Non-Catholics use Lent as a chance for a resolution reboot

[rug]

Sarah Elizabeth Richards
February 24, 2017, 6:30 AM

Allie Hanson was sitting in a coffee shop when she found herself eavesdropping on the conversation between two men at the next table. The topic: What they planned to give up this year for Lent, the 40-day Catholic ritual of self-sacrifice that begins March 1.

Hanson, 36, is more interested in Buddhism than Catholicism these days, but she was still intrigued. “I thought, ‘What can I give up to improve myself?’ ” says the Los Angeles landscape designer. “I liked the idea of doing a group challenge.”

Hanson exercised regularly and ate healthy. Her biggest downfall was wine, especially those big bold reds that helped her unwind after a long day. She hoped that observing Lent would help her find better ways to cope with evening stress.

Although Lent is one of Catholicism’s most solemn rituals, its observance is growing in popularity among the secular set.

http://www.latimes.com/health/la-he-lent-20170224-story.html

[littlemissmartypants]

1. Is it Lent, already?

I can't keep up.

[rug]

2. Wednesday.

[edhopper]

3. Then tuesday is...

[rug]

5. Go to the Mardi Gras!

&list=RDQMUNhA9g71xAE

[edhopper]

4. I am going to give up Lent

for Lent.

[rug]

6. That's the most common thing, to give something up.

But it's also a good time to do something you've been putting off.