Friday Ramblings

I'm going to Ramble just a little bit today about something I am not familiar with, but thought I would share with you.

My daughter introduced me to the concept of Lent last year. Our church does not observe the season of Lent, so I was curious as to why she was participating. Her answer was simple, really. It was to give up something and focus on God instead, especially during the times of the day that she missed what she gave up. My eldest, not one to mess around, gave up bread. Talk about challenging your mind to focus on something else!

I did a little research on the subject and in my readings, 

came across this blog, and it gave an easy to understand version of Lent.

I made a decision to give this a go, but chose something a little different to give up.

My diet is restricted enough as it is, I don't drink or smoke, and I have had to give up coffee off and on throughout my days with Ulcerative Colitis. 

I chose fear and anxiety that accompanies fear.

I don't mean fear as in I am afraid of the dark, or fear of heights. I'm so bull headed, I could make myself get over that and tell myself not to whimper along the way.

I mean fears like trusting God to open the right doors. To provide during change. To take me through change and come out the other side in one piece.

 Anxiety like feeling I have to make everyone around me o.k. Anxiety such as burying my head and pretending it's not happening or on the other extreme, running around getting whatever I can done so life will run smoothly at some point.

So, what DOES it look like to turn your back on fear and anxiety? 

I think it will be a mixture of letting go and making a mental choice to not dwell on the feelings of fear and anxiety or give them voice in my head as well as walking toward activities I think might work. Even if I don't know the outcome in those activities, I kinda need to try and if it doesn't work, stopping is O.K.

I think it also there is a tiny possibility it could maybe, sorta mean taking a look at control issues. 

But one thing at a time.

Now that I think I'm going to go throw up because I'm putting this out on the blog, I'll let you know how it goes.

I'd love to hear how you turn away from fear and anxiety as well. 

Maybe giving up coffee isn't such a bad idea...