Journey XIV Week 7
The Habit Exchange
My WHY. On Thursday my sister gave birth to her second child, Cole Lanier Tobias, and my niece Claire is giving her baby brother one of his first kisses. Being able to spend quality time as well as being great aunt to these two blessings is one of the reasons why I will add a positive habit and take away a negative habit for Lent.
“Exercise your will power. You don't have to keep doing what you've been doing just because you've been doing it. Pick a new destination and start going that way.” — Jim Rohn
Action: Before exchanging a bad habit for a good one this Lent, ask yourself "Is my WHY big enough". Write both habits down as well as your WHY and share it with your friends and family for support and accountability.
It’s hard to believe it’s been only seven weeks since we celebrated a new year. To me it feels like seven months ago.
Starting 2010 was exciting. Like all new years it was fresh start filled with optimism and promise. Unfortunately, I’m still repeating some old habits and negative behaviors. In some ways I’m in the same place I was at the end of 2009… and the year before that… and my whole life.
I’m embarrassed to admit that even though I celebrate Easter, I’ve never really participated in Lent. But a few days ago, while piddling around my house with the news on, I felt rejuvenated by the words of a very young and enthusiastic Catholic priest. He was giving his interpretation of Lent, describing it as a season of reflection and repentance. He said it was about gaining self control, especially in areas that damage ourselves and others. He said that not only should we GIVE UP a habit that is negatively affecting our lives or relationships, but we should also ADD a new habit that will nurture our relationship with God, our family, and our community, thereby enhancing our life.
After listening to the inspirational priest and taking the time to understand Lent, I’m intrigued, motivated and ready to take flight into Lent and experience a HABIT EXCHANGE by giving up a bad habit for a good one.
Lent began on Wednesday, February 17th (Ash Wednesday) and ends on Easter, Sunday, April 4th. It’s 47 days long—almost 7 weeks. But before you rush to give up chocolate or sugar, I encourage you to ask yourself, is the WHY you are giving up your habit big enough?
Let me explain… I used to be a really bad cuticle picker—gross, I know—and my entire family would smack my hands and yell at me when they caught me. I decided one year to give it up for Lent. It was just a few hours before I was back to my old ways. That’s because I really didn’t care if I picked my cuticles or not. While it did hurt a little, it wasn’t causing me or my family any real pain, or keeping me from living my best life. My WHY give it up wasn’t big enough to make it worthwhile. When considering what negative habit you will give up, with a big enough WHY.
Reflect on the hats you wear, the roles you play, and the goals, dreams and desires you have for you and your family. Ask yourself what kind of bad habits you have. Are they habits that take away from your best life or cause you and others pain? Are they self indulgent and quick-fix habits that at the end of the day give you no real satisfaction?
Identify one and a new healthy habit to replace it with. Let the group support you. Pray and ask for strength, wisdom and guidance. We don’t want to be saying after Easter, “I should have, I could have, but I didn’t“, so share your goal with your family and friends. We will have success with the help of others!
During this time, also remember to forgive yourself and others for mistakes or negative habits that have caused you and others hurt in the past. Let go of unnecessary and heavy burdens and focus only on your blessings.
This week's video is about bad habits—Finnish style. Prepare yourself for some potty humor...
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