Too late to change?

[litlover12]

For the third year in a row, I'm giving up staying up late at night for Lent. Don't laugh -- it's the best I could do. I don't think it's humanly possible for me to give up chocolate or sugar or coffee or any of those things that a lot of people give up. Just a slave of the gastronomical passions, that's me.

But believe me, giving up my late nights is no walk in the park. It seems to get harder every year, in fact. It's been so hard this year that I've been wondering if it's not too late to go back and pick something else to give up (don't ask me what, I haven't really thought this through).

Though I'm relatively new to Lent, however, I'm pretty sure there's no take backsies. Guess I'm stuck with it. At least it's good for me, though that's not much consolation when I want to read just one more page or watch five more minutes of TV or or or . . .

Comments

[prester-scott.livejournal.com]

I think going to bed early is a very good Lenten discipline. Not only are you likely to be better rested, but numerous bad attitudes and temptations start slithering around in one's head whilst puttering around alone late at night.

Just keep in mind the reasons for "doing Lent" in the first place. It's mortification of the flesh: spiritual training. It's fasting, which is a form of prayer that has power against evil. It's a token of affection for Our Lord (who endured a far more severe Lent for love of us). It's an act of solidarity with the Church Universal.

If you want to make a more thoughtful choice next year, consult a spiritual director in advance. That's why the season of Pre-Lent is so helpful (https://amywelborn.wordpress.com/2015/02/01/septuagisima/).

[litlover12.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the reminder!

[mosinging1986.livejournal.com]

Try in small measures. Instead of going to bed at 9 if you're used to going to bed at 1, try 10 minutes earlier. The next night (or maybe every other night), try 10 more minutes ealier, etc., until you get to whatever the goal is.

It might be easier that way. I don't think you can force your body/mind to fall asleep at a much earlier time if you've been doing it the other way for years.

[litlover12.livejournal.com]

Good idea!

[mosinging1986.livejournal.com]

It's like trying to sleep train a baby, LOL!

[msantimacassar.livejournal.com]

I don't have much to add here except good luck! I am very impressed you set out to do this!

[litlover12.livejournal.com]

Aw, thanks, but I don't deserve it. Lots of people give things up without grousing and whining about it as much as I do! :-D

[sylverwind.livejournal.com]

Why IS convincing yourself to go to bed early so difficult? I'm in the same boat. It's usually, "Just one more nonogram," or, "I'll just check Pinterest one more time," even though I'm already exhausted and meant to go to bed hours ago.

There are some great recommendations up there to help, though, and I hope it's gotten a bit easier since you posted this! :)