An open letter

Dear friends,

I may be very cranky for the next few weeks. Please be patient with me.

I may be needy and call you often. Please indulge me.

I may have mood swings and be on an emotional roller coaster. Please support me.

I may be irrational, distant and unfocused. Please try to understand me.

I may not be able to listen well to you. Please talk to me.


You see, I've decided to take the plunge. After 9 years of smoking about a pack a day, I've quit. Today is day one, ground zero. I'm feeling okay right now, but then again it's only 9:54 in the morning.

I'm thinking of it not as something to quit but as something to release. I am praying and meditating for help. I am using medication and the patch. I am talking about it and reaching out for support from friends.

I'm scared to try and even more afraid to fail. But I'm taking it one second at a time (literally).

So that's it. But next time you see me, give me a hug, would you?