The days are finally brightening and it was lovely to have had some warmer weather over the weekend, which we hope has spurred you on your Lent journey, whether it’s to giving more to charity, spreading a little happiness, or reflecting on what this special time of year means.
Here’s a quick run down of the ideas we have shared so far:
1. Keep a scrapbook of what you get up to during your Lent journey! Receipts, ticket stubs, ideas, photos…
2. Give up money. Any amount you find, on the ground or anywhere, donate it.
3. Give up showering with hot water. Think about how hard it would be to not have the option to shower every day.
4. Offer to help someone. Crossing the road, carrying some bags, even moving house!
5. Give up your talent. Find a charity that would benefit from your skills or expertise; many let you volunteer online.
6. Take a break – fill in your journal.
7. Give up your central heating for a full 24 hours. Now imagine living on the streets, where there is no heating.
8. Give up your bed and sleep on your sofa or floor. Imagine if you hadn’t had a bed to sleep in for months.
9. Learn ten phrases in a new language – there are a number of free resources to get you on to the basics, such as the BBC languages site.
10. Have a clear out. Give stuff you are not using to your charity shop.
11. Try eating local produce. Farmers markets are full of delicious fresh fruit, veggies and more. Find your local market and take a visit.
12. Support life: plant something, have a new plant in the home, or sponsor an animal.
13. Give up alcohol. Many rough sleepers are not alcoholics, but may use it to relieve the monotony of being #homeless.
14. Sponsor a tree.
15. Reclaim your lunch break – make sure you take at least half an hour away from your desk to read or get some air.
16. Give up plastic – pick up a canvas bag at a charity shop or supermarket and ensure you always have it with you.
17. Organise a ‘failure’ meeting – share problems at work or personally, with friends or colleagues. Realise what you’ve learnt that made it fine to have failed initially.
18. Have a look in your rubbish bin… how can you reduce your waste? Recycle? Composting? Buy things with less packaging?
19. Give up presents. Find out how many of your friends/family would rather you donate to charity on their birthdays. Make a note to do so.
20. How’s your journal looking? What exciting new experiences have you had?
Share what you’re getting up to with us on Twitter using the hashtag #DoLentGenerously, or look at Church Housing Trust’s Pinterest page to see suggestions ahead of time!
