I was sick and tired of smoking, and I was sick and tired of relapsing. After 28 years in this cycle of embarrassment, I was tarnished and ashamed. My heart was struggling, and my spirit was crying out, “Enough! Please, just…stop!”
Well, the only way out from in between constantly smoking and repeatedly relapsing is finally quitting. Period. Without fail. For good, and for life. So, I came here, to you, seeking help with that very thing : my own salvation from myself. That’s what you promised, that’s what I chose, that’s what I earned. And this morning, for the 366th time, I chose that freedom yet again.
March 1st - my day of days! - and this Living Quit is outside of me, visiting with you, my special friends.
It’s visiting with the Mentors who prepared me during the earliest days. Then, when my moment came, I wrote their names on my right hand (seriously!), and I “carried them with me” on that first “liberty walk” on Quitmas morning of last year.
My quit is visiting today with the beloved villagers - gentle “sisters”, feisty “mamas”, gracious Elders, supportive commenters, loyal pen pals, fellow March of 2014 classmates (all four of them!) - who never let me doubt that I was now a valued part of something stronger than my past, and bigger than myself.
And it’s visiting with
Derek, my Quit Buddy, my sworn LifeLine, my talented classmate. He quietly started his EX journey
on the exact same date, and has traveled beside me (and, invisibly, with all of you, too), ever since. Along the way, we gave one another strength and laughter, and founded a friendship out of them both.
It’s often said here, “I couldn’t have done it without all of you.” I say, “I’m honored that I did it with all of you.”
Thank you for teaching me your truths, for pondering my unique perspectives, and for allowing me to witness your inspiring courage in the face of shocking challenges.
I came here to listen, to speak, to heal myself, to help others do the same - all in equal measure, all with your blessing. And it’s my humble hope, on this most grateful day, that I have made you proud.
STORM : Free and Healing for One Year, 11 Hours and 31 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 28 Days and 1 Hour, by avoiding the use of 8085 nicotine delivery devices that would have cost me $1,662.10.
ONWARD, FREEDOM MARCHERS!
LIGHT THE WAY!
