It has been a struggle but I have been staying strong. 44 years of smoking is not easy to give up, however, enough was enough. Having lost 4 close family members from smoking related illnesses in the past 9 months was a real eye opener. The choices I faced were smoke and the fact that my best friend would eventually be an oxygen bottle in tow or quit now and save my life. When I looked at it that way the choice was simple. A good friend of mine also told me that smoking would take away my beauty before it took away my health and I guess I must be somewhat shallow because that really hit home.
The first week was beyond difficult but I am blessed to have a good support team, a wonderful work environment where everyone is so supportive and is cheering for my success, how can I go wrong. I am also blessed to have found this site where I can read about other folks who are going through the same thing as I am and the ways they have found strength to get through each day smoke free.
After the first week I started noticing that the urges are further and further apart and not as intense. I also noticed after only one week my energy levels began to soar and I truely felt happy which I have not felt in longer than I care to admit. I am so proud of myself and the inner strength I always knew I had but allowed my smoking to cloud, literally.
I have been walking everyday which my dog absolutely loves because he gets to go with me. I also noticed he has been closer since I stopped puffing and now we both smell better.
I still have days where the old smoking me wants to be back in charge but I accept this is all part of the process and trust that inner voice urging me to just have one more smoke will eventually give up and move on.
I want to thank all of you out there who have posted on the message boards and created blogs as they help me in my struggle to stay smoke free, healthier and happier. We all deserve a round of applause for a job well done.
