Being as I came into the Church during last years Lent, I was to new to try it out (they didn't want me to fall off the deep end). So this year will be my first lent. Since I've never done lent, I'll only share what I know and what I'll try. I've been learning a lot on Ancient Faith Radio, it's an Orthodox Podcast website and you can search for Lent related podcast (I'll post the link with the search results for you
here you have to look for them through the search results, listen to the ones that are titled something like "Preparing for Lent")
Lent is a 40 day fast, not just from food but it can be from other things that distract you from prayer. Such as television, computer, video games, junk food, movies, spending to much social time with people. From what I hear from other people and I plan to follow suit, unplugging your tv, or even to put it in the garage or someplace you won't use it. If you have to use the computer, only go to the sites you need to use and set yourself a time limit or only use it once a week. Take out all the food you won't be needing, meat, butter, milk ect. Increase your prayer rule and only read Orthodox books. If you will be working during lent, don't talk as much with people, try to stop all ideal talking. This fasting period is a lot different from normal fasting, try not to break your fast even if people offer you food. Normally you would accept the food out of love, not tell the person you are fasting and fast harder the next day, but with lent, politely let them know you can't accept the food because of Lent and say you are sorry but it's an important time for you. Figure out something you really enjoy and don't do it for Lent, such as eating that comfort food, smoking, drinking, sleeping in on the weekends, find yours and stop doing it. This is a time for great struggle and spiritual growth, let your family know you might be a hermit/shut in for 40 days so they don't worry about you and never stop praying, you'll do great. It'll get extremely hard, but the reward will be big.
Good luck!
