Need some encouragement? I smoked for 52 years. I tried to quit many, many times (I thought I loved smoking.) When I was diagnosed with COPD, I decided if I wanted to live, I had to stop. I was 66 at that time. I had recently heard that it was safe to use nicotine patches and nicotine gum at the same time. I knew from previous quit attempts that I needed more than the patch and I knew I needed support. I got online and by God's grace I found this site. Even with all that help, it wasn't pretty. I grieved the loss of my cigarettes for a long time. I didn't think I would ever not want them. I thought about them obsessively. Some people "get busy." I sat and grieved and drank a lot of coffee, strong coffee. Fast forward six years. I do not want them. I am truly at no risk for picking them back up. I wish you could understand how very much better life is without cigarettes. The pain of quitting is worth it. Through it I learned and grew. Stress is much more easily managed without cigarettes. Emotions are more even. At 72 years old I am happier than I have ever been. I have C.O.P.D and emphysema that is well managed these days. I walk 30 minutes everyday, do a wonderful yoga class at the fitness center once a week. I am enjoying my sweet retired life. If I was still smoking I wouldn't have the life I have. Other than lung disease, I have no other health problems. God bless each of you on your own unique journey to wholeness.
