Mary Reaches 2 Years Smoke Free

"No cigarette can taste as good as it feels to be fit, healthy and active."

I am 2 years smoke free today. What that means, in a word, is freedom. I don't have to smoke. I'll never have to smoke again. That's a very powerful feeling. That's freedom.

If year one was a year of firsts (first vacation without cigarettes, first drink, etc.) then year two was a year of acceptance. The year I learned to live in the world – a world where it seems like everyone smokes but me. That was difficult to accept. I fought hard for my freedom. I suffered through hell week, cravings, anxiety, depression - and I pulled through it stronger than ever, a non-smoker. Doesn't the world owe me a clean, smoke free environment? I quit - why can't everyone else?!

I still don't like it, but I've learned to coexist with smokers. I feel sorry for them.

Another thing I learned during year two... there are a lot of ex-smokers who pick up their addictions again after quits that lasted years...the record being 15 years for a woman I met at a party recently. What's up with that?! Did she think she could smoke just one? Did she get stressed out by something that made her fall back to old habits? Did she just stop caring? I've heard all those excuses. Just crazy.

Why People Relapse Years Later

I can say without doubt that I will never smoke again. I've gained too much to ever go back.

No cigarette can taste as good as it feels to be fit, healthy and active.

Whether you're a newbie going through hell week, or an old-timer with years under your belt, don't ever lose touch with the reasons you quit smoking. That's your source of strength, your motivation. It will sustain you during the hard times. It will be the grin on your face at every smoke free anniversary...

I'm smiling right now because I can run, bike, swim, skate and dance circles around people half my age! Thank you Forum, and W.O.S., for all your strength and support.

Mary's Quit Story