Here I am. Celebrating my 365 days of freedom!!! One whole year!!! That makes me a 6 %er!!!
I look back on this past year, had some really tough times, and didn’t smoke. In fact, my son was on life support for 3 weeks and no one EXpected him to survive, but I didn’t use that as an excuse to smoke. And even worse, no one knew even if he did survive, if he would have any functional life as we all know it. I didn’t use that as an excuse to smoke either. My son survived, thank you Jesus, and required many months of medical follow-ups. I was stretched thin. I still didn’t use that as an excuse to smoke.
Had some really great times, didn’t smoke. Thought of it, but I didn’t. As the weather got nice this year, all those smoking triggers flared up. I reminded myself that “I don’t do that anymore.” I just continued to relearn my life without that self-destructive behavior.
I finally stopped running and hiding behind that cigarette and changed my life!!!
I’m dealing with my emotions now.
I’m in charge of me now, not the addiction.
I don’t have to adjust my weekly budget to include money to poison myself.
I get involved now, no more sitting on the sidelines.
My self-esteem has improved and even though the honeymoon of quitting is over, my new self is stronger, both emotional and physically.
I accomplished all of this by taking it one day at a time. I celebrated each day, each week, or month of freedom.
It took me many years to get back to this place I’m at now. Thank you fellow EXers for all that you are and I’m grateful for what I’ve learned from our wonderful community. I’m not one who cries for help very often. I one of those people who draws strength by reading and offering support to others in need. This community has been a blessing to me and I do know for sure that without the education, support, and the sense of belonging, I would not be where I am today. So thank you everyone.
Lots of Love and Hugs to all
