As of today (my 40th birthday) I am officially a non-active smoker.
I made a promise to myself years ago that I would not smoke past the age of 40. It’s a promise I fully intend to keep, as it was a wise thing to which to commit.
I just stood outside on the patio and had my last hand-rolled Bali Shag cigarette. I remembered, out loud, all the places I have lived and smoked and all the people that have been smoking buddies over the years. Like reciting the names of the fallen before pushing the casket overboard.
It’s unwise for anyone who has smoked to call themselves a “non-smoker” when they quit. It’s a lie. Given half a chance, they’ll go back. I’m no exception. I’m a “non-active smoker,” not a non-smoker. I have the addiction, but I’m riding it and it’s not riding me.
Send me some strength. I’m going to need it.
And take a moment today to listen to Desiree by Neil Diamond and Ode To Billy Joe by Bobby Gentry.
Oh, and of course, Happy Birthday by Altered Images.
If they were me and I was you, would you have liked a present too?
🙂