Wagons – and falling off

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

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

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

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 LinkExternal link 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

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!

the dark side (cc) [silhouette1 - fire, water, light] creative commons by marfis75

What would you try doing without – and why?

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