evaluating.

{from here}

Every year, I try to give something up for Lent. One year, it was Coke. For the past couple of years, it's been Facebook. This year, I'm thinking of trying a couple of different things, and I'd like your thoughts.

Originally, I was going to -- again -- give up Facebook for 40 days, this time deactivating my account so I won't receive updates via email. I am still going to deactivate, but not for Lent. In fact, today is my last day as a member of the Facebook generation (for now. I hate to say forever lest someone immediately identify me as a hypocrite should I rejoin the ranks later). I've enjoyed sharing pictures and keeping up with friends, but the truth is, this space has become far more rewarding. Facebook often leaves me with feelings of inadequacy, guilt, even anger. But through blogging, I've developed relationships, improved my writing, received encouragement and feedback and constructive criticism... I just prefer blogging. In truth, of course, both can be time-sucks, so I'm giving up one, and it's Facebook.

For Lent, though, I wanted to do something different and a little bit more sacrificial, something I really loved. As a result, I'm contemplating the consequences of giving up sugar. Now, let me quickly clarify: I am not trying to lose weight. Nope. That's not what this is about; I'm a pretty petite person, and I have no desire to become even more so. Instead, this is about overall health. My face is a disaster zone. I am worn out and exhausted at the end of the day. I get the occasional headache. I am grouchier than normal and can be short with those I love. Although I have an idea of a couple of other causes, I've done enough reading to realize that I may not be putting the best things into my body. At 25, I figure it's probably time to start paying closer attention, and what better time to start than with 40 days of sacrifice breathing down my neck? Sugar is the first step, though I've been trying to read up on a couple of 30-day cleanses to see if those might be options worth considering. (A raw food diet seems to be popular, but maybe out of my league. Thoughts?)

In addition, last year I read an article or heard a sermon -- I don't know where -- about how Lent is not just about giving things up: It's about replacing with good. Forgive me in advance if this seems silly to you -- the Lenten tradition is a newer one for me and for Jordan -- but those thoughts led me to the realization that I'd like to spend the 40 days of Lent giving back. Last April, our book club read 29 Gifts, and it inspired me to embark on my own 29 days of giving. I loved the lessons I learned from opening up my eyes and pocketbook to needs around me, so I've decided: why not up the ante? While I'm have major withdrawals from leaving sugar in the dust, why not focus on the needs and wants of others. If nothing else, it will distract me from the Coke Jordan will inevitably be drinking.

Basically, I'll be doing 40 days of fasting and 40 days of giving.

Here's where I'd like your advice. Have you ever done any type of cleanse? Was it difficult? What were the results? Have you ever given up sugar? What were some of your favorite meals? Do you have any resources you'd recommend for embarking on something like this?

And finally, the big question: Who wants to join me?

Lent begins March 9, so you've got some time to think about it. And I'm not asking you to give up sugar. (Although, wouldn't it be fun and inspiring to do it together?) I'm just suggesting that some outside moral support might be beneficial while I live a life without Coke and you live a life without... well, whatever you think you should be living without. (Coke is just my own personal weakness, see?) We could all blog our progress; wouldn't that be fun?

Anyway, really, I'm dying to know: Is giving up sugar really that hard? And are there really health benefits to avoiding it? Is there truth to this raw foods concept?

Meat and cookie lovers want to know.

(P.S.~ I may or may not have been inspired by this.)