Lent is a religious observance that is traditionally practiced by Christians as a period of repentance, self-reflection, and preparation for Easter.

If you are  non Christian you can  choose to observe Lent as well by using it as a time for:-:

Self-reflection: You will find great  value in taking some time to reflect on your life  and make positive changes.

Fasting and abstinence – Challenge yourself to give up something as this will help you to have discipline and self control.

Simply put, it means you stop eating completely, or almost completely, for a certain stretch of time. A fast usually lasts from 12 to 24 hours, but some types continue for days at a time. In some cases, you may be allowed water, tea, and coffee or even a small amount of food during the “fasting period.

Spirituality and mindfulness:- find value in engaging in spiritual or mindfulness practices during this time to improve your mental and emotional well-being. Mindfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.

Check out this article about mindfulness and exercises you can do. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356

Community – connect with a community and feel a sense of belonging

Ultimately, whether or not to observe Lent is a personal decision, and if you are  a  non-Christians you should consider your  own beliefs and values when deciding whether or not to participate in this religious observance.

Ash Wednesday is a holy day of prayer and fasting in many Christian denominations and is  the beginning of Lent

Lent is a period of fasting and reflection for many Christians for forty days.

Overall, the significance of Lent is to help believers to grow in their faith, to deepen their relationship with God, and to prepare for the celebration of Easter. It is a time of self-examination, discipline, and renewal, in which believers seek to become more faithful and loving followers of Jesus Christ.

Even some people who are not practising Christians use this period to give up something or start a new habit..

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Somethings you could consider doing during this period.:

1. Give up a bad habit or vice, such as smoking, excessive drinking, or eating unhealthy food.
2. Pray daily, either alone or with others.
3. Attend Mass more frequently.
4. Volunteer your time at a charity or community organization.
5. Fast from social media, television, or other forms of entertainment that may distract you from spiritual reflection.
6. Spend time in nature, reflecting on the beauty of God’s creation.
7. Read a book on spirituality or religion.
8. Visit a sick or elderly person and offer companionship.
9. Practice forgiveness, both towards others and yourself.
10. Attend a retreat or a pilgrimage.
11. Write in a journal to reflect on your thoughts and emotions.
12. Give up a favorite food or drink, such as sweets or coffee.
13. Attend confession to confess your sins and seek forgiveness.
14. Learn a new prayer or spiritual practice.
15. Practice self-discipline and self-control.
16. Perform acts of kindness towards strangers.
17. Dedicate time each day to meditation or mindfulness.
18. Take a break from technology and spend time reading, writing, or creating.
19. Donate money or goods to a charity or organization.
20. Attend a spiritual or religious seminar or workshop.
21. Spend time in silence and solitude.
22. Practice gratitude by giving thanks for the blessings in your life.
23. Attend a religious or spiritual retreat.
24. Practice humility by seeking to serve others.
25. Attend a religious service or Mass.
26. Practice simplicity by decluttering your home or life.
27. Read the Bible or other spiritual texts.
28. Spend time in prayer or meditation each day.
29. Practice fasting by giving up food or other pleasures.
30. Spend time in contemplation, reflecting on the mysteries of faith.
31. Attend a Bible study or discussion group.
32. Practice generosity by giving to those in need.
33. Serve at a soup kitchen or food bank.
34. Visit a nursing home or hospital to offer support and companionship.
35. Take a pilgrimage to a holy site or shrine.
36. Practice silence and reflection by taking a personal retreat.
37. Offer forgiveness to someone who has wronged you.
38. Attend a spiritual or religious concert or performance.
39. Spend time in prayer or meditation with a group of friends.
40. Reflect on the life and teachings of Jesus and seek to follow his example.

Get some fresh air: Spending time outdoors and getting some fresh air can do wonders for your wellbeing. Go for a walk, hike, bike ride, or simply sit in a park or garden and take in the scenery.

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Disconnect from technology: Taking a break from technology can help you feel refreshed and re-energized. Try turning off your phone or taking a break from social media for a few hours

Spend time with loved ones: Spending time with loved ones can help improve your mood and overall wellbeing. Plan a fun activity or just enjoy some quality time together.

Practice mindfulness: Take some time to focus on the present moment and clear your mind. You can try meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.

Do something you enjoy: Make time to do something you enjoy, whether it’s reading a book, watching a movie, cooking a meal, or pursuing a hobby.





Get some exercise: Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it can also improve your mental wellbeing. Find an activity that you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine



Practice self-care: Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and doing things that make you feel good.



Remember that self-care is important for your wellbeing, and taking the time to prioritize it can have positive effects on your overall health and happiness.

Over the last 8 weeks, I have been locked in the world of grief due to the unexpected death of my mum. my cousin-in-law and my uncle. At times I find myself jus running on autopilot as I found myself having to suddenly prepare for the funeral of my mum. It took me so long to accept she had gone. The funeral for all 3 was one week after each other, and it drained us all and made this our first Christmas very sad and different,

I felt so sad about my mum’s situation, as the night before she was happy when I called her as I had gone away for the weekend to attend the single mums’ business awards. My son told me that he and my mum were both dancing and having fun that night after my call.

It was therefore so sad the following morning when I got phone call from my son asking for my mum’s medical records. I asked him what was going on, and he said he woke up to some groaning noises and when he went to find out what it was, it was my mum on the floor. He then had to call the emergency and they told him what to do, including him giving my mum CPR. The ambulance than came and took my mum to the hospital as she was unconscious. I felt so helpless as I raced to catch the train. It was the longest journey of my life and the tears just kept flowing. My son was keeping me updated. When I eventually got to the hospital I was just devastated and shocked to see my mum in the lifeless state.

Please listen to this podcast interview with the inspirational Rachel Smith as part of her coping with loss series as I discuss my experiences. https://lessonsfromloss.podbean.com/e/episode-29-smiling-through-the-tears-with-genny-jones/

My mum used to work for the Commonwealth secretariat as a senior secretary and this involved going to the Commonwealth meetings where she had great moments meeting Nelson Mandela, Prince Charles and the Queen as well as other common wealth heads of government, I am so proud of my mum and her achievements as she used to tell me stories of being in England in 1969 and the hardships and racism she and her friends faced. She sold milk bottles, cleaned toilets to survive as she was also studying for her professional secretarial qualifications which she eventually completed as was able to gain a job at the commonwealth secretariat where she worked through the ranks to become a senior secretary.

Right now, I feel I am in a better place as i have slowly come to accept that my mum is gone and painful as it is, I have to get on with life the best I can.. I am grateful that this moment has brought our family together united in grief.