"Please believe that if you really want to quit smoking, you can. "

It is so wonderful to be where I am today. This freedom is so awesome. I wish that it was within my power to let all of you still early in your journey to get a glimpse of what it's like. A tremendous burden that you may not even know is weighing you down is lifted. You feel lighter spiritually, mentally and emotionally.

I went years without getting a medical exam because I was too afraid of what the doctors might find. Last year I was forced to have a chest x-ray because I needed surgery. I passed with flying colors.

Please believe that if you really want to quit smoking, you can. There are examples all around this forum. You’ve already made the best decision of your life. Quitting is not easy, but is so doable. Smoking cessation is a process. Time spent in the process is the only way to make it through. It cannot be hurried, and it is uniquely individual. I quit after 32 years of more than a pack a day. It’s possible.

You have to believe it with your heart and mind.

You have to know that you really deserve to be free and that you’re not giving up anything worthwhile when you stop smoking - that you’re receiving a wonderful second chance; a gift, and an opportunity that must be taken advantage of NOW because there is no guarantee that it will come again.

My wonderful friends on this forum showed me the way through education, their unending compassion and support and their appreciation of a good laugh. I have achieved something that I long thought was impossible...being smoke-free. I am eternally grateful to all of you and for my gift of cessation.

The first year was spent learning how to live “normal” - to do everything for 365 days without a cigarette and make it through all the firsts. The first plane trip, first vacation, first alcoholic beverages, parties, weddings, holidays, funerals of friends and family, verbal confrontations, job stress etc. The blessed second year was totally awesome because I knew how to live my new “normal”.

I believe that year three is going to be even better! I plan to live my life as fully as I can, to help my forum family where I can, and to revel in my freedom but never, ever become complacent.

Lastly, I don’t believe the lie of “Just One”, neither should you.

Best wishes to you on your own personal journey to freedom.

You can do it! You deserve it!

(((HUGS)))
Dee
Smoke Free Since 3-18-03

"Taking it one day at a time."

Dee's 6 Month Milestone
Dee's 18 Month Milestone
Dee's 3 Year Milestone
Dee's 4 Year Milestone
Dee's 5 Year Milestone

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