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overcoming temptation

 
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Lori



Quit Date:
March 18, 2006

Posts: 521
Location: Pennsylvania, USA

PostPosted: August 9, 2006 9:26 AM    Post subject: overcoming temptation Reply with quote

Last night, my husband was away. It was just me and the demon. Last week when the demon's whispers were getting really strong, he was telling me that Tuesday would be the perfect time ... no one would have to know ...

But I finally saw through that lie. I told him, I WOULD KNOW! I'm the one who has to live with the consequences of my choices. At the end of the day, no one else's good opinion of me can restore the loss of my own. I either live with integrity or I don't. There is no such thing as "getting away with something."

So, I went to the park -- yes, the park where I saw myself smoking. Instead of smoking, I just went for a walk. I waited for the moon to rise. It was a full moon last night and I always love to see it when it's just appearing above the horizon -- when it's all huge and orange. When it appeared, I sat down on a swing just to look at it. Next thing I knew, I started swinging ... and swinging with abandon, like I did as a kid. I was surprised by all of the memories that came flooding back -- like the way we would get the playground swingset thumping dangerously by swinging way too hard and the feeling of the breeze lifting my hair.

There are so many silly, simple joys in this world. I don't need to swap all of the complexities, dangers, and disgrace of addiction for a few moments of so-called pleasure.

With love and gratitude,
Lori


Last edited by Lori on August 9, 2006 9:46 AM; edited 1 time in total
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alleghany



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PostPosted: August 9, 2006 9:34 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

What a beautiful testament to your freedom!!! Cool
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swaneem



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PostPosted: August 9, 2006 9:38 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

GOOD FOR YOU, LORI Very Happy Very Happy Very Happy

Donna
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Just when the caterpillar thought his world was
coming to an end..........God made him a
BUTTERFLY.
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Pamela



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Posts: 3542
Location: Gardiner, NY

PostPosted: August 9, 2006 10:30 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cool Doesn't it feel nice to be free, and be able to cheat Scowling Demon for a change?
Thanks for sharing...for a moment I was in that park, too.
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FIVE + years of freedom and loving it!
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londa



Quit Date:
July 28, 2004

Posts: 2469
Location: new york, USA

PostPosted: August 9, 2006 12:28 PM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
There are so many silly, simple joys in this world. I don't need to swap all of the complexities, dangers, and disgrace of addiction for a few moments of so-called pleasure.



This says it all!

You keep on living girl!!

GOd Bless

Love, Londa
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My name is Londa. I am 57 and I act like I'm 20. I love to laugh and smile. The more the better. Being kind to someone is the best thing you can do.
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kevin
Site Admin


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Location: cincinnati, oh

PostPosted: August 9, 2006 1:03 PM    Post subject: Reply with quote

keep swinging, lori! Smile
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keep choosing life!

kevin

the zen of the quit
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Free



Quit Date:
May 12, 2006

Posts: 826
Location: USA

PostPosted: August 9, 2006 1:45 PM    Post subject: Reply with quote


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Become addicted to constant and never ending self improvement.

The difference between a mountain and a molehill is your perspective.

Realize that true happiness lies within you.
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Mary Dude



Quit Date:
June 15, 2004

Posts: 4803
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

PostPosted: August 9, 2006 9:27 PM    Post subject: Reply with quote

W.T.G.!!!
Thanks for sharing!
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Mary D.
Smoke-free one day at a time!
Worry doesn't help tomorrow's troubles, but it does ruin today's happiness!
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shevie



Quit Date:
May 23, 2005

Posts: 413
Location: Grants Pass, OR, USA

PostPosted: August 9, 2006 11:30 PM    Post subject: Re: overcoming temptation Reply with quote

Lori wrote:
...no one would have to know ...

But I finally saw through that lie. I told him, I WOULD KNOW! I'm the one who has to live with the consequences of my choices. At the end of the day, no one else's good opinion of me can restore the loss of my own. I either live with integrity or I don't. There is no such thing as "getting away with something."


That reminded me of something. This is from the website run by the author's family:

The Guy in the Glass
by Dale Wimbrow, (c) 1934

When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgement upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.


In grateful memory of our father, the author, Dale Wimbrow 1895-1954

Keep up the good quit, Lori. You're doing great!
Shevie
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If you study something in the right light, how can there be any darkness? Dave Gardner

Quit date: May 23, 2005
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marw



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Posts: 3634
Location: Chicago, IL

PostPosted: August 9, 2006 11:31 PM    Post subject: Reply with quote

What a beautiful post, Lori! I love the full moon also, but here in the city it is not usually orange like it was in the country when I was growing up. Still beautiful!

I love simple fun things also! Cool Smile (Well, anyone who went to the Zoo 3 times in one week is probably in touch with their inner child! Laughing )
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Margaret
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Lori



Quit Date:
March 18, 2006

Posts: 521
Location: Pennsylvania, USA

PostPosted: August 10, 2006 8:38 AM    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks everyone! Shevie, what a great poem. That has to be one of life's most important lessons -- earning the respect of The Guy in the Glass. When I was younger, I thought I could do that by earning the respect of people I respect. But that doesn't work. Today I can say I have earned my own respect.

Margaret, if we ever meet, it will have to be for a "play date" -- how 'bout it?! The zoo, the park, the pool ... pizza and root beer ... slinkies and play-dough ... you name it! Wink
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