I was reminded yesterday how those who have never tried to quit smoking really can't "get it". Some of you know I am looking for a part-time job. My sis-in-law mentioned that she saw a help wanted sign at a convenience store down the street. I said that I wasn't sure selling cigarettes was a great idea so early in my quit. She looked at me in surprise and said, "Your around our cigarettes all the time and don't have a problem!". I just laughed and let it go. She was on her way to work, so there wasn't enough time to explain to her what it is like to quit. That the thought of smoking will surface all the time, usually when you least expect it or when you aren't being diligent. How you can be tooling along and all of the sudden you reach for a cigarette or feel strongly that you need to. That being around smoker's and their cigarettes is in no way the same as being around packs for sale for a work shift. They wouldn't let me "bum" one from them, but no one would stop me from buying a pack.
It really reinforces how valuable and important this community is to quitters; we are the only ones who truly "get it". Our family and friends ask how we are, but they can't truly understand. Even my Dad said after I'd passed 30 days he felt I had it licked. I tried to explain that I still get cravings, and he didn't really want to hear about it so I stopped. Isn't that weird, how it seems people don't want to hear the truth, they would rather keep their own suppositions, even when they aren't right?
Thanks so much for being here and being supportive.
