Moving on

Almost 3 1/2 years ago I quit smoking with the help of a support group.  I went there looking for and expecting to receive help.  About 2 months into my quit I discovered I was better at giving than receiving.  Not only that, but I enjoyed giving; more than pretty much anything else I'd ever done before.   I’ve been doing that almost non-stop ever since.  Through the end of my marriage and the coming together with the person I've always been meant to be with (my Beloved Eve) I've maintained connection with quitters on a number of support groups and instant messengers.  I've written articles, posted posts, "talked" people down from kill-me-now craves on IM, and provided support beyond the specific quit process.  I’ve given and received more virtual hugs than I can shake a stick at, felt tears in my eyes when someone who was trying so hard and wanted so badly to be quit succumbed to the addiction once again, laughed until there were another type of tears in my eyes, and partied hearty in celebration of others' milestones.   I've come to believe that supporting others was a form of therapy for me and I've now ascended to a new quit level.  Like Eve, I find myself not wanting to be at the computer anymore.    So I'm ceasing my support efforts.  I want to do other things.  I want to find and become proficient with my Native American flute, I want to make a CD of meditation/healing music with Eve (whether anyone else ever hears it or not), I want to move to a place with four seasons and fall color, I want a woodshop where I can create with my hands.  I want to live my life for us now.  We’ve shut down the Wholistiquit website for the time being.  If it becomes relevant in the future, we can resurrect it then.   There are a few people on my IM and one has my e-mail (the real one, not a throw-away).  You know who you are and I am there for you if you need me or just want to say "Hi!"  I'm only withdrawing from quit support, not from the world.  I also will probably drop by from time to time, but the heavy-duty stuff is over.   Bless everyone's hearts. Don't smoke, it's bad for you. Shevie