Today is Ash Wednesday.  I’ve kind of strayed away from Lent over the last few years. I can’t remember the last time I received ashes or gave anything up. I went through some difficult times and reasoned with myself that I had sacrificed enough for one year.

But, today I woke up feeling differently.  I want to actively participate in the Lenten Season again.  Not just by fasting or giving up my favorite treat, but by doing something to better my life and the lives of those around me.

I already actively volunteer with a great charity, so taking on additional volunteer duties would only be a hindrance to my home, work and the charity that depends on the little free time that I do have.

I started researching other ways to challenge myself this Lent and discovered the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge by White House Black Shutters.  This challenge is about removing 40 bags of unwanted, unneeded, unused and unnecessary items from our homes. It’s about decluttering, donating to the less fortunate and making our lives simpler– and it coincides with the 40 days of Lent.

White House Black Shutters has been hosting this challenge since 2011 and has it all broken down for you.  From a printable, to suggestions of where and how to declutter, and even what to do with all the stuff.  This is EXACTLY what I need.

Ash Wednesday is the perfect time to start this challenge! To me, going through my clutter is a reminder of all that God has blessed me with.  To see piles of unused or unwanted items makes my heart ache and that guilt will help me fight the urge to shop impulsively and unnecessarily. To give items to others who need them will make my heart full. To have an orderly home will bring me peace.

It’s a roller coaster of emotions, but in the end, if I complete the challenge, it will make for a happier, healthier home.

Want to join me in the challenge?  Pop on over to White House Black Shutters for all the details!