Lent's a time to both slow down and take things up

O what is Lent? Lent is a 2000-year-old tradition that starts the day after pancake day (Ash Wednesday) and runs to Maundy Thursday, before the Easter weekend of the commemoration of the death and the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

- Faith Paul Ward

I believe Lent is an important time whether you are Christian or not. It's an invitation to slow down, reflect on life and perhaps take something up which could change your life.

Traditionally people have given things up. Some fast one, two or more complete days a week, others give up food groups like meat or sweet things. Still others give money to charities or do a sponsored event. Or a combination of all of them.

I stopped giving things up for lent a few years ago now. Instead, I now take something up. One thing in particular this year has struck me. How crazy the world is, especially if we have the News on a 24-hour loop. Listening to bad news can drive up anxiety and worry in me.