Parallels

I would hope that eating and living a healthy lifestyle would parallel the fasting that I am attempting during Lent. It is difficult, however. I don't just mean fasting from carbs and refined sugar. I also am trying to eliminate those areas in my life that are ugly. I motivate myself with the Lenten "Little Black Book" and a daily inspirational derived from Pope Francis' homilies given to me by my daughter for Christmas. Words of Pope Francis: "Fast from hurting words and say kind words. Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. Fast from anger and be filled with patience. Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. Fast from worries and trust in God. Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity. Fast from pressures and be prayerful. Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy. Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others. Fast from grudges and be reconciled. Fast from words and be silent so you can listen." Pope Francis also says to have a tender heart. Not so easy to do when people drive selfishly or are rude or unhelpful. So you can see what a struggle I have both with eliminating carbs and sugar from my life (I enjoy them) and getting rid of hurting words, sadness, anger, pessimism, worries, complaints, pressures, bitterness, selfishness, grudges and blabbing.