Seems like yesterday yet another life. I was sitting in this very spot one year ago this morning, the day after Christmas, everyone asleep and the house was quiet..... Was surfing the web, drinking my coffee, and SMOKING!!!
To this day I have yet to discover the "trigger" that made it happen..... Just remember while puffing away on what was to become my last cig, it hit me - I didn’t need that anymore. Had too much to live for - a great family, six kids, great career... I didn’t need to smoke and it was time to STOP, it was time right then and there. Heck, it had been 30 years and it was time to break free. It was going to happen, was bound and determined to make it happen, and the quit was starting right then and there – there was no second guessing that moment, it was time.
About an hour later the Mrs. got up for her coffee, came downstairs sat by me, and lit up. I told her I had decided to quit and tossed what was left of my pack of cig's to her. She was at first VERY shocked, then smiled and said we'd this together. I can see that smile etched into my memory to this day…
Ya know, the coolest part was that it was so unexpected, not discussed, no plans, it was just TIME and we both knew it... Between the two of us we’d smoked nearly 60 years. Wow. Damn! Now that the decision was made, we needed a plan. We were going to make this work, so we loaded up on patches, gum, straws to chew on, whatever it was going to take we were going to do this. I didn’t find this particular group immediately, but once I was a member it was clear this WAS going to be VERY POSSIBLE!
The support was nice, but the best part about being a member here is the inspiration I STILL get reading everyone’s blogs. From the newb’s looking to set a quit date, to those with years under their belts we’re all here for the same reason and it’s truly inspiring! The way everyone here embraces and supports each other is inspiring. From the regular PM’s and posts of my friends (especially - Cyn, Indin Girl, Aztec, Maggie, Marcie, Jawidge, HWC, EllenMT, Julia Amy, Micki just to name a few!) to reading the daily Freedom Train reports – it ALL helps, it’s all inspiring, and you ALL ROCK!!
One year later.... Kids are so very proud of us, as our families. We're proud of ourselves. There's no turning back. If we can do it, you can too. I'll never stop saying this - "it's simple but not easy", just take it one step at a time and soon, before you realize it, you'll be sitting at a year as well. Reflecting on what this last year has meant to you, and those who love YOU.
And to you all – THANK YOU!!! You have made a difference, have changed and touched lives in ways you’ll never know. You all are the best.
