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Share your quitting journey

No more pussyfooting around .......

Posamari
Member
2 6 43

 I enjoyed smoking. I really really did.  I miss it. If I could smoke and it didn't affect my health, I'd be going full steam ahead. Unfortunately it was a decision between my pleasure or my health. I chose health...quality of life. I didn't want to be strapped to an oxygen tank or limited  in freedom of movement because of my health or something worse, like death.  Not going to lie, it's not always easy, BUT my biggest regret is that I didn't wise up sooner, take the plunge, and quit years ago.  Smoking was second nature to me. My friend, my wingman and partner in crime going into combat of what we call life.  My safety net. My Prozac. My excuse. My buddy. But it was all a facade. My friend and comrade turned on me. It became my master. A bully. An enemy. It made me co dependent. It made me smell. It made me sick. It made me a social outcast.  It kept a wedge between my family and myself. It was no longer satisfied with just being my friend/partner, it wanted my life. It was the abusive psychopathic spouse and I became a victim of the Stockholm syndrome. I loved my abuser, menthol 100s.

It's been 82 days since I last puffed. Some days I still miss it. Craves come and go, especially in times of stress, certain social situations,  or after a meal, but I wouldn't trade my quit for anything. What I've gained physically, mentally, emotionally, socially from divorcing nicotine cannot be measured. The respect gained from my children and other family members gives me a burst of confidence and self respect. I enjoy and look forward to my daily walks , swimming, and riding my bike again. They are no longer a chore or something I push myself to do to just to stay in shape.  I even went snorkeling without breathing issues! Again, yes I do crave them but it dissipates quickly and is manageable. 

For the newbies--- the first 3 days are the toughest, then the first 10 days. After 2 weeks, things start to get easier and you will notice a difference physically and mentally.  My blood pressure went from around 140/89 to 116/72 in a week of quitting alone. Think about that. I gained about 3-4 lbs but I started walking regularly and I have never been a good sitter anyways. As a frustrated artist , I'm always puttering doing something. I think it helps when you first quit, if you can take a few days off work, have the support of your family to just leave you alone with no demands and sleep as much as you feel. You will feel depressed, angry, irritable, physically drained, and have side effects of detoxification. But it's temporary!! What you will gain even after just 1 week makes that hard first week worth it.  I smoked off and on, mostly ON for over 40 years.  Some periods I would smoke over 2 packs a day dedepending on the circumstances! How stupid is that?  Those that are contemplating quitting? You CAN do it. Just make the decision , take the plunge, and get it  over with. What are you waiting for? There is no magic pill to do it for you. Good luck and accept all the support the members and elders  offer here. I know you can do it. It's time to choose quality of life over puffing away. Don't wait til it's too late...........

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