Bastique

When I woke up in the middle of the night, I had to take a shot of my inhaler before I could get back to sleep. This is but one of many reasons why I will not pick up cigarettes again.

It is not productive to live in the past. Still, if I could turn back time, I’d point out to my younger self the health issues I would be facing by twenty-five years of inhaling nicotine-heavy carbon monoxide fumes from chemically enriched tobacco products. Maybe I’d listen.

At least going forward I never have to pick up another cigarette. The weak moments will be fewer and I’ve learned from my previous attempts when the hardest parts are—after three months.

The best thing is that three months without cigarettes was my goal. I’ve done this now. I’m a non-smoker today, and I never ever ever want to be a smoker again!

Today is day 88 without cigarettes, and on March 16, I will finally move this goal into the “accomplished” column.

For those that have been smoking as long as I have and have done the damage to their lungs that I have: It does get better. I no longer feel I have to use my inhaler twice a day. I attended an event that required intense vocalization and I realized that I didn’t have to take a breath as often as some of the people around me. My lungs are getting better.

I also do not feel like having a cigarette very much any more. This is very much worth it.

A Nichiren Buddhist friend had suggested it some time ago, and I finally made my first chanting session, a small event at an individual’s house. While I was somewhat concerned with pronunciation, I did feel specially connected throughout the chanting.

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

I will be attending more.