Going cold turkey

Throughout the year people like to indulge in certain pleasures whether it be chocolate, alcohol or shopping etc. Some of us like to indulge more than others,this often leads to a feeling of guilt for our over consumption always promising that next time we wont do so much. However next time comes around and we usually do just as much, if not more. We are a society of consumers, brought up by a materialistic establishment that tells us to acquire more than we actually need. Whether it be a super size meal from McDonald's or the latest 50" HD flatscreen TV. I am by no means innocent, I am just as guilty of bowing into this materialistic urge to acquire things I dont actually need.

But then comes around the time of year when everyone feels they need to give up a certain pleasure for the period of Lent. Traditionally, the season of Lent is a period of renewal and reconciliation with God. It is a 40 day period of prayer, fasting and alms giving where Christians reflect on their lives of the past year and try to strengthen their relationship with God and fellow humans. I respect the Christian tradition, and for those Christians who follow the customs of Lent as there is a purpose and reason for their participation. However, from a non-Christian view, I dont understand why people want to give up certain things for Lent when they are not doing it for religious reasons. I dont see the point of it, what are you going to achieve? As a non Christian, I doubt your going to be praying, or reflecting on your moral conscience of the past year. You are just going to be giving up something which you have done all year, whether it is eat chocolate, drink alcohol or spend too much.

Its like a junkie trying to give up his drug of choice and going cold turkey. We all know that there is a strong chance at some point in the future they will go back to shooting up those dirty chemicals. At some point, whether its one week, two weeks or even after the full forty days, you will go back to doing what ever it was you gave up, and if there is no reason for this, why do it?

I guess the point Im trying to make is that I dont understand why people feel the need to give up something for Lent when they dont have a reason to do so. What ever it is we give up we do throughout the year, so why not just do it all year, enjoy the the few pleasures we have. Rather than feel we have to completely cut something out in our lives, try things in moderation. There are many reasons do give things up, but just for the sake of a religious tradition that you do not adhere to, is not one.