A Sacrifice

Whether you are into the Easter story or not, with it looming on the horizon of the week, it provides a nice background theme. Specifically, I am talking about the idea of sacrifice. Sacrifice can be difficult but it can also be freeing. It all depends on the mind set.

Something I do each year is a form of sacrifice. On the years that I celebrate Mardi Gras, I participate in my own version of Lent. I give up something that is hard. When I slip up, I save a dollar, letting it accumulate until Easter. Then I donate those dollars to charity. Usually, I give up word habits (so it is easy to slip). For instance, last year I gave up the word "excellent." I used it all the time, especially as an affirmation that I was listening to others. It is an odd sacrifice for sure, giving up a security-blanket word, but it always feels good to donate to a favorite clause. It is also a great way to curb bad habits.

So for today's contemplation - think about the idea of sacrifice. Have you given up something that felt like a sacrifice? Are you currently doing so? Is there something you would like to give up that seems like it would be a sacrifice? If so, ask yourself why you did, should, or would give it up. Center on the positive aspects of the sacrifice. Now say to yourself:

By making this sacrifice, I am free.