Your empathy seeps through everything you write Lori. Your soul reeks of it, so I feel you have nothing to fear in terms of losing it. I imagine this rings true for you on the wider spectrum of life also, and not just in your empathy for us nicotine addicts.

And I would happily read anything you have ever written. That description of your morning was sunny, warm and beautiful. I'd have loved to have been there, away from the stress I sometimes have in juggling home working with trying to help my wife out with some very childish behaviors and needs in my lovely children...so have you ever written a book or anything like that?

Anyways, I got through my working day without many cravings. They mostly do leave me alone now. I often bring them onto myself in fact, by pointing out silly things like how there is no queue at the tobacco counter when I am out shopping. That sows the seed. It is the epicentre of the earthquake, whose tsunami works its way slowly towards my house, slower than how I travel there in fact, only for the cravings to engulf me hours later and almost completely overwhelm me again, and make me wonder where on earth all of that pain started and why it worked its way to the surface again, just when I thought I was clear.

I do need to go find this NOPE pledge you mention. I think I've been a bit spoilt as so many lovely people have visited here and offered me their support. But I need to venture out more.

And I like this picture you posted. Reminds me, I used to want to light up anytime I saw a picture of anyone smoking. Or on tv. I think I'm over that now?

Lori - I am not following the meaning of this pic .. An attractive person smoking ... Makes smoking look attractive.  

... Makes one actually want to smoke, not quit.

What am I missing here?

I take it as she is referring to the smoking as “the mistake”, saying don’t make the same mistakes I do. 

Get it now. Attractive person doing something so unnatractive ... Smoking.  

Like what's wrong with this pic? .. The mistake... The mistake is that stinky cigarette in her hand ...

Would have been viewed so differently 70 yrs ago when smoking was cool and everyone did it!

Speaking to that photo ... I just saw out my window an attractive looking young woman step out of her car with mask lowered around her neck and smoking a cigarerette ... 

I thought this lookrd foolish.  It did scream out to people .. People don't make the same mustake ...

So glad I am not a slave during this time!

Ugh. It seems a bit contradictory doesn’t it? Like I’m worried about this invisible Coronavirus thing out there that might harm me but I’m not at all worried about the dozens of other odd chemicals I’m putting into my lungs. Mmmm. Being a nicotine addict is tough. As they say, “quitting isn’t for sissies!”

Im also glad to not be so compelled as to lower my mask for a smoke.

Oh, thank you Musivore. I’m definitely no Saint, but feel compassion and empathy are vital human qualities. So is what I call intestinal fortitude.
I strive for balance, and find myself continually challenged by my human condition, and often by my fellow humans. It is hard at times to find the right balance and there are times we all lack insight into what someone needs at a given moment, yes? But I do believe most people don’t often speak and act with intended malice with each other. Generally.

Yes. Populism. Hmmm. I could also likely ramble on in another thread with my thoughts on the state of things, in another forum. I’ll admit, for the last couple of years I’ve purposely avoided those conversations. Mainly to keep my blood pressure down and my tummy from hurting. We can leave it at I am not happy at all with the divisive nature of our once great nation. I retain hope that the pendulum usually swings back again. Eventually. 
I hope you got through your day well and with little more than a fluttering by kind of crave that receded quickly with a flick of your hand!

What you describe Jersey with the girl smoking reminds me of one of the biggest hits from a band I like, the Editors. If you like emotional indie, like your American bands, Interpol and The National, check these guys out also. Anyways, the song has the chorus:

The saddest thing, that I've ever seen, was smokers outside, the hospital doors.

How are things in NJ by the way? I know it's badly hit, but are you past the peak?

Morning Lori 

Intestinal Fortitude eh? I like the term. And I like that you strive for that balance. I do too, but only on my better days. Mostly though, i feel nothing, because I know from experience that feeling the pain of everyone will bring you down; so then you yourself will need the help that others are more deserving of... And, yes, I agree, there is intrinsic good in the majority. Even if there wasn't, it is better to live your like believing that, otherwise you will end up cocooned, dimmed, less alive, and less able to change things a little.

Yes Lori, I also get what you are saying about avoiding certain subjects. I do too when I am most upset with the tide the world and my country specifically is taking. Sometimes this avoidance can last months. Plus I am currently trying my best not to get worked up during this quit period. But does that quit period ever end I wonder? Anyways, I suspect there won't be much disagreement between us if we ever did go there - just a small mountain of consensus, built up slowly by us both from different angles.