Good morning everybody! Just a note to say hello and that I am kicking butt at 90 days! Today I hit my three months in time for a Christmas present to myself. What a great gift! The GIFT OF LIFE. I really didn’t think that I was going to be able to quit smoking again. Yes I have quit for periods of time in the past, some long and some short, but over the last year I’ve tried several times and it just never stuck. With anxiety disorder and depression, smoking was always a crutch that I went to when things were bad. But I came to EX and followed the advice of those who have gone before me. I won’t ever say that it was easy, because it wasn’t. It still isn’t sometimes, but I’ve done it and I am so proud of myself and happy to be free from those nasty cancer sticks and the nasty stinking smell that followed me no matter how much body spray or mouthwash that I used. Happy to be free of that hacking cough that I just couldn’t shake. And happy not to have to sneak somewhere to smoke a cigarette since most people I know didn’t know that I smoked. Or at least that’s what I told myself! I think the smell gives you away every time!
I don’t think I ever realized that smoking was an addiction. I just thought of it as a bad habit that I needed to break. But EX taught me differently. And all of the wonderful members, those have been here for years and those just starting their quits have been so supportive! I still spend a lot of time on the site, Reading posts almost daily and definitely taking the daily pledge every day. Interacting with other EXers who have become my friends through this journey. And trying to give support and advice in the best way I can to help those who are just beginning their quits.
I did have another bump in the road on Sunday, literally. I took a bad fall after having a few drinks and ended up in the ER with 4 stitches in the back of my head and a nasty black eye. Those are Christmas presents that I didn’t need! I had actually quit drinking for almost 4 years because of medication‘s that I’m on, but had started again occasionally because my roommate and my nephew who was living with me at the time were drinking. Now I think it is maybe time to go back to quitting that again as well! That addict brain of mine has me drinking too much too often. Because of my balance and other issues due to my muscular dystrophy it just doesn’t agree with me😞. And now that my roommate has quit smoking and drinking it will be easier! If anyone can point me to advice on that aspect it would be appreciated. I know a few of you have been through that as well.
Anyway, not to get sidetracked, this is a celebration of 90 days of non-smoking life for me! I am so happy to be here and I know that I will never go back. Yes I still get craves now and then, but they don’t last long and they are easily avoided! My routines are still different, but I’m able to go out and spend time on my back porch without smoking now. Enjoying my plants and all the bird activity in my yard! I just can’t stay inside for long!
I want to send out a big Thank You to all who have helped in my journey. No it is not over yet but it is moving along quite nicely! Thank you to the elders to have advice to give from years of experience and to the newbies alongside me and coming along behind me who have been very supportive also! To all of my friends on EX who I love and appreciate! Onward to four months and Merry Christmas to everyone!🤗🤗💕💕
Tracy 90DOF‼️
