this, and will do what it needs to do before and after -- you will bounce as you have with the other two! Celebrate the beautiful child growing in you, and be happy it is going very well! Wishing you a lovely lent! ~Kathleen
ReplyDeleteKathleen, thanks for stopping by! I really appreciate the support. It's funny that even after going through 2 pregnancies before, (a girl AND a boy) this one is still really different. So I enjoy hearing everyone else's story and feedback. I am kind of excited about Lent--looking forward to a healthier happier me, and family too! I hope your family is thriving and happy!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to limit computer time to naptime too. It's taking way too much time away from Asher. I feel guilty about that but at the same time, being a SAHM can be lonely and FB is how I stay connected with other people. I'm also going to fast every Friday, not just on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. And, I'm doing a Bible study on women in the Old Testament.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your blog, Lizann. It's motivating me to think about starting my own.
-Katie