Thank you for sticking with me through this journey. I’ve been reflecting a lot, and I truly believe this new outlook will change things for the better. We’re often fed a lot of false beliefs about addiction, and one of the biggest lies is that a slip-up equals failure. I used to beat myself up for sneaking out to smoke those two times, but now I realize that thinking a slip-up means giving up is just a setup for failure.
Instead of wallowing in guilt, I’m learning to face the cravings head-on. Meditation, deep breathing, and other techniques that are proven to work will help me get through this. I’m also talking to my caseworker about avoiding the shelter. Natalie and some others have warned me about how bad it can be there, so I’m trying to hold out for something better. I believe I’m still being considered for housing vouchers, which is a hopeful sign.
Like you said the first time we talked, people quit all the time. It doesn’t take a miracle. The real challenge is changing the narrative in my head. I’ve been telling myself I can’t quit for so long, and so, I didn’t. But I’m starting to shift that mindset. It’ll be tough, especially if I do end up in the shelter, but I know it’ll be worth the effort in the end.
Just think of all the money I’ll save that I can put back into my art business. Every penny counts, and quitting smoking is an investment in my future. That shelter Natalie mentioned still worries me, and others have given me similar warnings. So, I’ll see where I land, but in the meantime, I’m focusing on staying calm. Deep breathing, meditation, and a lot of writing are helping to relieve the stress.
Promoting my blog has been going really well too, and I feel proud of the progress I’m making, both with my writing and in my personal journey. Thank you again for being a part of this process with me. I’ll keep going, one step at a time.
by Dan and Bonkers
