Would have never thought I could quit smoking, and everyone in my life says the same thing (chain smoker); I loved loved loved smoking, so I thought. I actually thought smoking calmed my nerves, and made me feel better in stressful situation. In fact it was the opposite! Before I started smoking I never was depressed, had anxiety problems, etc.... When I smoked I was taking medication for both. Now I have quite I no longer have those problems anymore. Until I quit I never realized the effect cigarettes had on my brain.
What made me quit
I remember almost a year ago I was driving up to the hospital, because I was convinced I was about the have a heart attack. Having high blood pressure and a few other smoking related issues I was scared. As I sat in the emergency room parking lot I remember thinking. Brandon what are you doing? You have a beautiful wife, 2 children under the age of 4, and 2 master’s degree’s. Why are you trying to destroy yourself, what kind of insanity is this? I begin to wonder what happened, how I went from a college athlete to an overweight smoker that boozed way too much in such a short period of time. I remember throwing the remain pack of cigarettes out saying F*** this I am quitting all this s***.
Now
It has been 302 days since I had a cigarette, about the same since I have had any kind of alcohol, and I feel great. I lost 40 pounds and broght my sexy back (Yes i said that). I am a better father and husband, and I just feel better about myself as a person. I feel normal and not so edgy all of the time. I just have to thank the Lord I was able to give up smoking.
