’Tis the season for self-examination

This month’s column arrives just as Christians are in the midst of the season called Lent. The word “Lent” comes from the Germanic root lenz, which means “spring,” the season of the lengthening of daylight hours. The season runs 40 days plus Sundays, from Ash Wednesday until Easter.

Lent is traditionally a time for self-reflection, spiritual discipline and self-denial, a preparation for Holy Week and the celebration of the resurrection. The culmination of the season is both Holy Week and Passover — thus it is a good time to stress all that Christians and Jews have in common.

A common question I hear during this season is, “What are you giving up for Lent?” The answers vary from chocolate to alcohol, which I suppose aren’t bad ideas. I would do well to make Lent a season to lose some weight (the ultimate in self-negation), but that would be a good idea in other seasons, too.

I’ve been thinking: What, exactly, should I give up for Lent? Since this is a season for looking deeply within ourselves and making changes in the interior “floor plan” of our lives, what changes would really be helpful?

So here goes — my list of Lenten suggestions. It is not complete, by any means. I would suggest that you pick up on this list and write your own.

I will consider giving up the following:

• Using the word “I.” It would certainly force me to think about things differently, and focus on other people.

• Offering “constructive criticism” — in fact, not offering criticism at all, only compliments.

• Blame. During Lent, I would not blame anything on anyone — congress, the president, the economy or even fate. Take responsibility for what’s mine, and let the rest go.

• Hurrying. Slow down and realize that getting there five minutes later would not be the end of the world.

• Dumb TV. Not TV altogether, because I enjoy reruns of “Downton Abbey.” But no “bubblegum for the mind” — TV just for the sake of TV.

• Name calling. Stop being judgmental by labeling people with words like “conservative” or “liberal,” “lazy” or “weird.” Everybody is unique.

• Worrying. I would take more time to consider the lilies.

• Plastic bags. Paper is so much better for the environment.

• Internet. OK, now I’m meddling. But I spend way too much time at the computer and staring at my iPhone.

• Talking about myself. As it turns out, I’m a lot less interesting than I think.

So there we are. I promise you, I will not give up everything on this list. After all, I’m no saint. But one or two, here and there, would do me good.

Now it’s your turn, dear reader. What are you giving up for Lent?