When I first set out to quit smoking again, I knew I’d have to avoid temptation like the plague. That meant steering clear of people, places, and even memories tied to smoking. The last time I successfully quit — for eight years — I practically hid from it. And you know what? That worked. So it only makes sense that I’d do it again this time.
It might sound extreme to some — avoiding the smell of smoke or dodging every situation that might trigger it — but what’s surprised me is how easy it’s become. When I walk down the street or go about my day, I almost never see anyone smoking. Not once have I passed someone lighting up on the sidewalk. The only reminder that cigarettes still exist is when I pass a 7-Eleven and see them behind the counter like some relic from a bygone era.
It’s wild to think about how much the world has changed. Smoking used to be everywhere — in restaurants, outside every coffeehouse, in all the places I hung out. Now it feels like it’s vanished. Smoking has become so unpopular that I’d have to look for it rather than hide from it.
So why was it so hard to quit just a month ago? I’ve realized it’s because of where I was and who I was around. For most of my adult life, I lived in environments where smoking was almost a social glue — sober livings, boarding homes, and 12-step meetings where nearly everyone smoked. It was part of the culture, part of the identity. When I left that world, I left the habit’s strongest roots behind too.
Now, at 60, the social pressures don’t matter like they once did. I’m older, wiser, and on a different path — one filled with art, writing, and new ventures. The people I surround myself with now don’t pressure me to smoke; they encourage me to stay smoke-free. Every day, I share my progress here, and every word helps keep me accountable.
A friend told me recently, “You got this.” And you know what? They’re right — I really do.
by Dan and Bonkers
SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS NOW!!!
gi94hv
gi94hv