~~"and I said to my body softly, 'I want to be your friend.' It took a long breath and replied, 'I have been waiting my whole life for this.'" unknown
It seems really silly but it took me forever to understand just how much my body loved me. It kept working no matter if I ignored it, failed to properly feed it the nutrients it needs to function well, damaged it through smoking, didn't water it, and generally underappreciated it.
Then I read something that sparked an interest. Something about if you feel lonely, remember there are 5 billion cells in your body focused only on you. I mean....wow! Yes, I know about cells and yes, I know my body functions daily. But I never before really thought about how much my body works at keeping me alive while I do everything I can to make it's job harder. I didn't drink enough water, I didn't eat well, and even more than that...I didn't treat my body like a friend.
Sounds a bit weird, huh? But the body that keeps me alive...the body that functions without what it needs to function well...the body that keeps me here on earth....wasn't my friend. I didn't pay attention.
Until I did. For me, it's now not just about doing yoga, but it's shutting my mind down to allow my body to enjoy movement. It's now about knowing more about what foods my body needs to better function and giving it that. It's about drinking enough water so it works better. And it's about listening to it when it sends signals. Of needing exercise. Of needing vitamins. Of being in pain.
Pain is our bodies' way of saying something is wrong. It doesn't mean to panic, but rather to pay attention. Broken bones need to set, a pinched nerve needs care, a headache may mean a dark room and some rest. Really love your body enough to listen and to respond to what it needs.
Since I am somewhat of a fanciful person, I picture that quitting smoking make our cells sing!! Happily, they begin to repair all the damage we've done through smoking. And, if not all the damage, our cells work hard to allow our body to function as well as possible. Sometimes not much can be done for the damage already created, but when you quit smoking, you quit further damage. And that does mean a great deal to a tired, hurting body.
Today I take great care of a body that's taken great care of me. If I'm tired, I rest. If I'm hurt, I give my body time to heal. I am physically active but when my shoulder gives me trouble, I don't push. I pay attention and respond well to what my body needs.
Sometimes I eat cookies. Sometimes I stay in my pjs and binge on M*A*S*H episodes. I have even been known to get overtired. I'm not perfect. But I am aware.
So when you quit smoking, pay attention to your body. Picture billions of cells rushing to heal the damages caused by your smoking. It may just mean you don't ever smoke again 
After all, why put your body through that again???
Hugs to all,
Sheri
