Today was a big day — I was officially accepted for a booth at the L.A. Times Festival of Books! I received the invoice this morning and made the prompt payment with the help of a short-term loan that I’ll pay back next month when my social security check arrives. It feels good to have something solid and positive to focus on — something bigger than just “not smoking.”
Having this goal ahead of me — a real, tangible event where I’ll be selling my books and art — makes the cravings fade into the background. Every time the thought of a cigarette pops up, I remind myself that I’m building a future I can be proud of. Instead of pacing around, I actually got some drawing done today — and that felt amazing.
Not everything went smoothly, though. The family cat decided to sneak outside, found a bird, and ended up at the hospital after eating it. It’s a reminder that being sneaky never works — for the cat or for me.
I’m looking forward to the coming months: more art, more books, more self-control, and fewer cravings. It’s funny how success, even in small doses, has its own way of healing the mind. Here’s to a smoke-free me, a happy cat, and a booth full of good times and great art next year.
Explore my art and books at DanJoyceArt.com
by Dan Joyce
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