Growing up, I was encouraged to do something extra for Lent rather than give something up.  I've continued this tradition and decided to write a handwritten note/letter/card every day for the forty days of Lent.  I am super excited about this and even made myself a little chart to keep track of my letters.  Not only will I be working on my commitment skills, I'll also be doing something nice for someone else every day. 

I'm a firm believer that Lent, the forty days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, should not be a time of suffering, pain, and sadness.  Regular life can already have enough challenges (especially in the dreariness of winter) without feeling like you need to suffer to be closer to God.  I see God in my relationships with others, so I will work on strengthening those.  Changing my approach to Lent completely changes my feelings about Ash Wednesday from a slight dread to a slight happiness (it is still Ash Wednesday after all).

If you recognize Lent, what do you do for the forty days?