Fellow travelers,

Are there small things you are doing that are harmful to you? Are there small changes you can make to improve your life? Can each of us build a better “liturgy” for our lives over time, step by step? Can we accumulate victories in small battles that help us fight bigger ones?  Over time can we better love God, ourselves, and others?

Instead of making resolutions or celebrating Lent, every 40 days I try to make a small, permanent change in my life habits.  I keep a list of the changes I’ve made or want to make.  This is all voluntary, so I don’t criticize myself for missing a deadline or going back on something.  If I fail at some of the changes, the successful ones still add up to a massive shift over time.  I don’t always do “spiritual” or major changes, just something I think will make my life better, permanently.  For example, in 2021, I decided to drink at least 32 oz of water a day, and I still do it (with an occasional miss).  My last change was an average daily step goal I started in February.  I’ve met that goal so far.

My change for 3/22/26 is one I’ve tried before (1/1/25), and it worked for a few months, but then it didn’t.  So, I’m going to try it again.  I’m not giving specifics here, but I’ll say it has to do with making better use of my time.

If you want to participate, tomorrow, March 22^nd, is 80 days after the start of the New Year and time for the next change.  If you do, keep a record of what you’re changing.  As the months and years pass, hopefully the cumulative change is enormous. The next date on the schedule (40 days later) is 5/1/26, and I have a couple of things under consideration for then.  I’ll be posting a reminder at about that time; if you want to participate, start making a list of things you might want to do more or less of, and let’s see what we can accomplish!  This habit has been helpful to me and might be to you, even if you have your own way of doing it.