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
Replies
Sorry to see you go but I hope you stop in every now and then. All of your goals sound fabulous and I know you\'ll be happy and enjoy.... All my best to you and thanks for all the support you gave.... it meant alot to me... Debbie
Thank you shevie for all you do for all of us here at ds. I am sad to see you go!!! As you yourself said you are better at giving, and you have given the best advice to many of us. I understand your wanting to get away from the computer I have spent more time on-line than I ever did smoking, and I know the time could be better spent but my quit is still fragile and important for me so I will be around awile. I know of a beautiful place with four seasons and also a great realtor who would be happy to help you find a place. Take care of yourself and hopefully you will pop in to visit from time to time. Patty
Your posts on the Smoking Addiction and Recovery board will continue to be bumped up. You\'ve shared some great insight with us. Your goals sound fantastic, and I wish you the best with them. I\'m all for less time spent on the computer! Enjoy!
Right on Shevie, I wish you the best and thank you for all the support and love you\'ve shared. My mantra, N.O.P.E. I\'ll never forget the day you opened my eyes to that simple yet powerful tool. I wish you and Eve well, your goals sound wonderful and should you in end up in Shasta I hope you\'ll look me up, I\'d drive down for lunch in a heart beat! PEACE my friend.
Now, I feel really sad. Selfish of me. Happy for you and Eve. I am sorry I sent you all that \"guypaul and sally\" fighting. Good grief. I do
wonder WHEN if ever, I will grow up?
I am so happy that you have so many interests. I have lots of books on Native americans. I do not
know anything about the flute, though. I am glad
you have something to do with your hands; you can
let your creative juices flow. GREAT!!! So happy
for you and for Eve. Stay in touch. I will feel lost without both of you. Love and best wishes always. Purpleiris2 aka Sally
shevie you have been a vital part of my successful quit and it will be sad to see you go. i too have thought about breaking away as i spend so much time online. but im not ready. thank you for your support friend and we love you.
Your wisdom presence will be hugely missed...you have some exciting times ahead and I wish you the best! If you do make a CD it would be wonderful if you came back and let us know where we could purchase one...Best of luck to you and Eve! I\'m so happy for you!
Oh goodness....an ending and a new beginning...how awesome is that...I\'m happy for you and Eve~ What exciting new plans you have....and want to wish you both peace and happiness in your new journey...Thank you for all your blessings here....you have really rocked this community...and for that we are truely grateful....Thank you Shevie....love and prayers..
You are leaving DS? I am so sad to hear this, but happy for you. I know you know what you must do. You are so wise. I will surely miss you. Peace, love, and blessings on your new journey. Please do drop in from time to time. V