The Lenten Season Day 2: What Are you Sacrificing?

It's Day 2 of the 40-day Lenten season - a period between Ash Wednesday and Easter when Christians fast and/or sacrifice a luxury in an effort to grow spiritually.

Many resolve to give up food, i.e. meat, sweets, dairy products, sodas, etc. Some even vow to eliminate television from their lives during this period, and it has been reported that the Catholic Church is encouraging believers to forgo texting for Lent.

But one blog listed interesting ideas of potential sacrifices. In case you are open to adding one of these to your list still trying to decide on what to give up, I've pulled out a few of my favorites:

1. Fear: Fear is a normal human reaction that protects us by signaling danger. However, entrepreneur and motivational speaker Lauri Sompres said irrational fear can hinder your productivity and keep you from reaching our goals and true calling. This is a good one to give up.

2. Road Rage: Road rage is defined as aggressive behavior exhibited by a driver of a car or other motorvehicle. It has led to accidents, arguments, violence and even deaths. It's just not worth it. To combat road rage, try to leave home a half-hour earlier than you normally would so you're not rushing to your location. Turn on some relaxing music or pop in your favorite CD and enjoy your ride.

3. Gossip: Despite the scientific claim that gossip is good for women's health, there are several Bible verses that admonish against Gossip. As a believer, that should be enough to give it up. Plus, it's kinda hard to grow spiritually if your focus is on someone else.

4. Make-up: Although a New York Times article revealed that women are perceived to be more competent when wearing make-up, if you rely heaviliy on it everyday, then giving this up for Lent would be a terrific sacrifice. Plus, it gives your skin and pores a chance to breathe and help you focus more on the beautiful inner you versus the outer you, which is what Lent is about in the first place.

5. The "Rat Race": The rat race, or the busy pursuit of everyday life or sometimes referred to as excessive working, can be daunting and keep us from introspection, our families or things that truly matter. Take some time to get off the proverbial "hamster wheel" and enjoy life.