Penrose Steps

The Penrose Steps is a visual illusion that falls in the category of impossible objects, since it cannot be possible in three dimensions.

It is a two-dimensional depiction of a staircase in which the stairs make four 90-degree turns as they ascend or descend, yet form a continuous loop.

Along with the Kanizsa's Triangle and many more, I have always been a lover of optical illusions and impossible figures; not only because of their beauty, but also due to the interpretations one can make.
For instance, I believe the Penrose Steps represent how people sometimes get stuck in a loop, and fail to realize that one of the corners is closer to the ground, so one could actually jump, be safe and break a pattern.

Smoke Free For Two Years

I said I would do it some months ago, so here I am... writing this article to commemorate my second anniversary as an ex-smoker!!!

It is funny that I was writing about still "smoking in my dreams" some time earlier this year, because I do not recall that happening anymore since then.

Yes: it is possible to stay smoke-free. I have never felt, more alive and kicking! Indeed, I spoke about it on an interview by Tabex. Although I chose to quit cold turkey, I also believe in assisted ways to stop smoking.

On April 25th, 2014, I lit my last cigarette at 7 PM. I don't even recall finishing it. I remember, though, making a small pyre in which I burned all the items that were related to smoking, as well as the remaining cigarettes I still had.

The first month after quitting was the hardest one: I became Mr. Wild Mood Swings for a while. It was also the time in which the physical addiction was at its peak. I recall having trouble to focus my attention properly. From then on, the cravings started to happen less frequently. I wish I could tell you when was the last time I felt one, but I do not remember... so I am sorry about it! =)

On a positive note, I can tell that as soon as three days had passed since I quit, I had already started to feel more alive and less stressed. My body started to ask me to do physical exercise. For instance, I had always loved walking, but I started to do it every day: I would walk four miles from work to home.

I also started to enjoy a more satisfactory sexual life, as well as feeling cleaner and healthier overall. Furthermore, I have also felt how my body has been healing itself: less colds, less wrinkles, better looking skin, and more energy.

2015, a year without smoking

Although I quit smoking on April 25th, 2014, this past year has been the one in which I consolidated this great achievement: 

2015, a year without smoking

This 2016 will include the second anniversary and, just like when I did for the first one, I will write about it.

READ: Smoke-Free For One Year

Life continues to improve and feel better, even though my subconscious still portrays me smoking in some of my dreams. I actually like that this happens sometimes, because it acts as a reminder that it is wrong to cheat. Plus the feeling of relief is enormous when one realizes that it was only a dream.

In addition, some people ask me: 'Don't you ever do just one? Not even on special occasions, parties, when being very drunk..?'

My answer is honest, simple and clear: NO!

If I am claiming that I gave up smoking, this means that I am not doing it anymore. In fact, I already wrote that I am not giving my power to a substance that will do its best to control me from minute one.

Indeed, I have no interest at all on being able to control that substance, since I believe it is not possible. That is only an illusion. The true story is that tobacco is always controlling you; unless you decide to break the pattern, and the only way is to quit forever. That means having no more cigarettes: not even one!

READ: Why Not Just One Cigarette?