Gaylene and Mikki Celebrate 3 Years of Smoke Free Life

"We're at a loss for words! Today marks our 3rd year as a nonsmokers."

We're at a loss for words! Today marks our 3rd year as a nonsmokers. Each year when this anniversary rolls around we feel more in awe. We actually did it!!! As we think back to the first day of this fantastic journey, we realize this is a feat we never dreamed we'd accomplish. Well...we "dreamed" of it but didn't really think it would become a reality. This is truly the story of a dream come true for The Blonde Babes! (our forum nickname)

From Gaylene:

The past year has been one of the hardest of my life. At times it's been almost more than I could handle. It's been a time of digging deep to find strength. To find things I have to be thankful for. Way at the top of that list, I'm so PROUD to say, is that I haven't needed or wanted to smoke. Always in the past whenever I felt any kind of emotion I lit up. You all know the routine....celebrate with a cigarette, relax with a cigarette, cry with a cigarette.

Well not anymore for this girl. I've dealt with each blow with thoughts only of how to cope with the situation. So often I sit back and marvel at this. I have hardly thought of smoking. When I have, it's to be grateful that I'm free. It's like..."Hey, did I really get through this or do this on my own?" YES I DID! A girl who started her WIN about the same time I did was famous for saying "I'M FREE AT LAST!". Well Irene here's back atcha..."I'M FREE AT LAST!"

I'm not saying it's been easy. There were times when I had to practically bite my fingers off to keep from snitching. Many nights I showered and got into my p.j.s early to keep from going to the store. You can't believe how many doilies I crocheted, how many online jigsaw puzzles I put together, the walks I took, the suckers I consumed, the times I prayed. Every second of misery was worth it.

Of course it wasn't all misery. I had that sense of triumph at the end of each successful day. My body rejoiced with me. I LOVE TO BREATHE! Really, time passed more quickly than I realized. It wasn't long until I didn't think about smoking for a whole day. And soon for longer periods.

I have a VERY special WIN buddy who laid down her smokes the same day I did. Her name is Mikki. (Lvsprettyponies)We've developed a wonderful friendship. One of those unconditional relationships that come along only once in awhile. She's been right by my side every step of the way. After countless emails, phone calls, and photos I finally got to meet her this summer. I traveled to her home where I was treated like family.....Mikki, you're a very huge part of my life. When I came to see you I didn't feel like a visitor. I felt like a sister. Thank you for YOU. I love you!

Then there's my precious Mod family. Terry (our Big Tree!), Anna, Lesly, Michelle, Linda, Tammy, Kerri. More unconditional love. You have all been by my side through thick and thin, holding me and making me laugh. How did I ever find all you beautiful people? I love you too!!

To the rest of you who have traveled with me on this whole trip (I'm afraid to name names. Wouldn't want to leave any special person out) ...I thank you with all my heart for the support, friendship, and fun. To you who have joined along the way...the same. And to all of you who are beginning your journey to freedom...No matter how hard or fruitless this may seem now, don't give up. Keep climbing the mountain ONE STEP AT A TIME. (like we did) At the summit, waiting for you, is a life to behold!

From Mikki:

Wow, three big ones!!! It whizzed by and it feels so good :-)

It was wonderful seeing Gaylene this summer. . We walked all over and didn't get out of breath. Had we not quit when we did..............?????? We have a lot to be grateful for. Not the least of which was being able to meet each other on the forum. The forum is a place to feel understood and nurtured. Everybody is in the same boat. Everybody getting through the "BIG" change together.

Those first days were amazing. You wonder each day if you're going to make it through. I had to go get some caramel suckers like my new friend Gay. It was great finding out how much we had in common, sharing our victories and our miserable days. Yes, there were those. Every time I wanted a cigarette.... I went on the forum instead. It got me through so many days and nights. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sometimes I still miss the drug effect of cigs. But, it's only a whisper of a miss... once in a while. I don't miss sucking smoke in and out and, I sure don't miss the constant need of having to have a cigarette. What a great feeling it is to go into a non smoking place with non-smoking buds and not be stressed!! Hang in there "winners", you can do it, yes you can!

From us:

You CAN and WILL do it!
KEEP WINNING!!

More from Gaylene and Mikki
Gaylene's Quit Smoking Story
Gaylene and Mikki's One Year Milestone
Gaylene and Mikki's Four Year Milestone