I can’t share your frustrations from your withdrawals because they are not a part of my life, I do however know that there are elements in my life that might cause me to feel the way your are now, should they be eliminated completely. My intention though is to never make them such a HUGE part of my daily existence that I would feel empty without them. Perhaps sometimes we all need to a little self-inventory for a period, as you have done, to realize just how consumed we are with our habits?

I also wanted to commend you on your comment about personal fulfillment. You’re right, you don’t need to tell anyone about your achievements, but I can say that your true friends will want you to share that with them. That’s what friends are for.

Kudos on the running progress, Kevin! ;-)

It’s black magic. And that’s why I don’t buy pickles, even though I like them. They’re the Devil’s food.

Chosing to go without, however, is another matter. That takes discipline. It really is like abstaining from smoking or drinking. You could go out and do it any time, but you don’t. And the temptation is always all around you.