Dante would say people of the world commit seven deadly sins: lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. Which category did you give up for Lent?

The season of Lent is a 40-day fast — excluding Sundays — before the celebration of Easter in some religions. The fasting period is kicked off by Fat Tuesday, most commonly known as Mardi Gras, a time of eating anything and everything you want, as you will soon be giving up those luxuries the next day, Ash Wednesday.

Although every culture and religion has its own spin on this season, I am most familiar with Roman Catholicism and its take on what this season means within that religious tradition. Catholics fast during Lent, give up eating meat on Fridays and give up something else they really enjoy in order to grow closer to the faith.

According to James Akin, creator of Nazareth Resource Library Web site, “Christ used a forty day period of prayer and fasting to prepare for his ministry, which culminated in his death and resurrection, and thus it is fitting for Christians to imitate him with a forty day period of prayer and fasting to prepare for the celebration of his ministry’s climax, Good Friday — the day of the crucifixion — and Easter Sunday — the day of the resurrection.”

The act of giving up something we enjoy is supposed to release ourselves of dependence on things not spiritual. Most people give up crutches such as caffeine, soda or other unhealthy foods. Modern items would include television watching, iPod use or checking Facebook. It forces us to re-evaluate our moral, spiritual and physical well-being.

“I’m giving up the practice of giving things up because I am no longer Catholic,” said Allison DeRocher, sophomore in journalism and mass communication. “Therefore my giving things up would be hypocritical. If I feel the need to stop doing something, I will on my own time.”

Contrary to DeRocher’s view, there seems to be a rise of participation in Lent — although many who take part are not of a practicing faith, nor do they understand the meaning or origin. Although others may not agree such practices should be encouraged — as it can appear you’re doing all the right things for all the wrong reasons — I feel that there should be no set rules. The basic principles are the same.

Resolutions made at the beginning of the year have definitely started to wane, and this is a great opportunity for you to allow yourself a second start, as well as find friends to help you out. You don’t have to say you’re doing it for God or a religion, but you do want to look at yourself and ask if the person you are currently are is who you really want to be. In which deadly sin do you most partake? Find an activity that could help you out of that rut and better yourself.

An exception to giving up something that you like: some people choose to do something good once a week, like volunteer an hour of your time to tutoring or helping out at a shelter. If you feel you want to practice a faith again, as college seems to always get in the way, promise yourself to make it to church once a week. If you’re not religious, promise yourself to make it to all of your classes.

“I have decided to make a vow to pray at least three times a week. I feel like I don’t devote myself as much to religion as I would like. I know I always can have something to pray about. Even if things are not bad, I have plenty to be thankful for,” said Heidi Gansen, junior in animal science – pre-veterinarian, who was raised with the Catholic faith. “I’ve tried to give up fried food for Lent. I’ve cut back a lot, but it’s hard on Fridays with the fish fries — but I figure if it’s for the church then it’s OK to have some fried fish!”

Whether you’re giving up something or vowing to do some good in your life, Lent is all about being aware of yourself, your actions and how they affect your spiritual well-being. This is a chance for you to see how much in control of yourself you really are, and what you may need to change in your life.

 — Sarah Tisinger is a sophomore in journalism and mass communication from Bettendorf.