Laissez les Bon temps rouler
Today has many names and it’s one of my favorite and least favorite days of the year.
- Fat Tuesday
- Mardi Gras (that means fat Tuesday)
- Pancake Tuesday
- Shrove Tuesday
Tomorrow starts the Lenten season for certain Christians. I grew up in a catholic family, so I am no stranger to the traditions surrounding Mardi Gras, lent, and Easter. I also lived in New Orleans for a year so I am no stranger to the stranger ideas surrounding Mardi Gras.
I understand the idea behind today. I get it. One last hurrah before you give up your vices and treats for 40 days. But we as a culture typically overindulge as it is, so I find this particular day/excuse to be over redundant for us as society.
If you want something that desperately, just do it. But do it in moderation, and consciously. If you know you’re going to indulge (at a party, or dinner with friends, or you’re going overseas to network and try to impress some British zoos), make a plan- moderation, eat only a little, make sure you drink water, have your workout, etc.
Today is what the Brits celebrate as Pancake Tuesday. I was fortunate enough to celebrate this with some new friends in England last year, so tonight in the sprit of me being a Brit at heart, Chris and I had chicken and waffles for dinner. And I had my fill of waffles. Do I feel bad? No. I allow myself to enjoy things and I take care of myself. Would I feel bad if I ate waffles everyday? Yeeeeeaaaahhhh. I should feel bad. My stomach would too.
But I guess that’s why I don’t appreciate Mardi Gras the way a true New Orleanian might. I don’t see the point or the good in having one day dedicated to being bad. Do what your body tells you is good for you. Iff it happens once a year or once a month, it shouldn’t matter.
We indulge. We cave to temptation. We fall off our wagon. We get lazy. Things happen. It’s not something to beat yourself up over or give up completely. Sometimes it’s about giving your mind a bit of a break and just doing something that feels good. Then get back on that horse, brush yourself off, and go kick some ass! And let the good times roll!
