I haven't given up anything for Lent for a long time. Usually the most common sacrifices (chocolate, meat) seem kind of trivial. I'm also not in favor of a monotonously gloomy Lent followed by a bunny-and-ham-filled Easter (which is supposed to be a whole 40 days of its own, remember).
For me at least, the habit could actually distract me from meditating on the meaning of Lent more than it focuses me on it, although I like the traditions of Ash Wednesday and making the sign of the cross.
When I think about not giving up something for Lent, I can see its downside: I go on living life as normally as any other time of year and some days I forget it's Lent. Then the word "sacrifice" seems more like a metaphor than spiritual reality.
On the other hand, I still worry that giving up something, at least one of the usual suspects, would still feel gimmicky and even self-aggrandizing, a lame and self-centered attempt to "feel more spiritual." I'd also want to be more clear about the outcome and end of a Lenten experiment - not just a relieved re-indulgence in whatever vice I put on pause....like maybe sweets...or bread...or CHEESE!
"What Jesus taught us is that as his disciples we must take up our own cross and lose our own lives for the sake of others (Matt 16:24). In this self-giving, we conform ourselves more perfectly to Christ in whom we were baptized; in this self-giving, God raises us to new life. Thus, in the very dying is the rising. In the dying we affirm our baptismal commitment; in the rising we enjoy the blessings of faithful followers of Jesus the Christ." (Pascal Mystery)
Whatever we do - during Lent or after Lent, individually or in community, trivial or ambitious - that's the purpose it must serve:
emptying ourselves to make room for Christ's fullness.
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