THE Lent starting pistol was well and truly fired, both barrels, in my house on Wednesday and it’s going to be a very long six weeks until Easter Sunday on April 16 let me tell you.

Now for those of you wondering what I’m rambling on about, allow me to enlighten you.

For centuries, Christians across the globe have recognised the period of Lent as the 40 days and 40 nights Jesus spent fasting in the desert before he was arrested, tried and crucified on Good Friday.

During this time, most people of faith will attempt to give up something they love or a luxury.

It is a penance and acknowledgement of the sacrifices made by the Lord during his time in the desert.

Some people will raise money for charity in order to keep them on the straight and narrow while raising money for great causes.

Over the years I’ve been rather bold in my proclamations of what I’m giving up for Lent.

I’ve tried giving up sweets, crisps and watching She-Ra Princess of Power cartoons when I was at school.

Surprise surprise I never made it past the first week never mind all the way to Easter Sunday! Later, as an adult, I’ve attempted numerous times to give up alcohol but thanks to St Patrick’s Day being smack bang in the middle of Lent the game is officially a bogey come March 17.

Last year I was bonkers enough to attempt to give up social media for six weeks. To put you in the picture I’m the kind of girl who checks my Facebook and Twitter before I even get out of bed in the morning so the fact that I thought I could go 40 minutes never mind 40 days without checking my timeline for the latest celeb spat shows I clearly wasn’t of sound mind when making this decision.

This year though it’s different. This year I’m going to give up stuff and stick to it.

Why I hear you ask? Why is this year so different?

Well, let me tell you, it’s because I’ve made a promise to my three-year-old nephew Sam and nothing in the world would make me break my word to that little darling.

Plus the fact I’ve put a hefty bet on with his mum, my sister Laura, so defeat is just simply not an option!

I’ve gone full tonto this year and I’m giving up, crisps, chocolate and takeaways - so basically everything that’s wonderful in my life.

Three days in and so far I wouldn’t say I’m struggling but the fact that the wee man serving me in the bank this morning turned into a gigantic bag of Doritos right before my eyes might be a sign that this won’t be as easy as I’d hoped.

I’m fully determined though to see it through and I’ll be sure to give you all updates as the weeks go by. I’m utterly convinced the 3,628,800 seconds until Easter Sunday will fly in, not that I’m counting.

Don’t forget I’m performing my five star, sell out, one woman show at this years Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

Michelle McManus’ Reality: The Musical will play one night only at the legendary Stand Comedy Club on March 22.

Tickets are going extremely fast so make sure you don’t miss out. For more information just log onto http://www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com/shows/1614 or call 0844 873 7353. It’s a brilliant night out with comedy stories and great sing a along numbers.

Thanks to everyone involved in the sold out run of Gone But Not Forgotten which finished its tour in East Kilbride last night.

I’ve honestly never had so much fun at my work thanks to an incredibly talented cast and crew. Thank you also to Raymond Anderson for making it all happen and to the Burnside Hotel for hosting our wrap party.

I feel I might never recover from this particular hangover but my goodness it was worth it. Watch this space as the play may be gone for now but it will certainly never be forgotten.