A 40-Day Test of Willpower, Faith, and… Social Media Detox?

Lent: The time of year when you’re given the opportunity to reflect on your life, give up things that bring you joy, and pray for strength to endure it all.

In true 21st-century fashion, my mother decided to send me something that has changed the way I view Lent forever—through WhatsApp, of course. Ah, the wonders of technology – lets give a hand of applause for the women in technology. There I was, minding my business, scrolling through memes from family members who’d somehow become self-proclaimed experts in fields they never studied, when suddenly, bam! The Lenten Challenge hit my inbox. And not just any inbox—this was a follow-up WhatsApp call to ensure I had, in fact, read every single word. God forbid I missed the point of this “challenge” she thought was absolutely life-altering. Spoiler alert: It was.

Naturally, my initial reaction was to think, “Okay, sure, I’ll try this, why not? If I’m giving up social media for forty days (and maybe a few other vices I’m not ready to admit), you better believe I’m going to make you read about it too!” So, here I am, bringing you the Lenten Challenge—complete with all the highs, lows, and occasional face-palms I expect to experience in the coming weeks. Let’s dive into these 40 days of self-reflection, fasting, and charity with a healthy dose of humor, because honestly, who can survive without it?

Now, before you get all perplexed about why Sundays are missing from this list, let me clear that up for you. Sundays aren’t technically part of the Lenten process. Yes, you heard that right! They’re like a little vacation in the middle of this 40-day challenge. Think of them as a cheat day for your soul – a day where you can catch your breath and celebrate the joy of the Resurrection, without breaking the fast. But, if you’re curious as to why Sundays are treated this way, don’t worry. I drove deeper into that in a previous post all about Lent itself. Check it out.

WEEK 1: Self-Reflection (A.K.A. The Week of Facing Your Own Spiritual Mirror)

DAY 1, WEDNESDAY
Attend Ash Wednesday service and receive ashes.
Note: This is the day when you become a walking advertisement for your faith. It’s basically an Instagram filter that says, “I’m ready for some serious reflection, but also please notice my ash-streaked forehead.”

DAY 2, THURSDAY
Fast from social media for one day.
This is where I start sweating—not because of my willpower, but because social media is life, right? Or is it? Either way, my phone is currently experiencing withdrawal.

DAY 3, FRIDAY
Write down 3 things you’re grateful for. Gratitude, the often-forgotten magic elixir. Take a minute to realize that even though you may be struggling, there are still things in your life worth smiling about. Even if it’s just your morning coffee. Or the fact that your cat is still alive and hasn’t made your favorite blanket its latest plaything.

DAY 4, SATURDAY
Pray for someone you find difficult to love.
Oh, boy. That one person you’d rather avoid? Yep, time to pray for them. Or at the very least, say a short prayer for patience. Deep breaths.

DAY 5, MONDAY
Give up your favorite meal for the day.
This is where my commitment to sacrifice gets tested. A day without my beloved burrito? I’m not saying it’s the end of the world, but it sure feels like it.

DAY 6, TUESDAY
Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
If you’re like me, you might need some practice with this one. But hey, what’s the harm in trying something new, right?

DAY 7, WEDNESDAY
Read Psalm 51 and pray for a clean heart.
It’s the Bible’s way of telling you to clean up your act. I’m all in. Besides, who doesn’t need a little heart-cleaning every now and then?

WEEK 2: Deepen Your Faith (A.k.a. The Week of Silent Reflection and Serious Faith Work)

DAY 8, THURSDAY
Spend 15 minutes in silence with God.
Because nothing says “spiritual growth” like turning off your favorite playlist, stepping away from the TV, and sitting in complete silence for 15 minutes. Try it—you might be surprised at what you hear. (Or don’t hear. Either way, it’s quiet.)

DAY 9, FRIDAY
Fast from complaining for the day.
The challenge here is not to complain. And let me tell you, the universe will send you all the little things that test your ability to keep your mouth shut. The microwave is too slow, your favorite coffee shop ran out of whole milk—inhale…stay calm, stay calm.

DAY 10, SATURDAY
Help a neighbor or friend in need.
It’s all about kindness, and this challenge reminds you that even a small act can make a big difference. The only question is: How awkward will it be to knock on your neighbor’s door and offer them help with something they probably don’t need?

DAY 11, MONDAY
Attend daily Mass.
I’m not saying it’s hard to get to Mass every day, but when your schedule already feels like it’s been built by an overzealous Tetris player, it might feel like a challenge. But hey, we do what we gotta do.

DAY 12, TUESDAY
Learn about a saint.
Time to hit the books! Or Google. I mean, who doesn’t like a good “saint backstory”? Did you know Saint Lawrence was the patron saint of comedians? He was known for his witty remarks. I can relate.

DAY 13, WED: Take a moment to meditate on the Stations of the Cross. It’s a powerful way to reflect on Jesus’ journey to Calvary, helping you connect more deeply with the meaning of sacrifice.

DAY 14, THUR: Now, this one might sting a bit. Pray for someone who has wronged you. I know, I know—it’s not the easiest thing, but it’s a real act of grace. Consider it a mini spiritual workout for your forgiveness muscles.

WEEK 3: Serve & Sacrifice (A.k.a. The Week of “Let’s See How Much I Can Give Up”)

DAY 15, FRIDAY
Pray the Rosary.This isn’t just any prayer. This is the prayer equivalent of running a marathon. But once you’ve finished, the sense of accomplishment is almost as rewarding as reaching the summit of Everest (in my humble opinion). If you don’t own a rosary, no problem! Just take a few minutes and pray—no fancy beads required. A typical rosary prayer takes about 15-25 minutes, so if you’re on a tight schedule, think of it as your spiritual power hour. You can even time yourself and pretend you’re competing in the “Fastest Prayer” Olympics. (Spoiler: there’s no gold medal, but there’s definitely some peace of mind.)

DAY 16, SATURDAY: Give up unnecessary spending for the day.This one’s tough. I mean, who needs new shoes? Everyone does, right? But, alas, Lent calls for sacrifices.

DAY 17, MON: Send a message of encouragement to a friend. It could be as simple as a text that says, “Hey, you’re awesome,” or maybe something a little deeper. Either way, you’re spreading good vibes and showing some love.

DAY 18, TUE: Read a chapter from the Bible. Pick a passage that speaks to you, and let it simmer. No need to rush—just take it in and reflect on it for a bit.

DAY 19, WED: Fast from TV/Netflix for a day. Yes, you heard that right. Take a break from binging that latest show and do something a little more productive (or, you know, get outside and be productive).

DAY 20, THUR: Donate to charity. Whether it’s clothes, food, or a little cash to a cause you care about, give a little bit of yourself to those who need it more. You’ll feel good about it, I promise.

DAY 21, FRI: Pray for peace in the world. Big ask, I know, but every little prayer helps. Spend a few moments asking for peace in places where it’s most needed, and who knows—maybe your little prayer will create a ripple effect.

WEEK 4: Spiritual Growth (A.k.a. Time to Challenge the Comfort Zone)

DAY 22, SATURDAY Read Matthew 6:25-34. You know that moment when you realize that worrying doesn’t actually change anything? Yep, that’s the lesson here. Trust in God.

DAY 23, MONDAY: Fast from gossip and negativity. I know. I know. It’s hard to give up gossip—it’s the sport of the office! But trust me, you’ll be better for it. Yep, no complaining, no trash talk, no feeding into drama. Think of it as a detox for your soul. Clean out that negativity and see how your day shifts.

DAY 24, TUE Spend time helping an elderly person. Whether it’s running an errand, offering a helping hand, or just spending some quality time, you’ll find that it’s not only a blessing to them but to you as well. Plus, you might hear some legendary stories!

DAY 25, WED: Go for a prayer walk. Strap on those sneakers, step outside, and take a walk while you pray. You’d be amazed at how a little fresh air mixed with some peaceful thoughts can make everything feel clearer.

DAY 26, THUR: Give up unnecessary phone use. Yes, that means cutting back on endless scrolling and doomscrolling for a day. Try being present instead of just “checking in” on your device. It’s liberating.

DAY 27, FRI: Give up a bad habit. This could be anything from biting your nails to staying up too late binge-watching TikToks. Choose one thing and see how life feels without it. Spoiler: you might just like the new you.

DAY 28, SAT: Pray for someone who is suffering. Send some positive energy to someone who’s going through a tough time. Even a quick prayer can make a world of difference for them, and it’ll do wonders for your heart too.

WEEK 5: Prepare to Go Jerusalem (A.k.a. The Week Before the Big Showdown)

DAY 29, MONDAY Read about Jesus’ Passion (Luke 22-23). Talk about a powerful read. Let it sink in; it’s deep.

DAY 30, TUE: Visit the sick. Whether it’s a quick check-in or a longer visit, your presence can make all the difference to someone who’s not feeling their best. And hey, you might even get some life advice from their hospital bed!

DAY 31, WED: Spend time in Adoration. If you’ve never tried it, here’s your chance. Spend some quiet moments in prayer and reflection, just being in the presence of the divine. It’s like a spiritual reset.

DAY 32, THUR: Read Isaiah 53 about the suffering servant. This chapter is packed with powerful insights about sacrifice and redemption. So grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and let these ancient words speak to your heart.

DAY 33, FRI: Forgive someone who has hurt you. It’s the tough love your soul needs. Holding onto grudges weighs you down, so let go of that emotional baggage. It’s like giving yourself a mental vacation.

DAY 34, SAT: Go for confession. Time for a little spring cleaning for the soul. Let go of those things that are holding you back, and start fresh. You’d be surprised how much lighter you’ll feel after letting go of some spiritual clutter.

HOLY WEEK: The Home Stretch (A.k.a. The Final Countdown)

DAY 35, MON: Help clean your church or your area. Roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty—literally. Whether you’re sweeping the church floor or picking up trash in your neighborhood, it’s a simple act of service that makes a big impact. Plus, you might uncover some forgotten treasures (hopefully just dust bunnies, though).

DAY 36, TUE: Read John 13 (Jesus washing disciples’ feet). This chapter is the ultimate lesson in humility. Take a few minutes to reflect on what it means to serve others with no strings attached, and let it challenge you to go beyond your comfort zone.

DAY 37, WED: Fast from all distractions for an hour. Put your phone on airplane mode, step away from the computer, and take a break from the constant buzzing of life. No emails, no TikTok—just peace and quiet for one hour. Trust me, you’ll feel like a new person afterward.

DAY 38, HOLY THU: Read a spiritual book. Pick up something that challenges and deepens your faith, or even just a book that provides some meaningful perspective. Holy Thursday is the perfect time to reflect on the Last Supper, and a good read can help you dive even deeper into the significance of it all.

DAY 39, GOOD FRIDAY
Meditate on Jesus’ sacrifice.
This one is heavy. But sometimes, the heaviest things are the ones we need to sit with.

DAY 40, HOLY SATURDAY
Spend Holy Saturday in quiet reflection.
As we near the end of Lent, it’s time for a calm, reflective moment. Maybe think about how much you’ve learned or what’s changed in your life over these 40 days.

The End… or Just the Beginning?

So, here we are, at the end of the 40-day Lenten journey. Are you a transformed person? Did you stick to every challenge with the precision of a monk on a mission? Or did you throw in the towel at some point (likely around Day 16 when Netflix called your name)? Whatever the case, I hope this challenge gave you more than just a few days of sacrifice. Maybe it gave you a little clarity, a deeper faith, or—at the very least—an appreciation for your morning coffee that much more. Either way, we’ve survived (mostly). Here’s to hoping your Lenten season was as transformative as it was hilarious.

I know for some of you, Lent might not be part of your faith, or maybe you’re just not into it, and that’s totally cool! But hear me out – don’t box this into being just for one particular group of people. This is a challenge for everyone. Think of it as forty days of tiny acts of self-discipline, self-reflection, and a sprinkle of personal growth. Give it a shot! It’s only one small thing a day, and trust me, it can make a difference. So, Catholic or not, Christian or not, let’s make this a little experiment in willpower and self-love. What do you really have to lose, huh? Check in with me after forty days, and let’s see how we did! You never know, you might just surprise yourself.

Until next year—stay strong, stay funny, and don’t forget to return to your social media addiction in moderation!