Kerri's Six Month Milestone

I just celebrated my first real independance day...

July 4th took on a whole new meaning for me this year. I pretended the fireworks were for me. I spent it with those I love the most; my husband, kids, and parents...

~It's been 6 MONTHS since I've had a cigarette~

I went out with an old smoking buddy the other day to chat with him. He stands by himself now that Trudy and I have quit (my quit buddy at work). I don't get out much since January 8th of this year. So I went out and chatted with him while he smoked.

He said: "WOW, I don't get much company anymore." (Apparently on the factory side of the building they are down 2 smokers this month - we are quitting in leaps and bounds).
I said: "Well, there are plenty of people inside!"
I said again..."You know I'm almost 6 months quit?"
He said: "Has it been that long?"
I said: "Can you believe it? I can't believe it...I just can't."
He said: "Do you feel better?"
I said: "Well, of course I feel better, that's a given...the moment I stopped intoxicating my body I felt better. Everyone knows your smell gets good, your taste gets better, your energy improves, your skin improves...yeah, we know all that. Do you know what feels the best? NOTHING TELLS ME WHAT TO DO. I no longer say I'm DYING for a cigarette. That statement makes me shudder. Dying for a cigarette?" (How ironic)
He said: "Well you always were stubborn."
I said: "Whatever keeps me free."

Here's my advice, newbies. I can sum up my success pretty easily now...this is how I quit...

• Great attitude - I KNOW I can, I KNOW I can.
• Lots of Support - (my darling friends here - those fireworks were for you too)
• Replacement - Don't let the time you spent smoking go idle, find something else to do.
• Reinforcement - My daily mantra: "You think quitting is hard, try telling your kids you have cancer."
• Baby Steps - Take one craving, one minute, one hour, one day at a time.

Three cheers for the JANUWARRIORS FOR NOT CAVING. We did it together...I leaned on you, you leaned on me. We started with 5 people and now have 9. Celia, Mere, Me, Victoria, Phil, Mike, Betty, Pam, and Kat. 9 people strong, 9 people not paying Big Tobacco to kill them and take them away from their families. 9 people who deserve freedom fireworks.

Three cheers for the WOMEN OF STRENGTH FOR NOT CAVING. You guys are my rocks. You make me feel important. You make me feel loved and special. I love you all like my own family and attribute my success to your undying love and support...and your belief in US and our Club and our ability to be free from cigarettes.

Three cheers for SAKE FOR MAKING ME LAUGH When I was 1 month quit, my signature said: Shaking it without gasping for air. I'm STILL shaking it even though you all won't tell me where the practices are. ;-)

Three cheers for all you newbies out there, for making the decision to get a hold of yourself and take the first baby step towards FREEDOM. It IS sweet, oh if I could shout it from the mountaintops.

~A special mention to Cheryl, who's story appeared on the site home the day I found this forum. She was 53 when she was diagnosed with cancer. Her story still hangs on my bulletin board at work. As long as I'm allowed to live, I will never forget her.~

I just watched my quit meter turn...I'm in tears...what an accomplishment. I will be buying myself some good running shoes as my reward.

Kerri has been smoke free for Six Months, 8 minutes, 2715 cigarettes not smoked, saving $545.89. Life saved: 1 week, 2 days, 10 hours, 15 minutes.

I can't believe it...I'm finally free.

~Kerri~(KERRIR)
Kerri's Quit Story
5 Months and a Sock
Kerri's One Year Milestone
Quit Smoking While You're Young
Kerri's 2 Year Smoke Free Milestone

Last Updated: 2-5-2006