This weekend, I spent 26 hours in lifeguard training. I was in 60 degree water off and on for periods of up to 6 hours at a time. Not only that, but I only got about 1/2 hour of sleep the entire time. I reviewed my skills and helped others learn and review their skills to get ready for the summer season. And the best part? Not once did I want a cigarette! There were only 2 times when I even thought about cigarettes... they were when 2 girls said that they really wanted a cigarette, and both times, I just smiled, thinking "I'm so glad that's not me!" I'm swimming better than I've ever swam and I'm in better shape than I've ever been before! I really don't think I could have done what I did this weekend if I were still smoking. The physical part is one reason, but there's another reason too. At one point, I had to swim 500 yards in the freezing cold water. I got in and all I could concentrate on was getting out as soon as I could, so I was swimming WAY faster than I should have been and was exerting too much energy too quickly, not saving any for the rest of the swim. By the end of the first lap (with 13 more to go) I'd used up all of my energy... I was out of breath, tired and I didn't think I could go on. If I'd been smoking, I probably wouldn't have physically been able to finish, but beyond that, the determination that I've gained through quitting helped me finish that 500 yards. Before, I would have givin up, but there's a lot of growing up that comes along with quitting, and this was the first time I'd really seen the fruits of the labor in other areas besides physical. I feel mentally stronger now too. So often, we only concentrate on the physical and monetary benefits of quitting, but I found that there are mental and emotional benefits as well, and they can be just as important as the physical ones. I really want to say (yet again) to all of the newbies that the freedom really is awesome! There's nothing like it! I am so happy that I quit... and also really happy that the weekend is over! :) Crave the Quit! Pam [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/28/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 205 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,141 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $846.65 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 14 [B]Hrs:[/B] 22 [B]Mins:[/B] 14 [B

Thank you for sharing your inspirational thread with us this afternoon Butterfly :). Quitting is the best choice and the healthy choice. Congrats to you by keeping yourself healthy and free from temptation! Cheers, Melanie __________________________ The SSC Support Team