~~You exist. You are real. You are right. You are capable. You are valuable. You are not alone.~~ Unknown
Sometimes quitting can seem like the loneliest place to be. Maybe because no one close to you can begin to understand what you're going through. Maybe because you feel like you have lost the only "friend" you ever had. Maybe because when you quit smoking, you have to avoid those who still smoke.
Maybe you even feel like you can't express what it is you are going through. The feelings of loss...fear....anxiety....depression. When you read how marvelous it is to quit smoking yet you don't have those feelings of joy and relief, the silence can be deafening.
You are not alone. Regardless of how you feel, you are not alone. You don't have to post your feelings. You don't have to utter those heartbreaking words "I am lonely" or "I feel totally alone" or even "I don't get it.". But I want you to know that. You. Are. Not. Alone.
I have been there. I have been the one afraid...of not just quitting but of everything. I have felt those feelings of isolation and despair. I have been the one hesitant to reach out to anyone.
Some here can post updates, post cbatty blogs of family gatherings and personal feelings. Some may not write their own posts but comment on others, social butterflies who bring smiles and warmth to all. Some just read, too busy in their own lives to comment much less post blogs. But they read to strengthen their quits and maintain their recovery.
Then there is you. Of course you read here...but maybe you just don't understand why you don't feel like the majority of quitters. Of course you may post a comment or two to encourage another quitter. But you don't feel like your quit is quite like anyone else's. It's harder or more painful or just more difficult to maneuver. You feel odd, like you don't fit in.
Yes, I've been you. Still are you to a certain extent. Many of us have been exactly where you are. That, my dear quitter, is why we blog. That is why we reach out. That is why we are here.
So you don't have to post your feelings if you hesitate to do so. But know that when you are feeling isolated and lonely, I will be the one squeezing your hand, whispering "You are not alone". When you are feeling defeated and scared, I will be the one gently wiping away your tears, whispering "You are not alone". And when you don't think you can take that next keeping your quit step, I will be in front of you, gently tugging your hand whispering "You aren't doing this alone".
We are here for you regardless of whether or not you communicate with us. You are the reason we are here. Because you exist. Because you are real. Because you matter.
