This bumper sticker is stuck at home during my car-less Lent!
It’s been two weeks since I gave up my car for Lent as a financial experiment and I’m surprised to say that not much in my life has changed. I’ve walked three trips that I normally would have driven, saving myself 12 miles of driving, but I have not needed to hop on the bus or drag my bike out of the basement. Mostly, I’ve been carpooling a lot.
I’ve realized four things now that I’m driving less:
- Walking is more relaxing than driving
- I have more time to call friends and family when I walk somewhere
- Walking takes more time, but I feel really good after the light exercise
- I’m getting to know my neighborhood better by walking (I even saw a bunny on my way home!)
I did break my no-car fast once, when I took the MINI in for a VIN inspection at the police station as part of the process of registering my car now that I live in Rhode Island. My local DMV was shuttered as part of budget cuts, so I’ll have to break my car fast once more to get to a DMV before my registration expires Apr. 2. Other than that, I’m getting around on two feet.
Luckily, the two cops who saw me pull an illegal u-turn (who knew?) in front of the police station joked that I must have been from California, where u-turns are legal. One of the cops lives around the corner from me – that’s how small Rhode Island is!
Not sure I would give up my wheels for good, but it is something I am considering. Did you make a financial sacrifice for Lent?
March 23rd, 2011 at 8:32 am
GOOD FOR YOU!!!! Walking is so much more fun than driving!!
March 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 am
It’s Rhode Island – the entire state is within walking distance.
March 23rd, 2011 at 3:56 pm
I didn’t give up anything financial for Lent, as I’m already down to a bare-bones budget. However, I did try to be a better person by trying to think of others before myself, make apologies where needed, and generally try to use patience and understanding instead of jumping in with both feet before putting my brain in gear. Those who know me know that this has been a real effort for me. And, guess what? I feel more relaxed and in touch with others. That’s a real benefit to me.
March 24th, 2011 at 8:57 am
I gave up beer. Big financial savings. LOL
March 24th, 2011 at 9:35 am
@Jen B. Hehehe, pretty much! I’ve never lived in a small city like I do now, but I’m liking it so much!
March 24th, 2011 at 9:43 am
@EllieD What a great thing to do for Lent! Maybe next year I’ll give up STRESS! Or make a pledge to call one friend every day. I love that you opened it up to something totally different.
April 12th, 2011 at 6:43 am
[...] up all spending last July and ended up breaking it three times. I’m also have a hard time giving up my car for Lent this year. I’ve gotten so used to driving moderate distances (3-12 miles) instead of [...]