I mentioned to my husband last night that today was 200 days. He said, "How did that happen? The first 100 days took forever." He's right. It seems like the second 100 days went by quicker than I ever thought they could. I'm a quitter, dangit!
My life has changed so much since I quit. I was sick when I quit and decided that smoking wasn't helping. So I stopped. Then I found out recently that I'm not really sick, that it was side effects of a med. In that period of time, I started a new volunteer gig, retired, had shoulder surgery and the PT that followed, and started a second volunteer gig. I've been feeling healthier in the weeks since I quit the med that was causing my stomach and esophageal problems, and am getting some stamina and energy back. It's just phenomenal. By the end of this month, I'll be able to swim back stroke again, a goal of mine. Without smoking, I may be able to swim farther and for longer than I would have if I were still abusing my lungs. I don't expect perfection, but I expect to be able to build up my time.
Quitting is good stuff, people. If you are struggling with day 5 or 25, keep going. Though I have a crutch in my car (cinnamon sticks), I don't use replacements anymore. I have had so many days 1, as have so many of us. This may be the last time I have a day 1. I'm 99.99% sure about that. I'm an addict; I can't say 100% yet.
I encourage anyone who wants to quit to stick with it. Every minute, hour, day, week, month is a building block to freedom. I'm 200 days into my freedom and plan to watch that number grow! Next stop is the big one year!
Donna
Day 200
