I’m on day 11, and the cravings are still coming strong. This morning I woke up with that old familiar itch, the one that whispers, “Just one won’t hurt.” Instead, I grabbed a cup of coffee and went to Costco with Mom. It turns out deep breathing can be overdone — I caught myself hyperventilating from doing it too fast or too often. Quitting smoking really does teach you new things about yourself, even how to breathe properly.
Honestly, I’m not surprised that the cravings haven’t vanished. When I quit for eight years before, they still popped up from time to time. The truth is, the desire never leaves completely—it just fades into the background like a song you don’t notice until it’s playing again. What matters is learning how to dance past it without lighting up.
Costco was a bit of a test since I’ve mostly been staying home to avoid temptation. Luckily, there weren’t any smokers around—just a parade of free samples. Mom called it the “senior menu,” and we laughed our way through every aisle. It felt good to enjoy something simple without needing a cigarette to “complete” the moment.
I really shouldn’t complain. Life is good being a nonsmoker now. The air is cleaner, food tastes better, and I’m saving money with every craving I resist. Day 11 might still bring the urge, but it also brings something even stronger—hope.
by Dan and Bonkers
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