FIAT 90

It's been a crazy couple of weeks, very busy, but in a good way compared to last years busyness! This past week and a bit I've participated in a two day Human Sexuality course for teachers, and then a two day Theology of the Body course. I've been to a diocesan conference, had a first orchestra rehearsal for the Sound of Music, run a Year 12 retreat, and begun FIAT 90! I am very glad that it's the weekend. 😌

I found out about FIAT 90 at the TOB course, and it began three days later, so I'm still wrapping my head around what I said yes to! But basically it's a female version of the well known Exodus 90, and it involves starting or giving up things to do with your body, mind and soul for 90 days. Like a very intense 90 day retreat!

Body
  • Heroic minute (no snoozing your alarm, just get up!)
  • Eat 3 meals a day, no snacks in between
  • Workout 6 times a week
  • No sweets or desserts
  • No seconds at a cafe/restaurant
  • Fasting on Wednesday's and Friday's
  • Bed by midnight
Mind
  • No social media (except for work)
  • 1 episode or movie a week, and must watch with at least one other person
  • Only listen to things that point me to God 
  • No unnecessary purchases
  • No gossiping or complaining
  • No multitasking
  • No phone at work or meal times
Soul
  • Daily Mass
  • Weekly Holy Hour
  • Weekly Confession
  • Daily Rosary
  • Daily Memorare
  • Wear a Scapular and Miraculous Medal
  • 54 Day Rosary novena
  • 33 Days to Morning Glory Marian Consecration
See here for more details. 

There are about 25 of us doing this 90 day challenge, including some young men doing Exodus 90 at the same time. 

My Why

When I heard about FIAT 90, I knew straight away I wanted to participate.

I think this was partly because there were actually 25 other young people willing to make such a drastic lifestyle change, truly living in the world but not of it. I thought I was kinda lonely in my desire to be less attached to the world, but it's such a joy to discover a community of young people desiring the same thing!
But since beginning I've decided that this is my reason, my why, my desire for doing FIAT 90:
That through this sacrificial gift, I may come to know more the gift of myself and grow in selfless self gift.

I specifically mention the word 'gift' because that's something I've really been struggling with lately. I didn't really realise it until Jesus called me out the other day in the Gospel of Luke (Ch 6:31-35).

Do to others as you would have them do to you.
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 
And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full.
But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.  
I've noticed that I'm not very good at initiating, giving or loving first. I tend to only invest in someone if they invest in me first. I haven't always been like this (and I'm not always like this!), and I'm not sure when that switched. Maybe it was that I experienced an amazing community in Christchurch who really invested in and cared about me, and I became a bit lazy in taking the initiative myself! And now I'm back in Wellington that laziness has only grown. But whatever it is, this is something I need to work on!

Also, as my spiritual director pointed out a couple of days ago, I struggle to recognise and accept the beautiful gift of a person God has created me to be (not in an egotistical way). I am very good at recognising my flaws and not so good at seeing what a gift I am.

So my goal, my desire is that through FIAT 90, I come to know more the gift of myself and grow in selfless self gift.

I have a community backing me and I'm excited to see the fruits of these next 90 days. 
(So far, I've just been very focused on how starving I am...but I'm sure I'll get used to it!)

Please, if you're reading this, pray for me and the 25 other young people journeying together over these 90 days (even if the 90 days are already over, God is outside of time)! 

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