I am so excited and proud to say that my month anniversary of quitting smoking is coming up in just a few days. I have to admit, it was easier for me to quit smoking than it was for me to wean myself off of the nicotine gum. The act of smoking repulses me now and I know that I won't ever light up or take a drag EVER again...GROSS!
I do miss the wave of calm that my little piece of gum gave me during my urges. THAT was the hard part for me. Then, a couple of weeks ago, one day turned to two days of no gum, so I thought, "three days and nicotine will be completely gone from my system". Then after the third day, I thought, "Wow, I did it...THERE IS NO MORE NICOTINE IN MY BODY"!!! I thought, "Now, I truely am free of that drug. I AM FREE! I cry even as I say it now. And every time I have that knawing feeling of wanting a "shot" of nicotine, I remind myself that my body is free of it and I don't want to put any more in it. I get through the urge and focus on other things. IT IS SOOOOO MIND OVER MATTER, really.
And then, a few days ago, I noticed that I flew up a flight of stairs and it took no effort what so ever. I WAS AMAZED. Now, I have worked out most of my life. I hit the gym 5 times a week. I was a runner. BUT NEVER IN MY LIFE (because I have lightly smoked for 30+ years) HAS IT BEEN SO EASY TO BREATH. I have read about the changes your body goes through as time passes after quitting smoking. I am still so new at being an Ex...but I can REALLY feel the difference in my breathing...I AM BLOWN AWAY....THIS IS FANTASTIC!!! Who knew it was so easy to breath? I always thought that somehow my breathing was normal because I worked out. I wasn't. It is easier now....I feel like I have an edge now - a secret weapon - when exercising....I love it! 🙂
I just wanted to share my incredible feeling. To all you new "Ex-smokers"....HANG IN THERE...DON'T GIVE IN TO YOUR URGES. It just keeps getting better every day....It really does!!!! 🙂
