What will you sacrifice?

Today, as most of you know and some of you may not, is Ash Wednesday. Today marks the beginning of Lent which is representative of the 40 days and 40 nights that Jesus wandered the desert resisting temptations from Satan himself. Today is the day that people will give something up for 40 days. And try as they might, most fail.

Even though I’m not Catholic I always try to give something up for Lent each year. For multiple consecutive years my sacrifice was to not bite my nails. If anyone has seen me in person you know that I have never succeeded at that, hence the multiple, consecutive tries.

Some use the Lent season to kick-start a diet. And what better time? Take your favorite greasy, nasty, bad for you food and say “I will go without for 40 days.” That’s cool. And it’s a way to revist your New Year’s Resolution that you gave up 3 weeks ago.

Most children will give up candy. That’s actually a smart move since the end of Lent is Easter. And who doesn’t love a good visit from the Easter Bunny? (side note-I can actually tell you why we have the Easter Bunny and why we hide eggs in celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection. But that is kind of deep and besides this post’s ultimate point.)

Those three things I just mentioned? Have been my sacrifice for every Lent for my entire life.

But this year is different. This year I’m giving up something and I’m giving it up for good. This will go far past the end of Lent and will go with me for the rest of my life.

This year? I’m quitting smoking.

Yesterday, February 5, 2008 was the day I had my last cigarette. I think I will always remember that date. I may even inscribe it in the bottom of all of my ash trays, since some of them are too pretty to throw away. And sometimes you need positive and pretty reminders.

You may think that I am doing this rashly. That it’s too hard to quit cold turkey. But I’ve got help.

I’ve got a book that informs me, among other things, that I am ready to quit since I already smoke .3 to .5 milligrams of nicotine with each cigarette, the lowest you can buy in a cigarette that’s not already designed to help you quit smoking.

I don’t think I’ve ever been addicted to the additives. I think I’ve been addicted to the habit. I’m the “I’m bored, I guess I’ll smoke” or “I’m stressed, I need to smoke” smoker. I’ve never been the shaky, “I need a cigarette now or I will kill someone” smoker.

I’ve got a plastic cigarette to help my oral fixation and the need to get away from stress and breathe deeply. It comes with it’s own plastic tube carrying case and it allows me to breathe deeply while not inhaling any harmful substances. In fact, all it is, is a hollow plastic tube colored to make it look like a real cigarette.

I’ve got a hypnosis CD that will either be played all day on a loop or thrown out the window b/c it’s too cheesy and/or annoying.

But most of all I’ve got support.

I’ve got my husband who is also quitting. I’ve got my RLBFF Amelia who promised she’d quit with me. I’ve got my IBFF’s Margarita and Each who might have jumped up and down clapping their hands and exclaimed “YAY!!!” when I told them my plan.

And I’ve got you, my lovely freaders. I need all the support I can get. Check in on me. Encourage me. Not just today, but as frequently as you can. Will you do that for me?

I’d really appreciate it.

Now, tell me, what will you sacrifice for Lent?

*kisses*