Deborah Quit Smoking One Year Ago

"I thought there was no way I could live life without cigarettes, yet here I am"

On October 13, 2004 I took a step that has changed my life. I somehow summoned the strength and courage to throw out the cigarettes that had accompanied me everywhere I went for twenty years. When I really think about it, I am still amazed and in awe of myself for this accomplishment. I thought there was no way I could live life without cigarettes, yet here I am, with a much richer, more secure, and healthier attitude and life.

I started smoking when I was a student. I am a big Francophile, and I decided that my annual trip needed to coincide with my year milestone. I was nervous about going to the land of the smoker as an ex-smoker. I had a huge anxiety attack as we waited for the car service to take us to the airport. But once we got to the airport I was fine. I had some wistful thoughts during the week, but they were more about nostalgia than about cravings or addictive thinking. That trip was my last big hurdle, and I passed the test with flying colors!

When I read newbies’ posts about the discomfort, anxiety, pain and anger that they experience during those first so very hard weeks, I wonder how I did it. And I thank God that I got through it and won’t have to experience it again. Quitting smoking is very hard work. It takes time, patience and sheer strength and willpower. But it IS doable, and so very worth it.

My six month milestone speech includes a list of the benefits of quitting smoking. All of those benefits are huge and so very important, but one of the biggest revelations to me has been my improved sense of smell. I always thought I just didn’t have a good sense of smell. I didn’t know I was killing it by smoking. It is still improving, but now I have little epiphany moments. Like when the waiter opened a bottle of wine this summer and I smelled the wine from across the table. Or when I walk out my front door and smell smoke from the neighbors’ chimney. Or when the litter box needs to be changed (yuck!).

The other really huge benefit is the feeling of being free. When I first started lurking on the forum and whyquit.com I thought all that talk about freedom was New Agey feel good stuff. I thought I was going to be depriving myself, not freeing myself.

It is now such a HUGE relief to me that I am no longer tied to cigarettes. I am rid of that ball and chain and I am FREE. I can go anywhere and do anything without having to worry about carrying that pack with me and about when I can get my next fix.

I no longer feel ashamed, anxious, or on edge because of my addiction.

I am no longer ten steps behind my husband because I can’t get a match lit.

I am no longer worried about stray sparks burning my clothes, someone else, my car or my house.

I am no longer engaging in a behavior that is proven to destroy my health.

I am no longer literally burning my money away.

I used two tools to help me quit. Zyban helped take the edge off the cravings and all of you helped with everything else. The knowledge and support I got from all of you enabled me to quit and build the confidence and strength to stay quit. The forum has been with me every step of the way, but was especially important during the weeks after I lost my job. The support I got here in that very difficult time was absolutely incredible. I thank God for all of you but do have to especially thank my role models and special angels: Gail, Margaret, LoriLu, Kae, Sly, Kalliope, Michelle. Merci – je vous aime!

I am Deborah and I have been smoke-free for One year, four days, 14 hours, 46 minutes and 19 seconds. 7392 cigarettes not smoked, saving $2,587.31. Life saved: 3 weeks, 4 days, 16 hours, 0 minutes.

Deborah's 6 Month Milestone