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Share your quitting journey

A CAUTIONARY TALE

YoungAtHeart
Member
6 11 97

So, this morning I fixed my Inn Room Coffee and went out on the balcony to drink it.   You can no longer smoke in the rooms here, on the balconies OR the beach.  Happy about that - funny to think  how angry I would have been when I still smoked!

But then THE thought crossed my mind...."something is missing."  It wasn't a crave exactly, but a passing memory of the days when a cup of coffee and a smoke on the balcony hearing the waves crashing, with sunlight over the water and gulls calling, was always part of my ocean experience.  I guess I haven't  repeated this association enough times to relearn it.

Just shows how powerful this addiction is - and how long it stays with you until you repeat situations/emotions a number of times.  It's been almost 6 years - but, with health issues, I haven't been able to visit the beach that often over that time.  I know there will come a time when this won't come to mind - but it isn't yet.

THIS is the time to be extra cautious.  I know there is no such thing as "just one" to an addict, so I won't believe differently.

But it's a cautionary tale, I think.  Stay committed, quitters!

Nancy

11 Comments
About the Author
I smoked until a vascular surgeon informed me of the damage I had done to myself by doing so. I quit 11 years ago, and I can swim laps virtually FOREVER now, walk most other days 40 minutes to an hour and a half. What a difference quitting has made in my life! I strive to help others find this wonderful freedom from addiction, too.