Neeny's One Year Milestone

"I encourage you all to stay the path and do whatever it takes."

(Picture 7308 cigarettes laid out on a table) Imagine!
and that's just one years worth...ugg!

Neeny has chosen not to smoke for: One year, 10 hours, 3 minutes and 54 seconds. 7308 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,461.68. Life saved: 3 weeks, 4 days, 9 hours, 0 minutes.

First, I would like to thank Lesly for starting a thread for me...and for being such a kind force on this board. Secondly, a special shout out to my friend, Terry(Hudson) who always has a kind word of encouragement at just the right moment. A big hug to you...your guidance and words of wisdom kept me going on some days when I was met with a challenge. And to all my fellow quitters: You inspire me to want to keep my quit strong and give me reason to keep it going another day. You are all my heroes...

I thought long and hard about what I would say and do when this day finally came. I chose to celebrate this day by going on a Hot Air Balloon ride. It was the most heart stopping, humbling experience of my life. I have never felt that kind of absolute freedom, ever. We had champagne, and toasted to LIFE and its grandeur. I wrote a little something and tied it to a small balloon, and when we reached our destination, I released it...WOW! Tears of joy, no doubt!!! Overly dramatic? Yep, you bet. But absolutely called for!!!

Quitting smoking and all that goes with it was not only the hardest thing I have ever had to do, but by far, the most rewarding. I looked back at my journal to try to get some ideas of just how to express what being a YEAR quit means to me...all I can really say is that I have corrected the one thing that has held me back in my life. When I first picked a cigarette up, I don't recall making a life long commitment to smoke every thirty minutes for the rest of my life. As time went on, I realized I had been lied to. I realized that it was not a choice anymore. I was now addicted. I was a rebellious teenager who just wanted to look older...Well, I got my wish because smoking sure did age me. I was 39, and felt 100 when I made the decision to quit. I could barely breathe and walking up a staircase sent me into an asthma attack like no other. I watched life from the sidelines because I didn't know anyone who smoked, and therefore, felt like an outcast. Ah, the irony of that is too much, considering I started because I didn't want to be an outcast. I often thought about the childhood friend who taught me how to smoke (cuz I wasn't doing it right by not inhaling). I wondered if she too was still trapped. I wonder if all my 'friends' who were so important that I needed to become addicted to a substance in order to be among them, were still trapped, like me. I pray that they too have gathered the strength to quit.

I could sit and list all the benefits to quitting. I am going to venture that each and every one who may read this knows exactly what their life would be like if they no longer had to deal with smoking. I think the most important benefit is not the money saved, or the clothes not ruined, or the lack of damage done to property or even that we smell better(although all of that is a huge benefit).

It is the peace of mind.

The ability to move about your life without having to consider a habit/addiction/urge/craving, and how it will fit in. I have my life back, and for that I am eternally grateful.

I encourage you all to stay the path and do whatever it takes to regain your own life. Don't buy the lie another day. You don't have to be a victim of your choice all those years ago.

I am now going to delete my meter. I feel that I no longer need to track my days and minutes. I continue to take each day as a brand new commitment to never smoke again.

I wish you all a strong resolve, a desire to be free, and the courage to continue the fight against "the big lie".

Neeny
Neeny has been smokefree since September 28, 2002

Neeny's Six Month Milestone