Every now and then, I like to share a non-Pier related post on this space :). Today, I want to tell you what I'm doing as my fast this Lent (because I'm really really excited about it)!! I know it's kinda strange to be excited about fasting, but hear me out:
When I began to pray about what to "give up" for Lent I felt called to do more than my usual no sweets fast. It's true, I do love my chocolate chip cookies (and donuts and pie and king cake), but I also struggle with a lottttt more than my gigantic sweet tooth. One of the biggest hurdles I face is materialism...always wanting more and thinking (fill in the blank) will satisfy all my needs.
Like emotional eating (which I'm totally guilty of), I notice that I can tend to be an emotional shopper as well. Feeling sad? A quick trip to anthopologie will cheer me up! My mom//bff is in town? Let's celebrate by buying something new! It's a very slippery slope that happens more often than I'd like to admit.
SO I decided to not only give up shopping completely (I'm looking at you $1 section at Target...must.fight.urge.), but also commit to only wearing 10 items of clothing for the entire 40 days. Why 10 items? Ehhh I just picked a random number. Actually I only had 8 wooden hangers, so that made things easy! Here's what's left of my closet:
My List:
- plain grey shirt
- plain black shirt
- green jacket
- chambray button down
- stripe shirt
- flannel dress (mostly for Sunday mass...super cute and feels like pjs!!)
- jean jacket
- camel cardigan
- jeans (not pictured)
- black pants (not pictured)
Obviously this doesn't apply to accessories, shoes, or my winter coat but I think it's a pretty solid list! The only thing I might change is my flannel dress when (if?) it gets warmer, I'll switch it out for a midi-length black skirt. Just in case you were worried about how I would handle a sudden temperature shift ;)
So there ya go! I'm trying to make this year less about the stuff that gets in the way with my relationship with Christ so that there can be more room for Him in my heart.
The thing is, I know I don't need a new dress to wear for an upcoming event. I have plenty of dresses to chose from, but I just end up not being satisfied with what I already own. Why is that?
When I'm shopping for my wants and not my needs, that's when I know that what I'm desiring for is not a new outfit, but Jesus. He is the only thing that can fill that void, and a new floral skirt just won't cut it. By eliminating excess, I'm hoping to focus more on what matters and simplify my life so that I'm free from the distractions that keep me from growing in holiness.
I'm praying for you, friends, and hoping that our little sacrifices will help us look more like Christ after these 40 days. God bless you!
"Detach yourself from the goods of this world. Love and practice poverty of spirit: be content with what is sufficient for leading a simple and temperate life" + St. Josemaria Escriva