For the longest time I was upset, angry and disgusted with myself for being chained to and enslaved by tobacco. I'd see the burnt holes in my upholstery or maybe a sweater I loved to wear and I felt so much embarrassment, even shame. So many things about being a tobacco addict felt bad. But I didn't believe I could ever successfully quit smoking, I didn't think freedom was in my future and so, I never made the commitment to quit. I was living in defeat with my addiction without ever even attempting to quit, never dreaming I would ever be able to say as I do today, I am 160 days smober today.
What changed was a health scare that came my way and woke me up to that fact that if I continued to live in defeat I quite likely wouldn't be living long. And I came here to this site seeking freedom. I read and read and read. And I posted a lot. And everyone here responded with support and good will. I began to believe freedom was possible. Others had done it, why not me? My first quit lasted 51 days and then I came back and tried again so now I am more than 5 months free--and what a joy freedom is. It is a new adventure as I face the world without what was a constant companion and millstone around my neck. I came across this quote today and wanted to share it. I don't know if it will resonate with you in the same way it did with me. I feel as a new nonsmoker like I imagine birds feel on their first flights--tentative with newly discovered wings, in awe at the sites and growing more confident in one's own ability to fly well.
So, here it is: " The bird dares to break open the shell. Then the shell breaks open and the bird can fly openly. This is the simplest principle of success-- you dream, you dare and you fly." ---Israelmore Ayivor
Cheers to everyone who dreams and dares as we all fly free from nicotine! I had to believe quitting was possible first, then I could dare to do it--to quit and put into practice all the techniques I had learned to help with craves. And now I am flying. And to those still in the days of hard struggles with nicotine addiction, it does get better. We must always be vigilant, addiction is real, but it does get better, that is real too. Blessings to each of you.
