Easter is a great time to make a 180.
Three ways you can use the holiday to start a life turn around
Folks, it's that time of year again: Easter! The holiday where we celebrate chocolate bunnies, plastic eggs, and of course, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But did you know that Easter is also a great time to turn your life around? That’s because Easter is a time of renewal, rebirth, and resurrection. It's a time when Christians all around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but it's also a time when you can make a 180. Here are three reasons why Easter is a great time to make a change:
1. You can give up Lent for the rest of the year
Let's be real, giving up something for Lent is hard. This year I gave up Lent for Lent. Maybe you said, no chocolate, no social media, no Netflix binges – it’s first world suffering of the highest order! But now that Easter has rolled around, yes, you can finally indulge in all those things you've been giving up. But what’s a positive change you can make in your life that’s more than temporary? Maybe it's time to start that healthier lifestyle you've been putting off, or a spiritual routine that’s going to yield fruit of love, joy, and peace. Why not start (or restart) on Easter? Make a list of things you can indulge in that are going to bring what the Bible calls the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When we indulge in such selfless things, we become more like the image bearers of God we were created to be, and that is far more satisfying than any binging or doom scrolling we could do with our spare time!
2. Spring cleaning can be more than just dusting
Spring cleaning is a necessary evil – it's probably time to finally tackle that cluttered closet or that messy garage. But why stop there? This Easter, take a look at your life and think about what is cluttering and polluting your mind and needs cleaning up. Easter is a time when forgiveness is emphasized. Christians believe that Jesus died for their sins and was resurrected, giving us the opportunity for forgiveness and salvation. But even if you're not religious, Easter can be a time to forgive yourself and others for past mistakes. Letting go of grudges and resentments can be incredibly liberating and can help you move forward in a positive direction. Maybe it's time to move toxic people out of your life or to finally let go of that grudge you've been holding onto. Just like clearing out your closet, cleaning out unforgiveness, resentment, and bad influences can be mentally and spiritually freeing!
3. Start wearing pastels and “happy” clothes
I’ll say it; my favorite color is black. It is closely followed by charcoal, then grey. But I’ve also come to realize that vivid colors have a power often underestimated. They're bright, cheerful, and can passively influence even the most melancholy of brooders, just by pulling on a piece of clothing that acts as a positive affirmation. No joke: I have a T-shirt that has a bright yellow smiley face on it with the caption, “Mr. Happy” that I wear when my attitude stinks and I want to be left alone because people always engage me when I wear it. Pastels and bright colors are perfect for Easter because what better way to embrace a new, positive change in your life than by rocking a new pastel outfit? If this sounds silly, remember that Easter is a time for new beginnings. Just as Jesus was resurrected and to give us a second chance at life, you too can use this time to hit the reset button. Sometimes a splash of color gives our attitudes a subtle adjustment and reminder of the new path we want to walk.
By making habit changes in your life, forgiving yourself and others, and embracing new beginnings, you can make positive changes that will improve your life and the lives of those around you. Jesus died and conquered death so we can experience new life through Him. Whether you're religious or not, take advantage of this time of renewal and resurrection to start anew. So go forth, embrace both the power of pastels and forgiveness, and make this Easter a major milepost in your life!