Well here I am at day 177 writing this. I hemmed and hawed about what to write and figured I would just let it fly.
Here it goes:
First of all I owe a HUGE thank you to guys here. So many to list and I hate long speeches. August '14, Conductors, Chat buddies - you know who you are, and fellow first responders who reached out. You guys helped more than you ever know.
Secret ingredient to quit:
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” - Henry Ford
That about sums it up as far as quit goes. You CAN do it.
Does it suck? For a little while yes.
Do I regret quitting? Hell no
Do I still have cravings? Yup but I have support of this brotherhood so I win every time.
As far as excuses go.... I don't accept them.
I give you examples of my life - NOT to brag but to show in spite of MY excuses I used for years I am now quit.
Work is real stressful for me - I get it. Me too. In the past year I have been in about 10 burning buildings. 1 I got a mayday called on me and another was an apartment where the roof began to collapse while I was inside. I get it. But I am quit - your excuse is invalid.
Family is stressful - Oh I really get this. Marriage is hard. Worth it but hard work. Throw in some kids. Even better. Throw in wife with cancer and mental health stuff. Work to provide, school as a back up plan because of above. Stress just doesn't seem to be enough to describe it. But I stay quit - your excuse is invalid.
Guys at work all do it and temptation is so strong. Had a coworker respond to my quit by wafting his can of poison under my nose. I almost killed him but I am still quit. Your excuse is invalid.
I want you to know - YOU CAN DO IT. Don't feel sorry for my situation. I hope it helps your resolve.
Other random thoughts I wanted to add:
MY reasons to quit -
I am a Christian and felt that addiction was a barrier between me and God - an Idol if you will. God is clear about idols - just saying.
My kids have one parent with cancer already - how stupid would it be for me to keep dipping?
You wanna quit? I mean REALLY wanna quit?
Secret is this:
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.” - Henry Ford
