If you’ve been following my journey, you know quitting smoking isn’t just about nicotine withdrawal—it’s about mindset. My friend Jacki O is big on positive thinking, and I’ve got to hand it to her… she might be onto something.
A few months ago, I had to take a break from social media. Years of negative posts, arguments, and venting had thrown my algorithm into the gutter. Nothing was getting traction, no one saw my art or my books, and my site visits flatlined. I wasn’t shadow-banned—I was shadow-banning myself with negativity.
So I made a decision: turn the page.
I started posting the good stuff.
Getting accepted to the LA Times Festival of Books.
Submissions to galleries.
The new kitten—Whiskey—and all her tiny adventures.
And of course, quitting smoking.
Suddenly, something shifted.
Likes.
Comments.
People cheering me on.
They were seeing a new Dan, and more importantly—I was seeing him too.
That positivity spilled into the cravings. Instead of obsessing over them or waiting for the next one to hit, I focused on the things that made me feel alive. Art. Writing. Progress. I didn’t stare at the cravings—I starved them.
Today was one of those days.
No smoking.
No spirals.
Just positivity.
I worked on my online business, answered comments, updated art listings, and created my first artwork of Whiskey the Kitty—soft black fur, little tuxedo paws, eyes full of curiosity and mischief. She’s already become a muse and a symbol of where I’m going—not where I’ve been.
Positive thinking didn’t magically erase addiction or stress or fear.
But it did something better.
It reminded me that I’m more than a craving.
More than a mistake.
More than yesterday.
I may not always win every moment, but today I won the day.
And you know what?
I got this.
by Dan and Bonkers
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