I think my vision of Recovery has radically changed as I learned about Nicotine Addiction and Recovery.
At first, I thought it would be Day One over and over again every single day of my Life!
Then I recognized that it would get better but my Brain was going to drive me crazy on a regular basis.
With time, I thought I would only need to be vigilant during particularly stressful Days and situations.
But there came a time when I expected that I would “live happily ever after!”
Although it’s possible (likely) that my Quit Journey will continue to evolve
I have now rejected ALL of the above!
Temptation doesn’t drill you down constantly nor does it pop up only during
Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Days!
Those rare temptations can be something so simple as parking in front of a Tobacco Store in a Mall or enjoying beautiful weather!
Or Wonderful Days of Celebration (even Smoking Cessation Anniversaries) can set off Addictive Thoughts!
But even when you achieve so much detachment from smoking that these occasions never or very rarely happen you continue to grow in your Recovery or you become Complacent! There will never be the Day when you say “been there – done that! Now let’s move on happily ever after”
Because Life still happens! Think of the folks you know who never smoked. They continue to have the highs and lows of Life – the whole range of emotions that I once hoped I would “get over!” Why should I be any different?
Now, if you’re thinking - Gee, Thomas says that Recovery will always be a burden! That’s too much to think about!
On the Contrary! I’m saying that Recovery is a privilege! Privilege means a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group of people, in this case Folks in Recovery!
We have an Advantage, Folks!
We know what a treasure FREEDOM is! We know how gifted we are to feel our feelings and have all of our thoughts accessible to us yet to choose our actions based not only on thoughts or feelings but upon Decision!
Recovery has given me more opportunity for growth and Self Exploration than I would have had as a Never-Smoker!
Celebrate your Recovery! Celebrate LIFE! Celebrate YOU!
And No Matter What Keep Them Away From Your Face!
N.O.P.E..!
