Good Morning Exer's!
It's so good to be back among such a dedicated group as this. I had a computer crash and was cut off from you but thought of you often, wondering how the journey has been and wanting to hear of all the wonderful successes that have occurred.
I came here often during my quit and would have to say that though I think I would have been able to quit without this site, I believe my journey was much easier thanks to this support web site. Along with this site I used the power of visualization to help my mind to stay focused on the positive side of quitting rather then the endless negative aspects that we can get trapped into thinking about constantly if we're not careful.
I created Mt. Freedom as the shining symbol of my journey. I mention this because so many have told me that my vision actually helped them on their own journeys. I remember when I first conceived of this concept and looked to the tiny summit of this mountain from the bottom. It seemed like such a formidable task to make it to the top and yet with just a hint of excitement I took that first step on the path to freedom the moment I put out that last cigarette.
As with any journey that is new to us, I carefully placed one foot in front of the other, making sure that I didn't slip to the bottom for I never wanted to start over. I always kept my eye on that summit, only daring to look down the slopes of Mt. Freedom when I needed the encouragement that can only come from seeing just how far I'd already come.
I kept a traveling companion with me that I called the addict within. This entity symbolized the constant conflict that we must face. The constant nagging and arguing with ourselves even though we know that what we're doing is the right thing. By assigning it a name I was able to tell this part of my mind to shut up when it became to loud. For me, it took away some of the power that the internal argument can bring if we let it.
And so I continued onward and upward to my path of freedom. As with any mountain, there's always the dangers that must be either climbed over or circumnavigated. I traversed many a boulder field and found my way around many of the slippery slopes that awaited me.
Soon I could see the summit clearly and I realized that there was a banner on the top, waiving in the wind and beckoning me always forward to my goal. As I got closer I saw that the banner was the banner of freedom. It was the goal that I so badly wanted to achieve. I was almost there, and the closer I got, the quieter the addict within became as if this entity already knew that it had lost.
And then came the day of peace for me. The day when all of those shackles of addiction had finally been ripped out of me and this was the day that I claimed the summit, walked up to that banner of freedom that I had longed for and raised it over my head shouting, “I'm Free!! I'm free at last!!”
There is no better feeling then the one that we find at the end of our journeys so long as we stick to the path and always keep our eyes on the prize of freedom. Never waiver from your commitment to do the right thing not only for yourself but for your loved ones as well. Find your way around each obstacle and make each step on the path a learning experience that will help you with those steps that reside in your future.
I see you down there on the slopes of Mt. Freedom and I always want you to know that there are so many here who have attained the summit. There are so many that waive that beautiful banner of freedom every day of their lives. And you know what? We've affixed ropes to make the journey easier. We cannot walk each moment of it with you but we can urge you on. So if you can see that summit then you'll see all of us up there waiting for you. To pat you on the back and welcome you to your new life of freedom.
So if you haven't quit yet then what are you waiting for? After all, we cannot take the last step of our journey until we take the first. And if your already on the journey then good for you!! I can't wait to see you on the summit!!
ONWARD TO FREEDOM!!
