I wanted to reflect on the past year.........Yes YEAR on the 17th of February!!!.........as a non-smoker!!! Honestly, for most of my life, I did not think I could be a non-smoker. It is just now, writing this out, that I actually can call myself a non-smoker. The relaspe I feared has not occured, although I know it can still happen. But to be at the door knocking on 1 year smoke free is amazing.
I have not used any quit smoking replacment, or Chantix this time, although I have tried those in the past. That may or maynot have made any difference on this quit.........all I know is that I am smoke free still. The mind has to be ready to give it up, and I was finally ready, although definately NOT willing!! It was so extrememly difficult at first.
I would say in the 7 to 8 month time frame I would actually forget that I smoked. I have been around friends that still smoke and I have not joined in.....did not even want to. Listening to friends comment on having to get outside to smoke and the effort it takes.........I am glad I am not in that place still. One friend was complaining about staying at someone's home with the alarm system, and having to turn it off, and the noise & beeping it made......... ahhhh yes I don't have to do that anymore! All the controllling that smoking has on my life.........and now the FREEDOM I have without it! Great!!
So to those just facing the demon of smoking and giving it up........IT CAN BE DONE! I smoked between 1 and 1/2 packs to 2 packs a day for over 30 years. This site was an important part of my success, I could get on here anytime day or night and find support and guidance to get through that excruiating time. Let me encourage you to keep trying, whether this is the first attempt, or one of many, one day you can be successful............I am proof!
