Where Did My Brain Go?

I just quit smoking for the zillionth time. I can’t stand it!

Make that zillionth and last – I can’t go through this again!

I know what it’s like. I know exactly what to expect. When I stop smoking cigarettes, I become cranky, fractious, irritable, nettlesome, peevish, peckish, pettish, petulant, scratchy, testy. Sleeping is difficult for the first few nights, but this is followed by deeper sleep. I wake up with more energy, after I stop smoking cigarettes for a few days, because I sleep much deeper than I ever did while smoking. Waking up is actually pleasant. I take a nice deep breath, deeper than while I was smoking, without the slightest hint of rasping or wheezing. My right arm automatically reaches for a cigarette; then I gasp (gasps are also deeper) – and blurt, “Oh No! I stopped smoking again!”.

There’s also that synergy crap that comes with it. I have to stop drinking coffee temporarily, to kick smoking. I’ve been holding out, but I am going to make my last cup right now. (back) I’ll be able to have another cup in a week.

My last cup of coffee is my first benefit. It smells like coffee in here now, and it will continue to smell like coffee for awhile, because I won’t be smoking.

This first benefit is followed by another one during each additional moment of your life: You live longer. More time with the ones you love, and more time to annoy the others.

And that’s the biggest benefit anyone can receive.