right before I went thru the hospital doors to have surgery, I said NOPE, not one puff ever again. The month prior to the surgery I was learning everything I could about quitting smoking. I found EX, visited at whyquit.com, quitsmokingonline.com and read many blogs from the elders. Then on the morning of the surgery I smoked my last cigarette, walked thru those doors and haven't looked back since.
This past Tuesday, I saw my doctor who performed the surgery and who had encouraged me to quit many times. He tells me he sees my skin glowing now and he rejoices with me that I am quit and takes his rightful pride in being a motivator in my quit. He's right, my body has done an amazing job of healing.
During these 2 years I've had many memories of smoking, I still do at times, but, what I never do is romance the smoking! Never. I always identify the thought as a memory, remind myself I don't do that anymore and stay in reality that smoking is a killer, period. I move on!
I found EX and the wonderful people here, especially the elders, to be what made all the difference for me! Whie EX provides the place, the community provides the guidance, encouragement, support and tough love. What you learn here from Day 1 is that quitting is doable and more than that, you can have a new life. You don't always have to suffer as a nicotine addict. What welcoming news that was to me. Although I was fearful, I threw out my cigarettes & lighter and walked thru those doors. I trusted what the elders told me, trusted the process and let go into Sweet Freedom (as Owl says)!
It's an honor to be a member of this community and sharing the journey will all of you! Thank you EXville!!!
