recently quit

[Cbefree]

well I'm a couple hours into my 7th day, it feels good to just say that.

It doesn't mean: I'm out of the woods, that the last 6 days haven't felt like an eternity, that the symptoms of depression aren't there, my breathing is miraculously not labored with exertion, 1st & foremost the suffering from withdrawal is gone.

It does mean: I'm still on the path; 6 days or 14 days or whatever it takes will pass & feel like a moment in hindsight; with the depression lifting a bit my mind is less contracted, and new possibilities/tools/talk are starting to take shape; my breathing is better/deeper & I'm not coughing as much with a deep breaths; the suffering is mind made and I've watched the stories, I've watched the creature say just 1 drag, I've seen the power of addiction.

The Mayo website with all of you to share and a couple of other significant life changes have made this quit different. I've always known, but never had the time, that writing is a powerful tool for me. I want to remember how difficult it's been, I want to feel the triumphs of a moment because as we all know these will fade and we will forget. I NEVER WANT TO GO THROUGH THIS AGAIN

Humble greetings & good wishes to you all