Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, Mardi Gras, whatever you call it…
Today is the last big blowout before Lent begins. In other words, it’s a day designed to go big on indulgence before we promise to behave ourselves for the next six weeks.
The direct translation of Mardi Gras is ‘Fat Tuesday’, which, if I’m honest, has felt a little too ‘on-the-nose lately’. Four months of sitting around hospital rooms and hospices drinking tea and eating waaaay too many biscuits has turned me into a hot, fat mess! So, this year, I’m taking the opportunity to embrace change and give something up for Lent with a purpose; to lose weight, feel better, and prove to myself that I have at least some level of self-control.
Change Is Hard, But Staying the Same Is Harder
Every year, I toy with the idea of giving something up. Sugar? Bread? Mindless snacks that are entirely unnecessary but somehow essential? Let’s be honest, change is uncomfortable; the first few days feel like punishment, the cravings are loud, and you feel like you should be in great shape by now, surely? Then, you start questioning why you ever thought this was a good idea. But here’s the thing, we don’t change unless we challenge ourselves. And whether it’s losing weight, breaking bad habits, or just proving we can do something difficult, Lent is a built-in opportunity to push ourselves.
What Am I Giving Up?
This year, I’m going all in. I’ll be cutting out bread, crisps and biscuits. Even though I suffer from diverticulitis – I bloomin’ love ‘em! I should be focussing on healthier habits anyway, and trying not to replace every craving with an angry rant about why snacks should be an essential food group. The good news? I’m not alone. (Right? Please tell me I’m not alone.)
How to Actually Stick to It
Giving something up for Lent is easy to say but much harder to follow through on. Here’s how I plan to make it stick:
- Accountability: If I say it publicly, I have to do it (or at least suffer the shame of failing spectacularly).
- Small Wins: One day at a time. If I think about six weeks all at once, I’ll just eat an entire loaf of bread in panic.
- A Mindset Shift: This isn’t punishment, it’s a reset. A chance to change habits, not just suffer through them.
- Forgiveness: If I mess up, I won’t throw in the towel – I’ll just start again. Progress, not perfection.
Let’s Talk
So, what about you? Are you giving something up this year? Are you embracing change, challenging yourself, or at least making a half-hearted attempt before caving by Friday?
Let’s start fresh together, and maybe, just maybe, come out the other side better for it.
#ShroveTuesday #FatTuesday #MardiGras #Lent2025 #Change #MentalHealth #Wellbeing
