Hi and welcome to Ex. I quit in 2013 after about 34 years of smoking at the age of 54. I smoked about a pack a day at that time, but at times smoked nearly two packs a day. I'd smoke in bed if I woke in the middle of the night and relished having three cigarettes first thing in the morning--the first being simultaneous to starting the coffee. When I quit, I realized to my horror that I put smoking first, that it was my number one satisfaction. I had a full life, but the cigarettes still came first (the hits of nicotine) because that is the nature of nicotine addiction. I had become habituated to the nicotine via smoking over a period of 37 years (quit once when I was quite young). So letting go seemed like climbing Mt Everest...impossible for me.
Turns out it was not impossible. Now a good handful of years later I'm still smober...and it all started with a decision...just like you have made. Now, I do not have to answer to a cigarette, hit of nicotine. And one day at a time, I've re-learned life without smoking---it's so much easier!
The addiction fades, you get to call the shots if you stay smober and grow your smobriety one day at a time.
I'm glad you shared your story, please stick around, keep sharing and learning.
