I’m not religious. In fact, I’m agnostic. I do, however, enjoy the tradition of Lent as a reminder that giving something up can often bring us closer to those things we value.

For some, giving something up brings them closer to their chosen deity. For others, the mere act of giving up something that is detrimental to them brings them closer to being the person they want to be, in health, wealth or happiness.

I’m of the last variety.

Also, I find Lent, beginning in February, rather than on New Year’s is more convenient for me, ironic as that may be.

I’m looking for a convenient way to be more mindful!

LOL!

But seriously, the new year is already a time of thought for me. It’s not so much about change but about planning, thinking, and also looking back as much as I look forward.

It’s already a time of transition.

Lent, though, it a good six weeks from that time. Far enough away that I have space to have thought things through and shed the unnecessary for the critical.

A good time to act.

When I put this topic on my calendar, I was inspired by this writing: 9 Things To Give Up That Are Sabotaging Your Creativity. I actually taught a 6-month creativity course online for some time, and so, of course I was curious. Many of those things I have already given up in my life overall, thankfully.

It did, however, inspire me to really think on what I wanted to give up this year.

This year, for Lent, I’m going to give up excuses.

I will take full responsibility, no matter how large or how small, for every action I take, every word I say, everything.

I do my best to live this way, anyway, but for the next six weeks, I intend to be more mindful of this. And I will be telling everyone, so that my friends and family and anyone, really, can call me out if they think I’m not living up to my stated goals.

And not just excuses for things I may do moving forward from today, but all the excuses I’ve given myself and others for anything I have stumbled on or failed at.

My life and my results are mine and mine alone.

And for those who have entrusted themselves to my care, I recommit everything I have to being the best damn friend, lover, dominant, whatever I can be for you, and therefore for myself.

And you know what? That feels good to me.

It feels right.

While in Bangkok, I very much enjoyed the master-yourself-before-you-master-others prequel to the slave training and sexual hypnosis seminar, and realized that I’ve come a long way over the years, and I still have so much further to go.

Want to join me? Have you/are you giving anything up for Lent? Or for yourself?