Well, Band, I felt the need to cheer myself on. And I realized, who better to celebrate with than The Band? The Band totally rallied for me before… they deserve good news.

So here I am. And here is a list of recent successes:

1. I haven’t had a cigarette since Oct. 20th! That’s almost 5 weeks!
2. I have a new friend. In real life! Finally!
3. I’m starting to become the kind of mom I want to be.
4. I’m branching out into the world again!

I crawled out of my hidey hole. I’ve reached out at church – and people are responding! I am not alone! And I’m ENJOYING the time I spend with my daughter! I’m laughing again! And having fun!

I still have rough bits sometimes, but I’m learning how to manage them better and not slide into the darkness every time.

I feel hopeful. It pretty much rules.

I can’t pinpoint exactly when it started or what started it. But I’m grateful and I want to celebrate. Even if this isn’t forever…it’s been a month or so of feeling good so far but I don’t expect permanence in my life. It’s good today.

Thank you, Band. Thanks for celebrating with me, and for cheering me on when I needed it.