My life as a smoker
I started smoking when I was 15 years old, at the same time as my friends. It seemed like the "cool" thing at the time. My habit varied from one pack a day up to three packs a day. I didn't really quit until July 28th of 2009 at the age of sixty-six.
By the time I was in my late 20's, I had developed chronic bronchitis and a morning cough that stayed with me almost daily.
Why and how I quit smoking
Over the years, I tried everything to quit! I would throw them out the window driving down the road and would throw away ashtrays and all evidence in my home only to go out the next day and buy more of everything (including cigarettes).
I tried Chantix, anti-depressant therapy(Zyban/Wellbutrin) and hypnotism. Nothing worked until I realized that cigarettes were literally killing me!
On July 28th, at 10:00 A.M, the day before my heart catheterization, I lit one up and felt my blood pressure go out of sight! I just made up my mind right then that I was done and have not had one since. I quit cold turkey and haven't regretted it for a minute.
Advice
My benefits? There are many:
- My blood pressure is better
- I breathe better
- I can walk two miles without a problem
- My car, my house, my clothes and I smell better
- I have more money to spend on worthwhile things
- I can eat where ever I want, even if they don't have a smoking section.
- I will live longer
Terry Martin, Smoking Cessation Guide, says:
While finding the motivation that clicks your quit program into place is different for every person, one thing is sure: feeding it with gratitude and support each and every day will help to lock it in place.The work that goes into cessation is not insignificant, but it truly pales in comparison to the rewards you'll reap from your smoke-free life.
You're doing great, Barb. Keep your sights on the day you have in front of you and deal with tomorrow when it gets here. Those benefits you listed above will only continue to grow!
