It started outta curiosity I started with one Then doubled to 2 Then further doubled to 4 Then tripled to 12 Before I knew it I was puffing 20 a day A drag here A drag there Waking up Before going to bed Before going to work When taking a break during work After coming home from work After *** When frustrated angry happy or high Sometimes with alcohol and drugs Sometimes in isolation Sometimes with colleagues Till I had felt a cigarette on my lips I felt as if my day wasn't complete But gradually the smoking started to take it's toll My lips turned black My lungs literally gave up I was coughing I was panting all the time Couldn't think clearly I would be irritated all the time I lost friends 'coz of my rude behavior My family isolated me I was a nuisance at home My hands would tremble My body in a constant state of confusion I had to visit visit the hospital several times That's when I finally woke up and realized that I needed to cut back a bit It wasn't easy... Trust me From chewing nicotine flavoured gums To attending seminars on addiction Joining rehab groups to yoga and then Finally to writing... Today I'm down to 0 cigarettes a day.. Writing.. This is where I got my refuge... My sense of comfort and safety... Writing became a therapuetic process for me It dragged me outta the abyss and showed me a lightΒ of hope and ressurection Today after years of being a non smoker I appreciate writing even more