This happened to me when I quit cigarettes 14 years ago....the stress and paranoia of smoking became so overwhelming that I became motivated by thinking of the freedoms of being a non-smoker. And I nailed it back then. Took my life back, became fit, raised my family, competed in triathlons and other races. Life was good...until it wasn’t. (I’ll spare the details, but short version...enter JUUL.) JUUL entered my life and took over everything. No more exercise class. I would argue quitting the JUUL has been far more difficult than the cigarettes were for me. 1) you can do it anywhere, 2) because of #1, I was getting far more nicotine so the patch didn’t quite cut it, 3) frankly, it’s just more enjoyable and cleaner/odor free. But I knew It was silently killing me. The signs are not visible to anyone except the person doing the vaping. There is no coughing and wheezing like I had had for years on cigarettes. Surely enough, after two years, I’ve had my heart checked out because of a constant aching in my chest, I can’t clear a flight of steps without gasping for air...forget exercise. Last yoga class I went to I thought I might die on the spot (coming from a 4 day a week exercise routine previously....and I can’t swing yoga...really??). I knew the signs, I watch the news. And the panic began to set it —which, frankly, only made me vape more. But I keep trying.
After several attempts, i think i have the formula and methodology down. I am only three days in, but I know myself. I have arrived. Once I finally quit the cigarettes all those years ago, I remember hitting a point of high confidence and enthusiasm. I’m there. I am on day three and managing the cravings pretty effectively. I am excited about dropping my extra appendage...(aka, JUUL).
I am not focused on what i May be missing out on, but excited about what the future holds for me smoke, vape, and nicotine free. I absolutely do not want to break a three day streak and feel super excited to have this burden off my back!
Quite simply, I’m excited to get my life back.
