~~Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.~~ John Milton
10 years on this site...off and on. 10 years of meeting quitters and hearing remarkable stories of courage. 10 years of creating my forever quit through the information, the support, the kindness on EX. I'm only 6 1/2 years into my quit because it took me awhile to truly figure things out in my own mind. But my quit was here all the time...waiting for me to realize it.
I am grateful for the people here. The stories they've shared, the wisdom they offered, the grace in which they live. Oh, my gosh, I'm grateful!! They never gave up on me...I've never seen them give up on any of us...and they were patient, kind, and so generous with their time.
I am grateful for this site. The way it used to be because it allowed me to find forever friends and make precious memories. The way it is now because it challenges me and allows me to develop new skills and different ways of doing things. The information that is spot on and the professional assistance that makes a difference in any quit.
I'm grateful that my quit started here with these phenomenal people and this amazing site. The only thing missing was....me. And when I took the time away from social media and even real world drama, I found that my quit was only going to happen when I took it, grew it, and owned it. It was mine...and it still is. I can protect it, I can keep it....or I can give it away. Always a choice that starts and ends with me. And I will own it always.
So I'm grateful. And I'm honored that others share their remarkable lives here with us. And I'm humbled by the kindness I see, the courage I witness, and the tremendous power of love that is shared. You...all of you...have changed me forever in the best possible ways. You have made a difference in my life and even when I'm away from the site, I keep with me the sweetness of Marilyn's posts...the warmth of Colleen's comments....the humor of Dale's stories. I don't need to be here to feel the way you care. But it's wonderful to know that there is a place for me.
Gratitude has not only opened my eyes but it's opened my world. It's allowed me to feel more and be more. And the best part of me....the addiction free, nonsmoking me...started right here about 10 years ago. So I'm grateful.
