Breaking the fast

For the past fifteen years I have been giving up chocolate for Lent. And each year it remains a struggle. I mean a STRUG-GLE. I've largely abandoned most other obscure Catholic traditions, but this one I cling to like hot wax to a bikini model.

The idea that giving up something so unnecessary as chocolate can cause me so much strife is absurd. And that's the point. I suffer because I go without a luxury item for 49 days when others live happily without even the basic necessities of life, food, shelter, love, family. I realise that these marginalised people don't tangibly benefit from my introspection. But at least for 49 days I am acutely aware of how privileged I am and I am humbled.