My Act of Peaceful Rebellion to Choose Beauty

There's a pack of Virginia Slims hidden in a drawer at work. I bought them 12 years ago after a long day with the kids and a spat with the spouse.

I remember walking into the Shell Station asking for the menthol lights and damn near died when the cashier said, "That'll be $6.28". The last time I bought a pack of cigarettes, they cost a buck.⠀

I drove to my office which is just outside town and sat on the concrete stoop with a cigarette in one hand and a long neck Bud in the other, taking long drags from both. My private rebellion against a life I loved and daily chose, but one that cost me something in return, too.

These are challenging times of uncertainty and change. But I refuse to give up hope.

It's my peaceful act of rebellion to chose beauty right now.

cigarettes in desk drawer

 

"Stop trying to calm the storm. Calm yourself.

The storm will pass."