Today marks two full weeks smoke-free, and I took a longer walk than usual. Mom gave me some money and a letter to mail to my older brother, so I walked to the post office. On the way back, I passed the 7-Eleven—the same one where I used to buy my cigarettes. That familiar glow of the sign might as well have read “Temptation.”
It hit hard. That quick thought—just one pack, just one puff—flashed through my mind like a reflex. But I kept walking. It’s strange how much effort it takes to not do something that used to feel so automatic.
Lately I’ve realized that I need to focus more on exercise and diet. While quitting smoking is the top priority, my overall health needs a tune-up too. Some people say things like, “Oh, your schizophrenia or bipolar disorder is probably from poor diet or lack of exercise.” Which is almost scientifically absurd—because if that were true, fat people all over the country would be seeing and hearing things by now.
Still, I get the point. Better food, better movement, better mood. It all ties together. But let’s be honest—this week was about trials and temptations, not kale and cardio. Two weeks down, and I’m still going strong. I may not be running marathons yet, but at least I’m walking past the 7-Eleven.
by Dan and Bonkers
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