Taking on too much for Lent

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I am scared I am trying to take on too much for Lent. Here is an outline of my plans:

Start:
  1. Reading 4 Chapters of the Bible Every Day
  2. Praying before I Eat
  3. Pray the Rosary each day
  4. Pray for my Husband for a minimum on 10 minutes a day. (Right now I am praying for him, but its just like a mention here or there and I really want to get better about it.)
  5. Read 1 Chapter of a “Spiritual” Book every day (Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly and Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly)
  6. Journal each night to track my progress and to clear my head and heart before God
Sin Specific:
  1. Cursing
  2. Taking the Lord’s name in vain
  3. Calling myself Fat
  4. Sloth
Almsgiving:
  1. Donate 25 cents each time I mess up my first three sins
Give Up:
  1. Alcohol
  2. YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr
  3. Limit Facebook and Instagram to Once a day and no more than 15 minutes combined
  4. Fast Every Wednesday
I really want to do all of this, but I am a little nervous that I am trying to take on too much and that will cause me to fail. I also feel like most of this stuff I should/shouldn’t be doing anyways so why not start with Lent?

Have you ever taken on too much for Lent? Have you ever taken on a ton, but succeeded? Any advice on how to proceed?
 
Peace be with you sister KJNW. (I guess you are a sister as you mentioned your husband)

Wow, what a list. This is a great way to start Lent. However, if it feels like a burden that you are trying to bear, I advise you against it.

Instead, try this: Take it as a journey of descovery !
  1. Reading the Bible : do this as an exercise of curiosity. Read the word and see what the underlying message to you is.
  2. Pray before meals : make this a family prayer time.
  3. Rosary: make this part of your morning prayer.
  4. Pray for husband : Make this part of your cooking and preparing meals for family (if you do so). Else, another appropriate time.
  5. Reading and Journal : Write it as a prayer of thanks for all the things you have done.
I believe you get the picture now.

Sin Specific:
  1. A little more difficult, but not impossible. Replace the curse with a blessing.
  2. Find an alternate expletive. I have chosen “Tarnation”, which is my preference and does not cause any pain to anyone.
  3. See the beauty that God created when he created you. Find that beauty within you and work towards it.
  4. Tackle all your tasks as tasks for God.
Giving up:
This is good. Ask the Lord for strength and believe that He grant it to you.
This is a lot, but remember Jesus carried more that a (very heavy) cross made of wood. He carried all the sin of the world.

May the Lord strengthen and bless your effort. I believe in your ability to do so.

Dominus vobiscum.
 
AndrewRuki said:
Peace be with you sister KJNW. (I guess you are a sister as you mentioned your husband)

Wow, what a list. This is a great way to start Lent. However, if it feels like a burden that you are trying to bear, I advise you against it.

Instead, try this: Take it as a journey of descovery !
  1. Reading the Bible : do this as an exercise of curiosity. Read the word and see what the underlying message to you is.
  2. Pray before meals : make this a family prayer time.
  3. Rosary: make this part of your morning prayer.
  4. Pray for husband : Make this part of your cooking and preparing meals for family (if you do so). Else, another appropriate time.
  5. Reading and Journal : Write it as a prayer of thanks for all the things you have done.
I believe you get the picture now.

Sin Specific:
  1. A little more difficult, but not impossible. Replace the curse with a blessing.
  2. Find an alternate expletive. I have chosen “Tarnation”, which is my preference and does not cause any pain to anyone.
  3. See the beauty that God created when he created you. Find that beauty within you and work towards it.
  4. Tackle all your tasks as tasks for God.
Giving up:
This is good. Ask the Lord for strength and believe that He grant it to you.
This is a lot, but remember Jesus carried more that a (very heavy) cross made of wood. He carried all the sin of the world.

May the Lord strengthen and bless your effort. I believe in your ability to do so.

Dominus vobiscum.
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Thank you so much! It does not really feel like a burden. I just haven’t really participated in Lent in a couple years and so I am a little nervous, but mostly excited. Thank you for your tips I think that they will really help!
 
It is good to desire to do all of the things you have mentioned and nothing wrTTong in any of them…my best wishes and prayers for you, but…I don’t know you and don’t know if this would be too much for you or not…it depends as to where you are spiritually…(which I have no knowledge of) For most people this would be a bit too much…yet, like I said I don’t know you…what I DON’T want is to see you discouraged and give up… Keep in mind this…“Could I continue with this lenten discipline should God want me after Lent is over?” If you can’t say yes to this…I think you have taken on more than you should this year. Whatever we give/give up during Lent should be something that helps us grow closer to our Lord and therefore we could consider continuing beyond Lent. It is a lifetime walk with Jesus and Lent is an opportunity to draw ever more closer to Jesus…(which should never be given up after Lent)

My love and prayers for you this evening,
mlz
 
Don’t worry your not taking to much 😉 . I say 3 Rosaries, Chaplet of St.Gertrude,Divine Mercy,Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,St.Joseph, and my Angel Guardian. (yes it is an old term)
 
Kjnw4831 said:
I am scared I am trying to take on too much for Lent. Here is an outline of my plans:
Try to benefit others by what you do:
Start:
  1. Reading 4 Chapters of the Bible Every Day Live what you read
  2. Praying before I Eat Show your gratitude by feeding a hungry person or giving to a food bank
  3. Pray the Rosary each day Offer the Rosary for someone who needs spiritual support
  4. Pray for my Husband for a minimum on 10 minutes a day. (Right now I am praying for him, but its just like a mention here or there and I really want to get better about it.) Pray earnestly for your husband, not by a clock
  5. Read 1 Chapter of a “Spiritual” Book every day (Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly and Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly) Apply your faith lessons to strangers, and not just friends and family
  6. Journal each night to track my progress and to clear my head and heart before God Don’t track just your progress, spend as much time tracking and rejoicing in what God has done for you
Click to expand...
 
Yes, I’ve taken on too much for Lent for the past two years. A dangerous practice as I’m a perfectionist and tend feel like a failure when I miss even one little thing. I’m gonna try again this Lent with adding more prayer and study to my days but I will try to give myself a break if I’m not able to do everything every day.
 
Kjnw4831 said:
I am scared I am trying to take on too much for Lent. Here is an outline of my plans:

Start:
  1. Reading 4 Chapters of the Bible Every Day
  2. Praying before I Eat
  3. Pray the Rosary each day
  4. Pray for my Husband for a minimum on 10 minutes a day. (Right now I am praying for him, but its just like a mention here or there and I really want to get better about it.)
  5. Read 1 Chapter of a “Spiritual” Book every day (Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly and Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly)
  6. Journal each night to track my progress and to clear my head and heart before God
Sin Specific:
  1. Cursing
  2. Taking the Lord’s name in vain
  3. Calling myself Fat
  4. Sloth
Almsgiving:
  1. Donate 25 cents each time I mess up my first three sins
Give Up:
  1. Alcohol
  2. YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr
  3. Limit Facebook and Instagram to Once a day and no more than 15 minutes combined
  4. Fast Every Wednesday
I really want to do all of this, but I am a little nervous that I am trying to take on too much and that will cause me to fail. I also feel like most of this stuff I should/shouldn’t be doing anyways so why not start with Lent?

Have you ever taken on too much for Lent? Have you ever taken on a ton, but succeeded? Any advice on how to proceed?
Click to expand...
Having homeschooled three children, I know that written plans are not always followed. Life happens. Take it slowly with a few things and see how it goes, add more when needed. I used to have a holy hour, just after rising in the wee hours before the kids were up. Find yourself an hour to devote to your reading, prayers, etc. That may give you the strength to tackle the rest of your list throughout the day.
 
Kjnw4831 said:
I am scared I am trying to take on too much for Lent. Here is an outline of my plans:

Start:
  1. Reading 4 Chapters of the Bible Every Day
  2. Praying before I Eat
  3. Pray the Rosary each day
  4. Pray for my Husband for a minimum on 10 minutes a day. (Right now I am praying for him, but its just like a mention here or there and I really want to get better about it.)
  5. Read 1 Chapter of a “Spiritual” Book every day (Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly and Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly)
  6. Journal each night to track my progress and to clear my head and heart before God
Sin Specific:
  1. Cursing
  2. Taking the Lord’s name in vain
  3. Calling myself Fat
  4. Sloth
Almsgiving:
  1. Donate 25 cents each time I mess up my first three sins
Give Up:
  1. Alcohol
  2. YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr
  3. Limit Facebook and Instagram to Once a day and no more than 15 minutes combined
  4. Fast Every Wednesday
I really want to do all of this, but I am a little nervous that I am trying to take on too much and that will cause me to fail. I also feel like most of this stuff I should/shouldn’t be doing anyways so why not start with Lent?

Have you ever taken on too much for Lent? Have you ever taken on a ton, but succeeded? Any advice on how to proceed?
Click to expand...
That’s hefty. That’s a list I would not attempt myself, at least, not without spiritual direction.

How about one?
 
Kjnw4831 said:
I am scared I am trying to take on too much for Lent. Here is an outline of my plans:

Start:
  1. Reading 4 Chapters of the Bible Every Day
  2. Praying before I Eat
  3. Pray the Rosary each day
  4. Pray for my Husband for a minimum on 10 minutes a day. (Right now I am praying for him, but its just like a mention here or there and I really want to get better about it.)
  5. Read 1 Chapter of a “Spiritual” Book every day (Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly and Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly)
  6. Journal each night to track my progress and to clear my head and heart before God
Sin Specific:
  1. Cursing
  2. Taking the Lord’s name in vain
  3. Calling myself Fat
  4. Sloth
Almsgiving:
  1. Donate 25 cents each time I mess up my first three sins
Give Up:
  1. Alcohol
  2. YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr
  3. Limit Facebook and Instagram to Once a day and no more than 15 minutes combined
  4. Fast Every Wednesday
I really want to do all of this, but I am a little nervous that I am trying to take on too much and that will cause me to fail. I also feel like most of this stuff I should/shouldn’t be doing anyways so why not start with Lent?

Have you ever taken on too much for Lent? Have you ever taken on a ton, but succeeded? Any advice on how to proceed?
Click to expand...
I personally like your specific sin #3. Many of us mess up with our Lenten goals and it’s good to practice gentleness with one’s self. Also learning to love others more deeply sometimes requires to love ourselves a little more too. Good luck with whatever goals you do decide on!
 
Why don’t you focus on doing some of these spiritual practices really well, instead of taking on too many things you probably won’t be able to commit to?
 
God bless you during this lent!

I have taken up too much for lent in the past and will probably do so again. I have also taken on a ton and succeeded. Sometimes both at the same time!

Every Lent I remind myself of a few things:
  1. Whatever I do needs to direct me to God.
  2. Whatever “I succeed” in doing is only through God’s strength and help.
  3. If I am going to succeed in my Lenten disciplines I need a concrete plan.
  4. Whatever disciplines you cook up for yourself and no matter how good they are, it is all about getting closer to God. God loves all of your efforts to grow closer to him. So be gentle with yourself if you stumble a few times - or if you fail miserably and fall flat on your face!
The major concern that I would have about your plan for lent is that it involves a lot of little pieces. You have there 15 things to keep track of. We humans are forgetful creatures of habit and get very busy in our day to day lives. Might I recommend a sort of daily checklist with specific goals for your scripture and spiritual reading every day? I agree with jschwartz that you may find more value in focusing on doing a couple things really well rather than this long list. Doing something with real devotion and love and can have a greater impact on your soul than being perfect in dozens of smaller things.

From your list I would gather that you want to be kinder and more loving to yourself; spend time learning about and meditating on Jesus, and not waste time on social media.
 
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