Today is day 151 - I lost count to be honest with you, but I still struggle with the urges at times. They pass quickly and now when I drive my car with my windows wide open because I don't have to worry about an ash that gets blown back in and burns my seat - I give thanks. When I hear stories of people who are suffering from Cancer, and this horrible addiction - I give thanks, When I meet people struggling through their new quit, I silently give thanks because I know how hard it is.
The sad reality is - smoking is an addiction, and it takes so much out of you to quit - it takes many many times to be successful (at least in my experience and those around me who have done so). Brutal honesty is the only way to deal with it, sad stories, hard truthes it is what it is - but in the end you need to make this decision on your own - no one can do this for you YOU MUST DO IT YOURSELF!
So summer is here, MANY TRIGGERS - bonfires, being around other smokers, and enjoying a cool beveridge after tasks of gardening or lawn mowing are all new experiences to me as I am now a NON smoker - but you know what - I always come back to the basics - I can walk up a flight of stairs without losing my breath -I walked 9 holes of golf and didn't tire out because of gasping for a breath of air.
This site - as always has been the greatest gift of all - I lurk, I ponder, I write when I feel I need to and everyone here is supportive. WE all are where you are - one day at a time -NOPE - not one puff ever and even though people are hard on me when I talk about this - or don't believe me that I was ever a smoker (and yes there are many that are shocked) this is a personal battle that I am winning one day at a time. Don't expect the CONGRATS or WHOO HOOTS - from anyone but yourself - and don't use excuses for falling down we are all responsible for our own actions.
Depend on strength from others -be silent in your journey because the best praise you can get and give is from yourself - it is your life that you are changing and that is the only thing that matters
Thank you for reading this randomness of a post - I just felt like letting the words / feelings flow - Peace & ❤️ to you all in this journey it can be done!
