
There is a relevance to doing this little exercise in discipline for 40 days. This magic number indicates that 40 days is what’s required to change behavior or ‘retrain’ the subconscious. The 40 days of Lent are a time to be honest with yourself and others about any negative behavior that has caused you or others pain or suffering. What behavior has been creating pain or chaos in your life and in the lives of others that you are ready to get rid of? Lent is a great time for spiritual spring cleaning and breaking up with a harmful behavior.
I invite you to create this family ritual with your family. It takes about 40 days to change a bad habit or behavior. Take this time in your busy overbooked life to focus on something you want to change to create happiness and love in your life and in the lives of others. Write a break up letter to your harmful behavior you are ready to release.
Begin your 40 day Lenten journey by writing a letter to your harmful behavior. It may be anger, fear, dishonesty, drinking, drugs, smoking, eating, playing video games, or jealousy. Any act that is robbing you of your purpose and love needs to go. Research shows therapeutic writing actually can changes behavior.

©2026 Mindful Living Network® | All rights reserved.
© 2026 Mindful Living Network.
All rights reserved.