Your body's first review

What did your body say about the very first cigarette? For most people it was a cough, a spin, a sour stomach, or a head that felt wrong. That was an opinion, fast and clear. It came from the one part of you that doesn't care who's watching. The golden memories leave that part out.

Then you went back anyway. You had your reasons. A room to fit into, a stress to quiet, a friend holding one out. You kept at it until your body stopped objecting and started asking. Nobody needs practice to enjoy a hug. You broke it in like a pair of stiff shoes. Except the cigarette was breaking you in.

A want that had to be installed can be uninstalled. It isn't written into who you are. Repetition built it, against your body's first advice, and repetition is all that holds it up. Every urge you let pass is one more rep undone. You're not losing a part of yourself. You're returning a loaner.

Your body was right the first time. God built that honest reflex into you as a kindness. Tonight, give your body one thing it plainly loves. A long shower. A real meal. An early night. Thank God while you're at it. Thank You for the body that said no. It told you the truth first, and now you're finally on its side.