The Write Movement Presents:

 I’ve been smoking cigarettes on and off, for four years now. I like to smoke. I like the rush I feel when the smoke hits my brain and releases endorphins, which calm me as I exhale. I like the taste of my food after a good smoke; it makes everything tastes smoked. I love the taste of the cigarette with a glass of wine, or other spirit. I like the first smoke of the day: It helps calm hunger pains before I eat breakfast. I love smoking in the car: I put my windows down, blare my favorite CD, and get lost in traffic as I blow smoke out the window. I love sitting around with my friends, relaxing to good drink, banter, stories…and my cigarette. Finally, I love a calming smoke after love-making, and before bed.

What I hate is the after smell. I hate having to go to the restroom after every smoke to wash up, to re-apply lotion and perfume. I hate having to brush my teeth more than three times a day. I hate the yellowing color that my teeth are beginning to adopt. I hate wondering if my breath stinks. I hate that my eyes are drier, my skin is less elastic, and I’m starting to look older; even my smile lines are deeper. I hate that I my once, soft, pink lips are darker, and usually dry and ashy. I hate that I’m putting pressure on my lungs and heart. My breath is shorter; and as an avid swimmer, clarinet player and singer, I remember being able to hold my breath notes and keys a lot longer. Now, I’m a raspy-short-breathed jazz singer. All my ballads are reserved for my healing.

So, two-weeks ago, I caught the Head Cold/Flu. This left me struggling with my once 2^nd Soprano range. Worse than the head flu is the aftermath of congestion, phlegm, and hoarseness which is bugging the hell out of me! I want my range back. I’ve just been dissatisfied with the way I’ve neglected my health. It’s been on a downward decline. And I knew I needed to take better care of myself. After all, wasn’t I worth it? Was I lying to myself when I would affirm that I loved myself?

 So, that was the beginning to the end. The end to smoking cigarettes! I’m strong. I’m the master of my destiny. I waited 3 whole days before I start blogging about it. I wanted to be absolutely sure that I had really quit. I quit. Cigarettes? What cigarettes? I don’t smoke! I don’t smoke! I don’t smoke…

 Here’s to my year of progress in wealth, health and accomplishments!