Yesterday marked Mardi Gras, a day of celebration on the eve of Lent, which is the 40 days (excluding Sundays) proceeding Easter. Today, the first day of Lent, is known as Ash Wednesday. As I embrace my Cajun heritage, it sparked my interest to research these practices.

Mardi Gras, translating to “Fat Tuesday”, is a French term that historically describes a day of feasts and festivals. This is the last day that it is acceptable to binge “fat” foods before entering a period of fasting and reflection known as Lent. These celebrations have extended from the streets of Louisiana to across the map. The festivities are adorned with the colors gold, purple, and green. Each color has its own significance to the true meaning of this day. Gold represents power, green symbolizes faith, while purple stands for justice.

In truth, there is far more to this tradition than beaded necklaces, parades, and king cake. If you are Christian, particularly Catholic, then you are probably familiar with the idea that you are to give up eating red meat on Ash Wednesday and on every Friday during Lent. You also give up something extra of your choosing, to commemorate the 40-day fasting Jesus endured. But, this period of self-reflection does not have to be solely for Christians. Any time someone carves out time for self-reflecting and setting aside their vices it is commendable. We are able to take back control of our life in areas we may have lost grip. It is a vow to not give in to temptations and a reminder to be thankful. Becoming in tune with oneself allows you to clear your mindset and strengthen your spirit. This is a practice that, as of recent, I have chosen to embrace. Everyone can benefit from introspection and humble gratitude.

With this year’s Mardi Gras and Lenten season, join me in letting go. Devote your days to making sacrifices. Set about challenges with resolution and determination. No longer give certain things the ability to impede on your happiness. Don’t waste your selfless energy on those unworthy of such. Surround yourself only with people whose efforts match your own and whose actions speak louder than words. But above all, choose yourself. Take this time for yourself to reach internal peace and harmony.

I will sign off by reciting a common Cajun phrase: “laissez les bons temps rouler!” It is commonly used to announce that the festivities have begun, therefore proceed with all that is going well. This saying, declaring to have fun and live life to the fullest, means “let the good times roll!”