Two years ago I began a journey to a smoke free life. I had no idea of the challenges that awaited me. Quitting had been on my mind for a few years but actually accomplishing such a thing seemed impossible. I grew into my quit literally one day at a time. In the beginning I counted the hours and held on to each one with all my might. I knew that the second I picked up a cigarette it would be �game over�. I must admit that I whined, screamed, shouted, got angry, cried and bared my soul on these boards at the SSC. There is no way I would have made it had it not been for my quit buddies that were always there to lend me a hand no matter what.
At the beginning of the journey, I was employed full time with a stressful job, in school full time and was a single parent of three children. That tells you the odds I was up against as far as being successful in this endeavor. So if you think you have too much going on to quit, reach deep inside and realize the reasons you need to quit. Today I look back in awe of the changes that have occurred in my life and in myself. Along with the freedom from the enslavement of smoking, I was given the opportunity to re-create who I am. I am proud to say that I am no longer the bitter woman that sat on her deck crying woe is me and taking puff after puff feeling sorry for herself. I have accomplished so much and I'm not even finished yet. Quitting has been like getting a do over in life.
There were many aspects of my life that I had to re-evaluate in order to succeed. Perspective, attitude, faith, hope, confidence, and knowledge were the core values that had to change if there were any hope for me. I traveled the quit road with some of the greatest people I have ever known and have grown to love with all my heart. Had someone told me two years ago that I would be this comfortable non-smoker and as happy as I am, I would not have believed it. I didn't believe I would ever be happy without my smokes. I was so wrong.
If you struggle, don't give up. Cry if you must, post as often as necessary and reach out to those around you. Quitting is not something that many can do on their own without a good support group. Do whatever it takes to get quit and then just do it again day after day. You will be amazed at how wonderful life can be. The most amazing thing I've found is the life that is around me just waiting for me to enjoy. I take advantage of it every chance I get. I have just returned from white water rafting in celebration of this two year successful journey. I've always wanted to go and it was an amazing adventure!
I have said it time and time again.... Quitting is a soul searching, life changing experience. Enjoy it. Hang on tight and don't ever quit quitting. I tried to quit a lot of times before I finally got it right. Prior to this quit, I never made it more than a few hours. Dig deep inside and grab every bit of courage you can get your hands on and take the journey down the road less traveled. Like my friend Mike always said, The Journey Is The Reward.
I woke up this morning surrounded by the beautiful Smokey Mountains once again. Year one of my quit I spent climbing quit mountain and year two I've spent living on the mountain. I can't wait to see what year three has in store for me.
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]7/1/2005
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 730
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 14,600
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $2,555.00
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 65 [B]Hrs:[/B] 23 [B]Mins:[/B] 47 [B]Seconds:[/B] 56