The Blonde Babes Make One Year

"Don't Ever Give Up on Your Quest to be Smoke Free."

Gaylene would like to share some special thoughts with you:

This past year has been "interesting", to say the least! Mikki and I have gained the chance to save our lives, and found a wonderful friendship. On top of all the obvious improvements - breathing easier, better skin and smell, money saved - I feel calmer, less pressured to always be "doing". My typing skills have improved dramatically too!! I've spent time reflecting upon my life, my goals, my desires. Being thankful for what I have - not just in smoking-related instances. One thing that really excites me is the fact that when Mikki and I finally "met" on the phone, the first thing both of us noticed was that neither of us have smoker's voices. How cool is that?

My advice to new quitters or those who are struggling - accept the fact that you will be uncomfortable at times. Don't dwell on these feelings. The more you struggle, the harder it is. When an urge to smoke hits, let it slide on by. Think of cessation as a reward to yourself and your loved ones. Each time you come out a WINNER, you are getting closer to that mountain top that will set you free. Or, you can think of it as losing a link in the chain that binds you.

I say WINNER most of the time. I'd rather be a winner than a quitter! Think positive thoughts about cessation. You are choosing to be smoke free. Actually, you can smoke any time you want, but you would rather not. You are a non-smoker. Non-smokers don't smoke.

Using imagery has been a big help to me. I like to imagine myself smoking in a group. The air is clouded with smoke that is coming out of our mouths and noses. We are hacking and wheezing. We have yellow teeth and fingers. Then with that nasty picture in mind, I like to imagine that I'm lying on green grass, gazing at the clear blue sky and taking in the fresh air. I can smell the nearby flowers. I'm totally relaxed. Which picture would you rather be in?

Please, don't ever give up on your quest to be smoke free. Every single bit of discomfort you feel is worth the outcome!

And from both of us:

We wish, with all our hearts, that you guys can avoid any lung or other health problems by ceasing to smoke. We would hate to think where we might be if we'd kept on smoking. We are so happy to report that we hung in there, and WE FEEL GREAT!

Thank you to our forum family, you are our dear friends. We're hanging in there, in great part because of you. What a great joy it is to pass through the 7% Club Gate! Yahoo!! And, now to buckle down to our next new day........

Gaylene(DADMONT)
Mikki(lvsprettyponies)

Gaylene's Quit Smoking Story
Gaylene and Mikki's 3 Year Milestone
Gaylene and Mikki's 4 Year Milestone