We reveled in purple, green and gold Tuesday night, collected our beads and – in some cases – got ashy on Wednesday.

It’s official now – the season of Lent is upon us.

Asking students who were raised Catholic what religion they associate with yields an almost universal response: “I go to Mass with my family, but I don’t consider myself practicing.”

What is it about the Catholic church that causes so many of us to become disillusioned with religion? I have a few theories, but that’s another column for another day.

Growing up Catholic and going to “religion classes” every week (some of you know what I’m talking about), there was always one part I liked: Lent. Taking the time to give up a bad habit or begin a new, better, one in preparation for Easter always seemed like a good idea to me.

I don’t think you have to be Catholic, or even Christian, to appreciate what Lent stands for. Everyone can just use the 40 days – give or take a few – to try and improve some aspect of their lives.

So what to give up?

Desserts? No. That didn’t work out so well when I was 12. I ended up eating half a box of Thin Mints in one sitting. Whose bright idea was it to deliver Girl Scout cookies during a time of fasting?

Wine? Ha. Anyone who’s ever met me just got a good laugh. Plus, I’ve been 21 for less than six months. That’s like telling a recently cured blind man he has to wear a blindfold.

Facebook? My defense right now is that I’m graduating in less than three months and need to network with my already-graduated, far-away friends.

Coffee? I might as well go without oxygen. The other day, I had approximately nine cups before 3 p.m. I didn’t have a legitimate reason to stay so caffeinated. I just like the taste and the buzzing feeling of productivity it gives me. And decaf always feels a bit like cheating.

All of a sudden, it hit me – I have a little more than two months to enjoy life without a full-time job. The pressures of school are huge, and this limbo-like period before adulthood finally hits us is the best time of our lives.

And how many of us truly enjoy our lives every day? We’re constantly stressing ourselves out – gotta ace that test, keep HOPE, work out, find a job and maintain our relationships with friends, family and significant others.

Relaxing? In our fast-paced, technology-consumed lives, who has time?

So I want to make an effort to always live in the moment and not worry so much about the future. Make an effort to not dwell in the past. Make an effort to appreciate how great we all truly have it.

Whether you’re Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Pagan, Atheist or whatever else you label yourself, we could all benefit from a little gratitude.

- Shannon Otto is the opinions editor of The Red & Black. She also considered giving up sarcasm for Lent.