We don’t all smoke.

But we all escape.

From discomfort, from boredom, from the terrifying quiet moments where our mind tells the truth.

The quiet moments where truth emerges

For me, it wasn’t just a cigarette.

It was the moment that came with it:

That social hangout, that cool coat, the “I got this” vibe.

That tiny stick felt like a ticket to fit in.

And honestly? Sometimes it still does.

The cigarette as more than just nicotine

But somewhere between lighting up and looking around, I knew—this isn’t power, it’s permission.

Permission to delay healing. To avoid the truth.

And for that, you need a better reason.

Outgrowing rather than breaking addiction

So, I gave myself a date. Not some vague “I’ll try.”

A clean, cold line.

“This is the last day I smoke.”

Not because the cigarette is evil.

But because I’m not the guy who needs it anymore.

It starts there.

The importance of setting a definitive date

Then comes the tough part.

Not the withdrawal, but the identity shift.

The tiny promises like:

“No sweets after 10 PM.”

“Not texting back that one person.”

“Refusing to go where I lose myself.”

Those little boundaries are where real self-respect begins.

Building self-respect through small boundaries

What makes it work?

Pain.

Not the kind you numb. The kind you face.

I chose the pain of truth over the lie of “just one more.”

I told myself:

“Feel the urge. Don’t flinch. Let it pass. Breathe. You’re not dying. You’re becoming.”

Choosing the pain of truth over comforting lies

And when I failed?

I didn’t call myself weak.

I said, “You’re in training.”

You don’t need perfect days.

You need consistent defiance—of your own worst habits.

And maybe that’s what Shatanjay meant in his talk:

Not just to remove the addiction, but to replace it—

With clarity, with choice, with a version of you that doesn’t hide.

Replacing addiction with clarity and authenticity