It took me a good while to figure out what I'm giving up for more than a month. The things I'd really like to give up like doing laundry and scrubbing the bathrooms aren't really an option, so I had to give up something that I actually enjoy doing. I usually give up some kind of food that I can't get enough of. It usually consisted of a blanket "no fast food" pledge that I'd break within two weeks. Since I'm already on a diet, I've decided not to cut out anything else on top of what I am already trying to avoid.
When it came down to it, I decided to somehow curb my shopping habits. I thought about the places where I spend money the most. I came up with Target and Online (Amazon.com/SlickDeals.net). Target is a big one for me, because I never actually NEED anything there. I never think to myself "Oh man I need to get such and such, I'll go to Target." It's more like "Oh man, I need to kill an hour, let's see how much damage I can do at Target." I could completely live without going into that dreadfully awesome place, even though it might sting just a bit in my heart every time I drive by. As for my online shopping habits, that's a completely different kind of impulse. Online shopping is SO easy! You don't waste gas, you can find anything you'd ever want (want, not need), and it's all just a few clicks away! Just tonight, I bought a 48 pack of dried fruit just because it was a good price. Did I need it? Heck no! Could I have used that money in much better ways? Heck yes!
So there it is... Giving up Target AND Online Shopping. I'm doing my farewell to Target once I return a couple of things I purchased last week. A tear might be shed folks, so wish me luck. As for online shopping, I promise to buy nothing online EXCEPT for diapers. I purchased a few boxes in advance of Lent, so I don't think I'll actually have to buy any before Lent is up.
What are you going to give up for Lent if anything at all?
That's a good strategy! =)
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