The Queen smiles as she greets Archbishop of York, John Sentamu as she arrives for Maundy Thursday Service at York Minster Chris Jackson/Getty Images via Daily Telegraph.

This Lent I tried to give up two of my psychological props with rather mixed success. This Maundy Thursday, I’m reflecting on how it’s gone so far.To be fair, I decided to allow Instagram as a creative outlet. That had unexpected dangers, Checking my phone meant notifications – and notifications meant temptation. The attention-seeking part of me wanted to know if anyone missed me.

Wide empty spaces – hoping to tempt you to Peacehaven B&B

As for the booze, I decided that on my birthday, I would allow myself a drink or two. This year it fell on Mothering Sunday. Many of you will know I don’t find that particular celebration easy. I was surprised, but I really wasn’t that bothered about the alcohol. I had wine with a lovely meal – and it didn’t immediately make me want to become a lush on a regular basis.

Confession is good for the soul – and Lent for me is all about giving the poor thing some love. So I will admit I had some bubbly to celebrate my husband’s achievements at a company do. Just as well – the singer they had was toe-curlingly overenthusiastic. My liver seems to have enjoyed the rest – it took very little to feel quite mellow.

by Chrissy Marshall
www.sensiblepencil.com

I am glad I have done this again – and whilst I won’t ever be teetotal, I like being more selective about what goes down my gullet.

It’s a different tale with Social Media.

What I missed and why I am a recidivist

• the company of my peers – not just writers but the assortment of interesting people who share fascinating things on-line
• helping others – it maybe something of a saviour complex but I giving others the benefit of my experience
• the chat – anyone who knows me IRL knows how much I can blather on
• scoops & news – I feel a hick not keeping up with the world of children’s books and my other enthusiasms

A dalek browsing the children’s books on the ground floor of Waterstones  unable to get upstairs for a cup of coffee or reach the travel books !
© Copyright Richard Croft and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

On the good side

• more time for reading
• more focus on my writing
• less stress dripping into my well of creativity
• less of that overwhelming sensation of too much data – my email inboxes are pretty sparse now, for example

What I have learned

• it’s horribly easy to find an addiction stuck to you like a leech
• it can be a surprise which temptations are tougher to deal with
• keeping my focus on my creative projects is hard but essential
• I miss my pals too much to go dark altogether!

What would you try doing without – and why?