I did not think that giving up meat would be this easy. It's only day 4, but I'm doing just fine. I'm impressed with my will-power and self-control. I smelled freshly-cooked bacon this morning, and I had no urge to grab a piece.

It's only day 4, but I already feel like Lent is one of the best things I've ever done for myself. I haven't really figured out if I believe in God, so I don't feel closer to God, but I feel closer to myself...if that makes sense. I kinda feel like I can do anything I want to do, like I'm deserving of my achievements - past and future. I feel like I'm becoming the person I want to be.

I already like myself in a lot of ways. But there are a lot of things I don't like about me, and I'm not talking about external characteristics or things I can't control. The things I don't like about me are qualities I can control. I wish I were more assertive. I wish I didn't cry so easily. I wish I were more diligent in my study and work. I wish I wasn't so envious. I think if I did Lent a couple years ago, I would have had a much better GPA and MCAT score.

But life happens as it happens, and now I just need to focus all my positive energy on getting accepted into military medical school. I will be a great asset to their student body, and I would be proud to be a physician treating soldiers and their families.