Ash Wednesday: The Beginning of Another Chance for Change

“Remember, that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

—Genesis 3:19

Catholics (like me) and worshippers in some Christian sects are attending services, sporting ash crosses on their foreheads and abstaining from meat—except for fish—in addition to fasting, as they observe Ash Wednesday.

Today marks the first day of Lent, the 40-day period leading up to Easter. It’s a time of prayer, reflection and penitence. We acknowledge our mortality and remember the redemption attained through Jesus’ sacrifice.

It’s also a time when we accept personal challenges, whether it’s breaking bad habits, giving up favorite foods or items, or embracing better behaviors.

My own Lenten challenges have varied throughout the years. The most painful—literally—was the Ash Wednesday when I overdid the fasting and gave up my ever-present soda. That evening, I spent a few hours in a ball on the couch with my hands over my eyes as my food- and caffeine-deprived stomach and head teamed up against me.

My best was when I gave up recreational shopping—no shoes, bags or clothes for more than a month. Although I occasionally experienced a twinge when I passed an incredible line of spring fashions, I was surprised by how, eventually, it didn’t seem like much of a sacrifice. The empowerment and freedom that comes with triumphing over a habit is rewarding on a level that the guilty pleasure can never match.

This year I hope to get another rush as I sacrifice my own collection of dirty words. While I don’t use some of George Carlin’s infamous seven, I manage to fill the gaps. For the first time, I have a slight understanding of what smokers go through when they try to kick the cancer sticks.

Yes, I know it’s a filthy habit.

Yes, I felt the peer pressure to do it when I was young.

Yes, I’d probably be better off if I didn’t do it.

But when you’re in the pressure cooker of life, the feel of those four letters in your mouth preceding the exclamation that (figuratively) turns the air blue … man. Inhale. Exhale. We’re good.

On the flip side of the satisfaction is the old saying, “Profanity is the effort of a feeble mind to express itself forcefully.”

Ouch.

I'm in a profession in which finding the right words—printable words—is essential. If I can avoid using bad language in professional situations, why shouldn't I strive for that in my personal life? Besides, it might be fun to utilize alternate sayings. Sugarquills? Fahrvergnugen? I'll keep working on it.

In addition to strengthening my mind and broadening my vocabulary, I hope to safeguard against verbal slips, especially when I’m with my 3 1/2-year-old niece. You know how kids just love new words …

So far it’s been a struggle. My swear jar—the contents of which will be donated to charity—has had quite a profitable day.

But I've got time—and hope.

Watch Archbishop Timothy Dolan's video message on the significance of Lent.