This morning began the way the best mornings do, with Whiskey Kitty pressed against my cheek, purring like a tiny motor of unconditional love and giving gentle ear licks as if to say, Wake up, human. The day needs you.
Instead of our usual routine, I placed her in her carrier and handed her off to Mom for a trip to the pet hospital. Today was supposed to be her spay appointment. She wasn’t thrilled about the early interruption, and neither was I. To make matters more complicated, she wasn’t supposed to eat, but she had food last night and managed a little this morning.
The whole situation felt off balance from the start.
I tried to stay home and settle into the day, but the pull hit again. Before I knew it, I was rushing to the store and buying cigarettes. Another slip. Another moment of frustration. Another round with that familiar opponent that never seems to stay down for the count.
It felt defeating.
But then the phone rang.
It was the call I’d been expecting from California Kick It, also known as the old 1-800-NO-BUTTS smoking cessation program. Instead of judgment, there was calm, practical encouragement. We talked through what happened and built a new plan. Today was supposed to be my quit day. I had even stopped buying cigarettes when I ran out early last night and threw away my lighter.
Now we reset.
Here’s the game plan for tomorrow:
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Take my morning walk in a different direction so I don’t pass any stores.
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Skip the coffee shop tomorrow afternoon and go to the library instead.
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Focus on love and affection for Whiskey Kitty. Care for her. Spend real time with her.
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Avoid caffeine, since it triggers cravings.
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Blog about my progress and stay accountable to my followers.
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Wait for a call from cessation program and report my results.
Tomorrow is the new quit date.
The counselor reminded me of something important: most people don’t quit in one dramatic, movie-style moment. It usually takes several attempts. Quitting is less like flipping a switch and more like steering a big ship. You correct the course again and again until the direction finally holds.
Right now, I’ll admit it, I’m skeptical of myself.
But I’m also stubborn.
And tomorrow, there’s a small tuxedo kitten who will need more love, more attention, and a human who smells like comfort instead of smoke.
So we reset.
We regroup.
We try again.
Because the only real failure in quitting… is quitting the quit.
And tomorrow, we sail again. 🐾🚭
by Dan and Bonkers
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zoofxb