The challenge that is lent
Recently, I started a series of classic posts, most (well, actually, all) of which came from my columns for the Houstonian at SHSU.
This one talks about the challenge of lent, and my goal to defeat my biggest enemy: myself. Enjoy.
About a week ago from today, I did what most people do this time of the year: live out all my last second vices before deciding what to give up for lent.
Electing what to give up for 40 days is always a challenge for me. I like to give up something that is detrimental to my daily routine, demonstrating my will power as well as improving my overall quality of living. As I was enjoying the Taco Bell "Barkley Box," as I like to call it, it didn't take long for me to realize my biggest weakness staring me in the eyes: fast food.
Fast food is a college student's best friend. What's not to love? It's cheap, tasty, and obviously fast. While running to and from classes, trying to find time to squeeze in a meal that will efficiently do its job of filling me up quickly, fast food was my go-to guy. But I don't need to tell you twice of the wrongdoings it does to everyone's health, hence my choice to rid of it.
I began my journey by finding healthy alternatives all last week. I found myself eating a lot of sandwiches, cereal, and protein meal bars, all the ignoring the calls of fast food. Little did I know, temptation was everywhere, trying its hardest to make me fold.
First, I dealt with television advertisements, promoting the very thing I was attempting to resist. There were as many fast food commercials on TV as there were Tiger Woods mistress revelations. It drove me insane.
I didn't have enough fingers to count all the Taco Bell "5 Buck Box" commercials, or all of the free food promos, like free-pancakes Tuesday at IHOP and the new "buy a large drink get a free grilled sandwich" Jack In the Box promo.
In an attempt to escape these overwhelming advertising schemes, I decided to walk to the store Sunday and pick up something to snack on. This was maybe my worst decision yet.
I didn't think a simple walk to the store would surround me in the biggest temptation yet: an abundance of junk-food litter. There was a Whataburger bag, a Jack In the Box burger wrapper, and yes, even Taco Bell trash.
If it was a TV ad, I could change the channel. If there was a free-food promo, I could ignore it or erase it. But there, in front of my face, was fast food paraphernalia. How terrifying.
I half expected Ronald McDonald to ring me up at the corner store.
Nevertheless, I fought the urges and am proud to say that I am still "fast-food free." I am yet to fall to the seductive red-head from Wendy's, and Sonic has not yet claimed me a victim of gluttony. In the end, I will say I resisted temptation and fought my cravings through to Easter by conquering my cravings. I will only fail if I am awakened by the Burger King one night in the middle of my slumber, holding a Whopper over my head.