Giving up chocolate again this Lent? Looking for a way to mix things up this year?
Lent is all about growing closer to God through sacrifice, but that doesn’t mean your penance has to be predictable. Whether ditching impulse buys, skipping the snooze button or taking the stairs, these creative penances will challenge you in unexpected ways.
Ready to shake things up? Let’s dive in!
Plastic-free Lent
Do you find yourself getting to-go food multiple times a week? What about your coffee runs? This Lent, try to cut out single-use plastic. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your cup of joe — just grab one of the reusable cups around your house before you head out on your coffee date! Instead of always getting takeout, try eating your meals in the restaurant and bringing your own Tupperware if you have leftovers!
No unnecessary (impulse) purchases
How often do you find yourself opening the Amazon app, or heading to their website? During this Lenten season, before you hit “add to cart,” take a moment to consider if you really need to make that purchase. The Church calls us to live simply, so when you’re tempted to buy something new, reflect on why you feel the urge to shop in that moment. Instead, try taking an extra bit of time to pray, or even give that money to a charitable organization.
Avoiding the snooze button on your alarm clock
Do you love your 5, 10… or maybe 30 extra minutes of sleep in the morning? What if you gave up snoozing your alarm clock and spent 5 minutes in gratitude each morning? As an added bonus, you won’t be rushing to work anymore and can curb any road rage that might pop up if you’re no longer rushing out the door.
Wear the same 7 outfits to simplify your life.
Do people really notice what we wear, or do we just think they do? What if you limited your wardrobe this Lent? Jesus probably only had one or two tunics, after all. This can be a way to limit unnecessary distractions and enter this season truly imitating Christ.
Intentionally silence parts of your day
Do you love your morning car ride accompanied by music or news? What if you took that time to slow down in silence? This type of fasting might just bring you a measure of peace as you go about your day. For an added challenge, try cutting out social media and answering unnecessary messages until after 12:00 p.m.! This will add even more peace to your mornings!
Turning towards the homeless
We’re called to see Jesus in everyone, yet those on the street tend to be ignored. Instead of avoiding eye contact when you run into one of our homeless brothers and sisters at a stop light, give them a smile, nod or wave while you’re waiting for that traffic light to turn green. You might even consider rolling the window down and chatting with them!
Being kind to ourselves
We are created in the image and likeness of God… but do we always act like it? With comparison so easy to fall into, it can be easy to forget that God made us really, really good. Consider giving up negative self-talk and focusing on the gifts God has given you. This can be a practice in growing in humility, which is living in the truth of who you are.
Being generous with our kind words
It’s important to keep unkind words to ourselves, but what if we started throwing out compliments like they’re… free? This Lent, consider fasting from being selfish with your kind words, and intentionally give compliments and focus on the good qualities of others.
Front-row parking
There’s no better feeling than pulling into the grocery store parking lot during a snowstorm just as a car is abandoning its front-row spot. However, what would happen if you chose to park in the back of the parking lot instead? By sacrificing that spot, you could leave it open for someone who really needs it.
For an added challenge, consider applying the same principle to the office elevator. Try taking the stairs instead and offering your sacrifice for a coworker.
Complaining about coworkers and family
Speaking of coworkers… when you find yourself tempted to complain about someone in your life over the next 40 days, remember that Jesus created them, too (see #7). This Lent, instead of complaining about these people, say this simple prayer as a practice to grow in your love for them instead: “Oh Jesus, help me to see my annoying coworker as you see them.”
Lent isn’t just about giving things up; it’s about making space for Christ in our daily lives. Whether it’s simplifying your routine, practicing gratitude, or being more present to those around you, these creative penances can help transform your heart and prepare you for the joy of Easter. The key is intentionality — whatever sacrifice you choose, offer it with love, and let it draw you closer to God.
