Hi everyone...it's been quite a while since I've posted, but I thought I would share that  I just celebrated a year without cigarettes in January.  I'm so proud of that!

 

Cigarettes aside, this has undoubtedly been the most difficult year of my life.  All before my first anniversary, my husband was diagnosed with cancer, and during a routine outpatient procedure, the surgeon made a mistake which led to him being on disability for five months.  His condition required constant care for most of that time.  At the same time, I started a new job and had to deal with the stress of balancing work with his needs.  Now that he is on the mend, we are starting to deal with some possible issues of infertility.

I say all of this not for sympathy, but to encourage you newer quitters to stay with it.  There is never, ever a reason to smoke!  Even when things are uncontrollably stressful, there is no reason to punish yourself further by polluting your body and adding guilt and regret to the stress.  Even when it seems like you will never feel relaxed again unless you smoke a cigarette, you CAN turn away from the temptation.   You made a commitment - you CAN stick to it, even if you tell yourself it's just for one more day. 

I'd like to thank all of those experienced non-smokers who continue to post here - your encouragement was so instrumental to my success!  I still struggle at times, but when I do, I just think about how much work I have put in to being a non-smoker.  Life without cigarettes is SO much better than life with them. 

If you are in your first few days, weeks, or months of quitting, know that it does get better!  Keep posting, keep reading, and keep resisting the urge.  Accept that you are going to be uncomfortable for a while, and cut yourself some slack.  You CAN do this!!!

Hooray for freedom!!!!!!  :)