A Little About My Quit
I turned 48 in May of 2010. I promised myself I'd quit smoking before I turned 30, then 40, then, when? I was fully addicted to smoking by age 14 (acceptable smoking age in my house was 16).
I began by taking my mother's Virginia Slims (whoo! what a menthol head-rush!) or my step-father's unfiltered Chesterfield Kings from their packs when they weren't looking. Soon I was taking them from the local party store - they wouldn't sell them to me so I felt I had no choice.
I smoked my final cigarette on Saturday, January 2nd 2010 at 10 pm. I just knew it was time, if not now, quite likely never.
What Cessation Has Taught Me
I'm an old hat at quitting - it's STAYING quit that I'm new at.
I know now that the old adage, Not One Puff Ever (NOPE) is the only truth. I realize that nicotine addiction is bigger than me and more powerful - IF - I give in to "just one". Not smoking that "one" is the EASIEST thing to do. I get it. It was humbling to come to that realization, yet empowering at the same time. It was a hard lesson and one I'm incredibly grateful everyday that I've learned!
I am 10 months smoke-free today. I know I am strong. I can breathe freely, I feel great and I wouldn't trade it for all the (even risk free) cigarettes in the world!
Advice
- No excuses! It's hard for everyone.
- There is never the "right" time, just do it. Do it now.
- Embrace the process - feel yourself healing.
- You are not alone. Find a community and read and post and read and post till you feel better - and you will feel better!
