3.9 min readBy Published On: March 2nd, 2012Categories: Features2 Comments on Lenten Good Deeds (LGD’S)

Lenten Good Deeds (LGD’s)

Written by Alexandra Ryan

In last week’s blog, I committed to doing 40 good deeds during Lent instead of giving up pizza or mayo (I’m not going on a 40 day diet).   Well, as dusk appeared on the first day of Lent, I realized that I had done absolutely nothing good that day.  Don’t get me wrong, I am a good person.  I am no stranger to the word please and thank you and I have a big heart.  However,  I was not off to a great start in making the world a better place.  It was then I realized that if I am going to stay true to my commitment, I need to give you weekly updates on my Lenten Good Deeds (LGD’s).  After all, I have never been any good at staying away from pizza, mayo, and my other ridiculous sacrifices for forty days, so why would this be any different?  Weekly updates will help me stay on track and maybe it will inspire you to tell us at Caught in Southie about your LGD”s.  

Day 1:  I was browsing the racks at TJMaxx when I realized that I had not completed my very first LGD.    After silently berating myself for a good five minutes, I decided that I didn’t deserve the Missoni pants I found on clearance.   I put them back and started walking towards the exit when I noticed an employee drop about a zillion plastic hangers on the floor.  I walked over and helped him pick them up.  I probably would have done this regardless of Lent, but I still think it counts.  

Day 2 & 3:    I woke up on Thursday and decided to rid myself of road rage.  I even came up with a list of rules.  No swearing to myself or others; no name calling;  no honking; no aggressive hand gestures; and no speeding up when pedestrians cross the walkway when they don’t have a walk signal.  I plan on continuing this LGD throughout the 40 days, so I think this should count as two.  

Day 4:  I called my Dad just to say hello.  I would never think that this constitutes a good deed, but he told me that it counts, so there you have LGD cuatro.  

Day 5:  When I walked out of Yoga, a nice homeless man in a wheel chair was yelling at people and begging for money.  Everybody who walked by ignored him.  When he looked in my direction and asked me for change, I stopped, looked directly into his eyes, and kindly told him that I did not have any cash on me (this was true).  He said, “Aw that’s ok sweetheart.  God bless you.” Even though I wasn’t able to give him any money, we had a nice little exchange.  I truly think he appreciated the fact that I acknowledged him.  I hope I see him again because I would like to buy him a steak and cheese or something.  

Day 6: I love opening my mail (even though it is 95% bills and junk).  When someone sends me a card, it always makes me smile.  I think most people feel the same way, so  I sent a ‘Thinking of You’ card to one of my best friends who moved to Florida last summer.  

Day 7:  I brought in a dozen Doughboy Donuts for my co-workers on Monday morning.  Everyone needs a donut every now and then to get through a Monday.  I told myself I wouldn’t eat one…but I did.  

Day 8  One of my co-workers has a gluten allergy.  I don’t have a gluten allergy, but I’m absolutely sure it’s a huge pain in the ass.   A few years back, a client introduced me to these Gluten Free crackers that are absolutely delicious.  I picked up a box for her last night.  For those of you with a Gluten Allergy, they are called Mary’s Crackers.  They sell them at select supermarkets and of course Wholefoods.  

So, there you have it.  8 LGD’s and counting.   I would love to have your input on what constitutes a good deed.  Please feel free to share your LGD’s and if you have any  ideas of things I can do to help others during Lent, let me know….because I can’t afford to keep buying people food. 

2 Comments

  1. Dad March 2, 2012 at 11:42 pm

    The other night I had to pick up my wife at pilates.  She was there with two of her co-workers.  it was snowing – a real pain under any circumstances.  Coming out of a work out sweating and tired one does not look forward to brushing the car off and getting snowed on – so I decided, inspired by Alexandra – to brush off the two co-workers cars.  I finished just as they call came out!  They were thrilled.  Now, since I did two cars, do I get credit for two LGD’s?

  2. [email protected] March 7, 2012 at 8:08 pm

    Alexandra, you inspired me!  Last week when it was very rainy and windy out, I saw a woman who works in my building walking to work.  She doesn’t know me but I’ve seen her in the elevator.  She was struggling to walk against the wind and was getting soaking wet.  I pulled over and offered her a ride.  She was pleasantly surprised and told me I made her day. 

    Because of you, I’ve been taking opportunities each day to be kind and nice to everyone.  Thanks, Alexandra!

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