Ash Wednesday and the Beginning of Lent

Ash Wednesday is not something that any of the churches I have attended have ever celebrated. And Lent has really always been a time of preparation for Easter, but the tradition of giving something up over that time was never taught or preached. But as I grow older, I wonder if there is not value in the tradition of introducing some mild suffering to ourselves, in order to remind us of the ultimate suffering that Christ endured on our behalf. Not sure what I will do, but I am considering it.

What do other Mod-Bloggers think? Are you planning to observe Lent this year by giving something up for the next 40 days?