I Think I'm Addicted

I was feeling the urge to write, when I remembered that I just started a blog! How convenient, right?! I have been thinking about "Carnaval" starting this weekend in Brasil, which is a huge event, particularly in Rio. It is a time of festivities, music, the Samba Parade, elaborate costumes, and crazy people. The four-day celebration begins on Saturday and goes through "Fat Tuesday"; marking the beginning of Lent. This brings me to the real topic I want to write about: Lent. Most people know that Lent is a 40-day period before Easter, during which some people choose to fast or simply give up something that they enjoy. This is also supposed to be a time of commemoration of the death and ressurection of Jesus. I did not participate in Lent last year, however, I did in 2006. I gave up a few things, but not really for the right reasons. Shock! It was interesting, and I guess it was a good experience. But, I'm definitely going to observe Lent this year, and I've decided to take it to a different level. I haven't decided exactly what I am going to give up yet. I'm going to have to think about that. However, I have decided that during the time of Lent, I am going to start doing more for other people. I would like to think of something on a large-scale, but even if I don't come up with that, I am going to do simple things. Things like: holding the door for someone, smiling a little more, sending cards to people, being nicer to my brother, helping someone at the grocery store, etc. Just easy things that will hopefully brighten another person's day. My main focus is to be less selfish, and in a sense, more of a servant for others. My hope is that Lent will be like a "kick-off" for this, and I will integrate these things into my everyday life. After all, we could all stand to be a little more selfless.