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If someone had told me a few years ago that Lent would have a real impact on my life, I would probably have laughed.

For me, it was just that time of year when some people stopped eating meat or went without chocolate.

But everything changed when, out of curiosity (or perhaps necessity), I decided to truly commit to this period of reflection and sacrifice.

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What happened next? Well, it was something I didn't expect.

Lent is about transformation

The first thing I realized was that Lent is not just about giving up something.

It's about transformation. I wanted to do things differently, so instead of just choosing a random sacrifice, I decided that each action should have a purpose.

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I chose something that would really challenge me: staying away from social media and dedicating more time to being truly present.

Yes, no more mindless scrolling through your feed, no more wasting time watching other people's lives while mine goes unnoticed.

Be truly present

The first few days were a real torment.

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I would automatically pick up my cell phone, as if my brain was programmed to do so.

I realized how addicted I was to notifications, updates, and comparing my life to others.

It was uncomfortable, but this forced pause made me realize something important: I was always busy, but never present.

Over time, something amazing happened. I began to notice the small moments that had previously gone unnoticed.

A leisurely breakfast, face-to-face conversation, a sincere laugh with friends.

Even my relationship with God has deepened.

For the first time in years, I actually took time to pray, not just because I had to, but because I felt like it. I felt peace.

The Power of Gratitude and Fasting

Another thing Lent taught me was the importance of gratitude.

We live on autopilot, always wanting more, thinking we need something new to be happy.

But when you deprive yourself of certain things, you begin to realize the value of what you already have.

I, who thought it was impossible to live without my cell phone always at hand, discovered that life is much better when we are truly present.

What about fasting? Well, that was another challenging part.

I decided to cut out sweets, something that was almost impossible for me.

At first it seemed like a silly sacrifice, but I soon realized it wasn't just about the food.

It was about self-control, about not giving in to immediate impulses. And this discipline that I began to develop spread to other areas of my life.

Apps for Lent

If you want to live Lent more intensely, there are apps that can help you on your journey of reflection, prayer and sacrifice.

Here are some options:

  • Hallow – One of the best apps for prayer and guided meditation. Available for Android It is iOS.
  • Click To Pray – Official app of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, ideal for those who want to include moments of prayer in their routine. Available for Android It is iOS.
  • Laudate – One of the most complete Catholic apps, with daily readings, prayers and catechesis. Available for Android It is iOS.

A challenge for you

Every day, I came to understand that Lent is not just about renunciation. It is about growth.

About learning to be better, to connect more with yourself, with others and with God.

But ultimately, I felt lighter, more at peace, and more present. And this transformation didn’t end with Easter.

I carried much of what I learned into my everyday life.

So if you’ve never really gotten involved with Lent, I challenge you to give it a try.

So, choose something meaningful to you, something that really makes you reflect and grow.

You might be surprised at the impact 40 days can have on your life. I was.