Mary's One Year Milestone

"THIS IS YOUR LIFE….it’s not a game we play. "

I felt a pull back to the About.com Smoking Cessation homepage. I found the Forum link, and went there to read for awhile. I could relate to these people! I admired these people! I was encouraged. I registered. I lit a cigarette. I summoned enough courage to post a plea for help which ended like this:

“...I have been puffing like they're going out of style! Sounds crazy, I know...I am an intelligent woman...but these things really have a hold on me! I want to quit...I really want to try, but I am afraid to tell my family because I don't know if I can succeed.”

That was 3:51 AM. At 4:40 I had a message from Lynne(kisses4sam):

”Hi Mary, Welcome to the forum……congratulations on your wanting to quit smoking. That is the first step…..if you want to quit badly enough then you will manage…..it’s not easy, but it is possible.”

Thank you Lynne for being there!

Three minutes later I had a very inspiring message from Leslie (Breathesweet), bless her heart. Then another and another. It was Possum who told me:

“You could try just doing it? If you have a cigarette on now, put it out and just stop thinking for a few weeks if this is doable, or not if this is a good idea now, or not - just do it.”

Dear, dear Poss, your words so touched some part of me…you don’t know how I struggled for a few moments…you gave me the strength I needed I put the cigarette I had in hand back in the pack, took it out, put it back, then crumpled the pack and threw it down. Thank you soooo much!

The messages kept pouring in. I devoured each one hungrily and each gave me a little bit more courage to say no to that nagging ache within me. I can only believe it was fate….my destiny that I found this place on that night and that you all were here with the messages I so desperately needed to hear. I am deeply indebted to everyone on this forum, each in his/her own right and I love and care for all.

For the ones still struggling, I wish courage and strength to stay the course. You are all worth the time, energy, determination and sheer grit it takes to make your Quit successful and lasting!

THIS IS YOUR LIFE….it’s not a game we play. You CAN take control and drive home to Freedom.

Now it’s been one whole year since that unbelievable night when I began my journey to Freedom from a terrible addiction, one I never allowed myself to admit I had. I won’t say it’s been the easiest thing I’ve ever done but it’s the best thing I ever did for myself, my family and everyone I come in contact with. It is sooo worth the initial discomfort and the benefits just keep rolling in. Praises BE!

I can breathe again
I do not cough nor wheeze.
Aromas and fragrances
Pleasure me and please
As I walk gently into a future
That I might have been denied.

Mary Lance
5/23/06

More from Mary:
Two Months on the Road Without a Smoke
Hallelujah!
View at Six Months