So here I am, wrapping up Day 4 without a cigarette — and apparently, nobody cares anymore. The same people who were cheering me on a few days ago are already tired of hearing about it. They think quitting is as easy as saying, “Good job!” once and then moving on. Now, some of them are telling me to go to the gym — as if a treadmill will magically replace nicotine. I don’t even have a membership yet!
Those same “helpful” nags who pushed me to quit are suddenly nowhere to be found when I’m actually doing it. The truth is, this stage is hard. The cravings still come strong in the morning, after meals, while I’m at the coffeehouse, or even when I’m doing simple chores like organizing my storage unit. They’re not just cravings — they’re habits deeply wired into my daily routine.
I can’t just drop everything and hop on an elliptical every time my brain says “smoke.” Even doing art — my favorite outlet — doesn’t always help when the anxiety hits hard. So instead, I’ve started to do something simpler: I freeze, breathe, and wait. I recognize the craving for what it is — temporary. Like an unwanted ad that eventually disappears if you don’t click on it.
There will be a time for the gym. There will be a time for long art sessions again. But right now, my job is to adapt — to learn what it feels like to live without constantly chasing the next smoke break. And honestly, that’s enough work for now.
So I step outside, take a deep breath, feel the sun, and remind myself: I’m lucky to be in a place where I can quit. In those halfway houses where everyone smokes, this would be impossible.
And as of today, I’m saying it proudly — I am a nonsmoker now, whether anyone cares or not.
(Follow my journey and see my art at DanJoyceArt.com
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