This morning, at 200 days of freedom, I've been thinking a lot about this whole quit smoking thing and the meaning of it. I know people who have never been addicted to nicotine who are glad I quit but for them it is just a simple no brainer decision that it was about time I made. These people never felt the chains to tobacco I felt, the oppressiveness of having to always know when and where I could light up next or I'd be fidgeting with fear about maybe not getting my fix of nicotine when the monster required it. That may sound like I am exagerrating to some, but many who have struggled with this addiction know that experience I am speaking of. My never smoking friends can't relate to that addictive behavior and thinking that was central to my every day life and so, my quitting tobacco is to them a good thing but they don't realize what a momentous thing quitting is to me. I need to say, of any decision I have ever made for myself, stopping the use of tobacco carries with it the most life affirming, self loving recognition of my own worth as a human being and as a daughter of the Most High of all decisions in my life. Quitting tobacco is me saying, I want to Live and I want to Live a healthy life, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually healthy life. It is also me saying, I believe I have the power to live free from tobacco.
So today, I want to celebrate all of us as beautiful humans who have made the conscious decision to live and to live well!! Quitting nicotine is a big deal and a great achievement. For those just starting out--stick with it, persevere, plan ahead for how you will respond to cravings, come to this site when you need assistance in your quit--we can lift each other up and encourage one another in this. I celebrate each and every one of you wherever you are on this journey of Freedom from nicotine.
