I’m aiming for two extra masses a week (Wednesdays and Fridays).
I am giving up watching Star Trek. I’ll spend that time in the morning reading rather than watching Star Trek dvds. I’m taking up donating diapers to women and children’s shelters. A non profit agency has asked my company to help donate diapers to their shelter.
Same as last year, giving up plastic grocery bags and cursing.
I’ve noticed that I’ve become hyper-critical of others recently, to my detriment. Not that I say anything to them, mind you; I just think horrible thoughts about the mother letting her kid run wild in the store, or the person bypassing all the traffic then turning on his blinker and wanting to be let in. My Lenten goal is to curb that by saying an mental Act of Contrition when I catch myself doing it.
StG
Our family is going on a “complaint fast” for Lent. No complaining about anything. We’ve been practicing for the past couple of weeks and have been stunned at how much of our interaction is negative. Any slip ups require a quarter “fine” with the money donated to charity. I slipped up $1.00 worth today–mostly relating to some internet problems. Maybe I should go on an “internet fast.”
I like this one. Boy, is work going to be different without the daily griping! 
This year I am giving up salty snacks. Thus, no potato chips, pretzels or nuts. I know I can buy unsalted nuts but what’s the point of that. Plus these are three things that I munch on a lot and need to curtail.
Also, I am adding daily Morning/Evening Prayer either at home or at church. My church is having both at least three times a week. I can’t make Morning Prayer at church due to work but I can make Evening Prayer. If I don’t do them at church I will do them at home. Also, I will be going to Friday night services at church. We are doing two Evensongs, two Anglican Prayer Bead Services (Rosary) and two Stations of The Cross (with traditional fish and chips of which I am in charge of, says he who is giving up salty stuff :D).
I’m attempting alcohol again. It’s a big deal, considering some local bars have to lay people off when I quit drinking
My birthday is in Lent, along with St Patrick’s Day, and many other drinking days (like Palm Sunday!), so it can be a chore, but it ain’t too bad. I will make the occasional exception (like last year when someone threw a surprise party for me). I figure if it ever becomes exceedingly difficult, I might need to reexamine my drinking habits!
Anymore, it’s a little less religious and more like a New Years resolution.
My GF is giving up soft drinks. I’d never heard of Lent before and am not Catholic so I’m not giving up anything!
Well, remember that Sundays are days off for Lent, so you can always party then.
I’m giving up caffeinated coffee. It’s going to be tough…
This year was tricky for me. My usual standbys, desert and fries, have aleady gone by the board a while ago in an effort to improve my health and lose weight. So I decided to give up coffee, with the exception of just before a weights workout, where I need it for endurance. It’s not as easy as I thought…
I’m giving up my New Year’s Resolution that I made at the beginning of this year.
Sundays in Lent are “little Easters” and are exempt from Lenten fasts, so you’re good on Palm Sunday at least :P.
Smoking. I actually started a couple of days before Ash Wednesday so I’m currently on day 7. I seem to be coping ok although I’m having to resist the urge to eat all the time.
Yes, Jesus did say something about how public self-denial to win the approval of one’s fellow-men was a big no-no; or at any rate, such approval would be the only reward. God would see and reward what was done in secret.
Yes, I have heard that, and yes, I’m familiar with those verses, but most of the people we know who do things for Lent mention them, not to brag, but for help/support/ideas for next Lent.
I’m giving up meat. I’ve found loads of really nice sounding recipies on line with veg, beans, lentils, tofu etc, and I’m still eating eggs, dairy and fish, but I do love my meat so I don’t know how long I’ll stick it. Hopefully long enough to drop a few pounds!
In the past I tried giving up coffee, managed to do that with not much trouble, but I didn;t realise that coffee is an appetite suppressant … result being I put ON weight that year rather than losing!
Oh well, better luck this year.
I’m giving up Lent for Lent.
Wait, wha-explosion
Chakra Nadmara - Oh, that’s just so funny! We’ve never heard that one before!
StG