Pages

Wednesday 18 February 2015

I'm not giving up for Lent

As many of you know I do go to Church every week as well as the odd Church activity in the week. But don't worry this isn't going to be one of those nutty Christian posts. (Although I do put the occasional one up)
I actually wanted to write a slightly different post and outlook on Lent.

So quick round up of Lent:

Lent is the 40 days that lead up to Easter; technically there are 44 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter but you are meant to take off the 6 Sundays and then add on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. This is meant to represent the time that Jesus was in the wilderness where he went through a 40 day of fasting. So we then tend to try to give something up or "fast" during that period. In principle the time of 40 days is meant to be something that changes your outlook on life; People will often give up social media so they can spend more time with family or they will stop eating chocolate and reap the health benefits from it.

Anyway I digress:

So lent is a practice that a lot of people take on, being a Christian or not, it has turned into a "New Year’s Resolution" type of thing.
You will often see many people talk about what they will be giving up over this time. This year, however, I am not giving anything up!

I have thought long and hard about this and although there are many things that I 'should' give up I decided that I won’t. This all sounds great doesn't it? So why wouldn't I want to give something up that would benefit me?
The more I thought about it the more it occurred to me that the likelihood is that whatever I give up will just continue straight after Easter; So would I truly benefit from it?



So instead of giving up I will be taking something up.



I have decided that I will do something every day that will create a positive outlook for, not only myself but, for someone else.
My 40 Day Challenge:

I will be using this time for blogging; Every day I will ‘Stalker’ one of my many followers. I will read and comment on at least 3 of your posts, old or new, and will tweet you something awesome. Spread the love to you all for all of the hard work you guys put in to all of your amazing posts.
So what do you think? Want to join in with my positive Lent? #40DayBloggingChallenge

Or do you want me to give your blog a stalk?

27 comments:

  1. I think it's a great idea Martyn. Optimist prime and negatron lol, love it.
    I see where you're coming from too. I'm in. I can't see who likes my videos but I will pick one person a day to read and comment on at least 3 posts (that's my plan)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Tommy. Optimist prime and negatron lol made me chuckle for a bit. Lol so had to put it in. Great that you'll join in. Suggestion could be that you ask people to put their vlog or blog links in your comments that way you can make sure you get a chance to read or watch others and circulate that way.

      Delete
  2. This is an awesome idea! So positive for you and your stalkees ha ha! I like it - can't wait to see how you get on :) Mim @ www.mamamim.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I thought rather than being negative and going through a struggle of giving up that I'd reverse it. It might be difficult but would definitely like to see the positives for others through this.

      Delete
  3. Why Martyn what a genius of a plan! Count me in!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Gary! I'll add you to my stalking list and will send some positivity your way. Want to join in the 40 day blogging positivity then please do!!

      Delete
  4. Woah man, great idea! I'm not sure I have the courage to make this commitment. I'd love to hear about your thoughts on this whole thing when you're done. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great idea! Perhaps I'll give up waking mummy up in the middle of the night for Lent ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm not a religious man myself, but i do appreciate a challenge, and any reason for self improvement is reason enough I say. I too could benefit from taking a more positive spin on things. i'm on board for reading and commenting on at least 3 fellow blogger's posts for the next 6 weeks or so. hell, my blog is brand spanking new so I need to be doing that anyhow, just to learn the ropes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awesome it's more about spreading the love to other bloggers than the religious side. Tried hard not to go to religious but as it's the point thought I'd include some. Happy to help with bits as well Clint so just gives us a shout :-)

      Delete
  7. Great idea Martyn. From what I can tell in my short time on this Facebook page you do a pretty good job of being an optimist prime already. This should be relatively easy for you. I will do my best to step my game up as well. Thanks for today's dose of positivity!!! Great outlook.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't mean it should be relatively easy for you as in it won't be a challenge. It will certainly be a challenge but I think you will succeed.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for commenting Casey! Thanks I think it's a good thing to spread a bit of live and positively rather than struggling giving something up. Great if you could join us and share the love! Upper in your game a bit will only benefit the blog in the long run. I'll add you to my blogging 'stalking' list.

      Delete
  8. an excellent and worthy gaol, self improvement is good but giving is better :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely. That was and is my goal. :-) I've already got one of your blogs down for a good stalk

      Delete
  9. I love this challenge. Well done for starting it!
    B

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Glad you like it. I've put you on my list to have a stalk and share some blogging love

      Delete
  10. I love this challenge - what a brilliant way of sharing some blogging love and positivity over Lent! Great idea :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Louise! I definitely wanted to do it and I know it will be something that I would hope to continue after easter as well. I'll add you to my list.

      Delete
  11. Martyn... this is such a lovely idea. You are genuinely one of the nicest bloggers I know. I have decided to give up chocolate. But I think I might join you on your #40dayLentchallenge. It is always nice to share some blogging love. Hugs Mrs H xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw thanks Mrs H! Yeah join us!! Much better than giving up chocolate and is always good to share some blogging love. I have to admit I've already got you down to 'stalk' and share on at 19. :-D

      Delete
  12. Ah that's a fabulous thing to do and thank you so much for choosing me! I would love to join in but I struggle so much for time that I prefer to read and comment on several different blogs to discover new ones and keep up with my favourites. It's a well oiled machine that I don't want to interfere with ;) good luck with your challenge though and well done for coming up with such a positive idea for lent.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Natalie. And no problem love your blog so you needed to be featured! Definitely don't change your routine!! It works very well for you! And I always appreciate your comments!

      Delete
  13. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops deleted your comment instead of hitting reply! Sorry fat fingers!

      I've loved the idea of a positive Lent and I think it's much better than giving something up. Will try and do it again next year. It's had such a good response from everyone and has definitely helped me try to find some positives when I've been down.

      Delete