I met a guy at my tennis club a few months ago and we quickly became good friends.   A while back, I casually mentioned to him that I'd quit smoking and not only did he not believe I'd ever smoked, but he shared with me that he'd quit drinking roughly around the same time.  We've had a number of conversations about drinking/smoking and I think it really helped us bond.

 

Well, he's going through some pretty serious family stuff right now and yesterday, he admitted to me that he's been thinking about drinking. He's so messed up right now, he needs something -anything- to numb the feelings he's experiencing and of course, alcohol is the go-to remedy for that.

 

Anyway, without going into too much detail, it was interesting to me how after talking for a while, I basically said all the same things to him that I've said/read a million time in QSMB.

 

I guess what I'm saying is that not only have you all helped and supported me, but you also gave me the wisdom to help and support a struggling friend.

 

That's pretty awesome and I thank you for that.

 

NOPE!

That is pretty awesome Jim. Glad you can be there for your friend

Quitting smoking is a process that will have a beneficial impact on far more aspects of your life than simply deciding whether to light up or not.  The things you learn and practice during the process carryover.  Commitment towards achieving a goal.  Identifying the lies you've told yourself and cutting through your own excuses.  Delayed gratification for a greater good.  Doing something you convinced yourself you couldn't do.  Quitting is a treasure trove of valuable life lessons.

 

Strength begets strength.  Success begets success.

Life can be funny in its different levels and we can only add to that with our own struggles that we choose.  When we learn to survive the mistakes we learn, and then learn to pass that knowledge to others then we are not only helping others but helping ourselves on this journey. It is gift you have given to others through this process--way to keep strong.  

Addiction is addiction.

I’m glad that you were able to help your friend. 

In turn, that helps you…

Way to pay it forward! 

Job well done

The same mindset used to deal with one addiction can be used for others.  It’s a general wisdom, and universally applicable.   

 

Great at job of applying what you learned to help a friend. 

You did great, Jim