We’re all familiar with Dry January, the popular practice of giving up alcohol to reset after the festivities of the New Year. But did you know there’s another powerful season of letting go and renewal called Lent? Observed annually, Lent provides a meaningful opportunity for reflection, self-discovery, and personal growth.
What is Lent and When is it Observed?
Lent is a 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday, traditionally observed by many Christians worldwide. It begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes the day before Easter. In 2025, Lent will run from March 5th to April 19th. Historically, Lent commemorates the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, and it’s traditionally marked by fasting, reflection, and giving up certain habits or indulgences.
Why Embrace Lent?
For many Black women, life often feels like a continuous cycle of giving and serving others. Lent offers an intentional pause – a sacred period to reassess and realign. Whether or not you have religious affiliations, Lent can be embraced as an opportunity to detox spiritually, mentally, physically, and financially. It’s your moment to release habits that no longer serve you and adopt practices that nurture your spirit, finances, and overall wellbeing.
Ideas for Lent: Giving Up or Taking On
Traditionally, people choose something to “give up” during Lent. Common choices include:
- Alcohol or sugar
- Fast food or unhealthy snacks
- Social media or excessive screen time
- Gossiping or negative self-talk
- Overspending or impulse buying
However, Lent can also be about taking on positive new habits, such as:
- Starting a gratitude journal
- Committing to daily meditation or prayer
- Regular walks or exercise routines
- Reading inspirational or educational books
- Saving money or supporting charitable causes
- Tracking your spending and setting a simple budget
- Creating a no-spend challenge for the 40 days
- Automating a small weekly transfer to savings
Lent is an ideal time to get clear about your financial goals. If money management has been a source of stress or avoidance, use this season to create new, empowered financial practices that support your future.
How to Choose Your Lent Commitment
When selecting your Lent focus, reflect on the following:
- What habits or behaviors currently drain your energy, peace, or finances?
- What personal qualities or experiences do you wish to nurture or enhance?
- Which areas of your life need realignment or intentional focus?
Your commitment doesn’t have to be dramatic to be impactful. Often, small yet consistent shifts can lead to profound personal transformation.
Rituals and Tools to Stay Committed
Sticking to your Lent commitment can be enhanced by simple rituals and supportive tools:
- Lent Journal: Keep track of your daily reflections and experiences.
- Daily Reminders: Set gentle alarms or notifications to remind you of your intentions.
- Accountability Partner: Find a sister, friend, or community member to share your journey.
- Weekly Check-ins: Use Sundays (traditionally not counted in the Lent days) to assess progress, recalibrate, and rest.
- Financial Tracker: Use a free app or spreadsheet to track spending or savings goals.
Lent offers more than mere letting go; it’s an invitation to clarity, renewal, and deeper self-awareness. As you navigate these 40 days, remember that every small step is progress toward becoming a more intentional, balanced, and fulfilled version of yourself.
This Lent, embrace the opportunity. You deserve the peace, growth, financial clarity, and joy that await.
Resources to Support Your Lent Journey
- Mint: Budgeting App – Easy and effective money tracking.
- Insight Timer – Free meditation and mindfulness exercises.
- The Five-Minute Journal – Simple daily gratitude journaling.
- Black Girl in Om – Wellness resources created specifically for Black women.
- Goodreads Lent Reading List – Inspirational and reflective books perfect for Lent.
