One year ago – I was sick and tired. Sick and tired of getting up each morning and coughing to the point I thought I was going to throw up. Sick and tired of huffing and puffing. Sick and tired of the expense. Sick and tired of smelling like a dirty ashtray. Sick and tired of being a slave to this horrible addiction. For as long as I could remember, I had wanted to be an ex-smoker. I have had numerous halfhearted attempts at quitting – most of them only lasted a few days. So what has been different about this time? Education about this addiction has been one difference. Even though I knew that it was an addiction, I didn’t really understand just how easy it is to “slip” and fall right back into the trap. The other difference is the support that I have found here.
I had a few cigarettes the evening of April 30, 2014. I told myself when they were gone, I was finished – I would not buy another pack. Day one was a little rough but I had plans with my sister and niece to go out to eat. About half way thru the meal, I announced that I had quit. No one said a word. I knew right then that I could not count on them for support. I guess that I had so many failed attempts that no one took me seriously. Day 2 was tough but I made it thru. On the morning of my third day, I discovered this site. I spent the biggest part of the day reading, reading, and reading some more. I don’t think that I would have made it through the week-end without this site. I was amazed by everyone that had been quit for a few days and by everyone that had been quit for years and everyone in between. I started to realize that my addiction was not “special” or “different” from anyone else’s. I was not “more” addicted. It would not be “harder” for me to quit than anyone else. And right before me, I saw so many wonderful EXamples of addicts, just like me, who got up every day and did not smoke. I wanted what they had – freedom from this horrible addiction.
It hasn’t always been easy but it really has not been that difficult either. You just have to take it one day or sometimes one hour at a time and make a promise to yourself that you will not smoke no matter what life throws your way. Believe me – if I can do this, so can you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for all the support and encouragement that you have given me along the way. I truly believe that I would not have made it this far without all of you!
Jennifer 365 DOF
