I truly feel myself changing, evolving into a “non-smoker.” I was having dinner with a friend recently and the meal ended with coffee and dessert. I didn’t realize until the dessert was half finished that I wasn’t craving a cigarette at that moment. I felt like jumping up in down in pure glee, but instead I smiled to myself and continued with polite conversation.

Later that evening, I reflected on what a huge accomplishment that evenings dessert was for me. I had reached a new stage in the quitting process where smoking was no longer part of my daily thoughts. The cravings have lessened, even with my slip up a couple of weeks ago.

I know that there may be moments when I am tempted still, but they won’t be the mundane everyday kind of things that will trigger me. The times that I should be more aware of in the future are the times when I am angry, sad or hurt. Those will be the times when I need to be soothed by a cigarette. While this thought is somewhat depressing, I am thankful that I’ve graduated to the next stage of the process.