Instead of Giving up Something for Lent, Why Not Start Something New Instead?
Other
I know that Lent is about giving things up, but as most of us have already given up a lot of things recently, why not change Lent this year and start something new instead?
It could be a hobby you have always wanted to try or an exercise class or an online course. You could look at Lent as a trial run. A few years ago my mother in law tried this, she bought herself a bike. She uses her bike to this day for transportation, for exercise and to help with her mental health.
I understand why Lent is about giving something up, but why not make it about self care or self improvement or use it as an excuse to do something you have been putting off instead?
Just an idea.
I plan on being more organised with house work yes it’s hard at moment two teenagers at home and 2 younger ones but the mess is starting to get to me. I have made a huge list and ticking it off has go about them.
Ann1984 I only have the one child at home and within 30 seconds of me tidying it my son has it messy again, so I can't imagine having 4 of kids making a mess! My husband is working from home so my kitchen is now his office and I can't clean it as much as normal! House work is hard at the best of times, but more complicated now.
MrsCraig it drives me mad because when at school I have good 4 hrs solid to clean and it’s like a brand new house which only last until tea time. It’s easier when older less toys etc. And I think to myself this won’t be here for ever. I miss it but then number 4 came and wow it forgot all about the crazy stuff that comes with them. I enjoy cleaning but only if by myself headphones in and am in my happy place
Ann1984 
sounds like mine too. I'm always going the bin is right there, how hard is it to put the packaging away instead of leaving it on the worktop! He claims he does it so I will have something to moan about! I've never taken pictures but I do get a satisfaction looking at the end result
Ann1984 MrsCraig My ex was self-employed and worked from home, complete and utter pain. Once the kids hit 13 they each had a 6 month calendar on bedroom door telling them what day to hoover/tidy room etc, change bed (I never did all beds on same day - far to much washing) and if washing wasn't in laundry basket - tough. One was much better than the other for keeping things tidy.
lilyflower mine help if asked but I find I do better job by myself. And love the aftermath husband on other hand blind as bat only yesterday he noticed the clothes horse I have had for 5 years 
lilyflower it's not normal for my husband to work from home as he is a teacher, I've learnt to just put up with it and accept my kitchen won't be as tidy as normal for a bit! My son is only 2 but when I show his basket and put one toy away he will go around putting all the other toys away for me and he tries to sweep the floors, do the dishes and put the washing in the machine. My mum jokingly said teach him young, don't think she meant this young! But he is just copying what he sees mummy doing. I like the idea of the calendar on the door.
That sounds like a great idea but unfortunately not a reality at the moment. I would love to try s hobby but with only a week until homeschooling starts again trying to catch up on housework and spend time with kids before it all starts again. I keep looking at all the things I planned to do 
but most importantly we safe
Imnotcheap I agree it's not possible for everyone due to home schooling and working from home but just thought it might be nice to turn it into a positive given we have all given up loads already.
I can't seem to get motivated at the moment to do anything, just wasting my days thinking about what I could do but then can't be bothered to do. Even cooking, cleaning, watching tv etc seems a waste of time when no one but me benefits.
However, I am hoping it won't be long before adult education is available again as I would like to take some sort of cookery class (possibly cake decorating) and history.
Please don't suggest online courses as that is just another isolating, lonely thing to do.
Lynibis it is hard at the moment to get motivated to do things. I can sometimes get to the afternoon and realise I haven't really done much.
Adult education is great as it gets you out the house and helps you to meet new people. Online courses are great for some people but they aren't for everyone.
MrsCraig I love learning and will do courses in anything of interest to keep the grey matter in use.
In the past I have done creative writing, basic counselling, English exam course, too many to list. I don't believe learning ends when you leave school and don't understand those who have no interest in self improvement, even if it is just by reading books.
Lynibis I can completely relate to this! There’s just the two of us here and we have pretty much given up on housework, tidying , DIY etc. I did a deep clean during the first lockdown and we watched plays and musicals on YouTube. Difficult to get motivated this time but hopefully we will all feel better when the days get longer and the weather improves. We still do ten minutes of Joe Wicks every day, which gives us a bit of a boost.
Congratulations on keeping up with Joe wicks we did it first lockdown but it hurt my shoulder too much and school starts at 9.05 this time Grannyclock
Grannyclock yes, it has now gone on too long of necessity.
It is only now I am feeling like this because if I look back I have done loads: Had garden paved, cleaned top to bottom, decorated up and down halls, countless jigsaws, films and series etc. But a meal cooked for yourself is a meal unappreciated, entertainment not shared only half enjoyed etc.
However, I do not give in to apathy for more than a day or so and today I am having my vaccine so that has put a smile on my face!
Lynibis glad to hear you are having the jab. I had mine on Saturday. I did feel a bit rough the next day but a paracetamol helped a lot.
Imnotcheap I should say we do the seniors ones and sometimes the beginners ones. You can often adapt them if something hurts.
Reading other comments am so glad not just me that is finding this lockdown hard. Agree I think too will fell better when weather improves, am not a social person but the routine I had suited drop kids off have a chat to few parents etc. Popping to shop
This is something new for me to try. My son gave it to me on Valentine's day knowing I was feeling bored.
It is not good pic but it has loads of packets of beads , on left, and some tools are in the small plastic bag.
I'd love to try that one would go nice in my bedroom. I have a captain Jack Sparrow one not had chance to open yet
You're so right. What a great idea! I had already planned on doing this because as you say, giving things up has become really normal and routine in the pandemic. What one thing do you plan on picking up for Lent?
kfe202 I'm not sure if it's necessarily picking up something we are going to explore our local area more. We have a dog so take her for walks and we are going to vary where we go and try to get to know our local area better and see if there are any hidden gems. It also means we are getting more exercise so will help with my husbands plan to lose weight. What are you going to pick up?
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