On November 20, 2009, I walked into a store to buy cigarettes. I saw the nicotine patches over the counter and said, what the heck, let's do it today!
Many times I planned ahead, hoping to get the most out of my smoking days before I "had to give it up". But there were a couple problems with that thought.
- I had been really working toward a quit date since May 20, 2006 when my brother in law passed away
- What good does a extra day, week or month (or year!) of smoking make over the long run?
- Just Do It (or don't do it in terms of lighting up!)
I told myself that I could take up smoking again when I was 80 if I wanted.
I went through some tough days and weeks. But I stuck with N.O.P.E Not One Puff Ever. I noticed things like being able to sing a song full blast in my car without coughing. I found that it was true that smoking effected more things than I would ever admit. Like my next dentist appointment, they didn't insist I come back in for a heavy duty deep gum cleaning. My headaches pretty much disappeared. My mood swings from morning withdrawal were gone. By the way, the song I sang was Four Non Blonds - What's Up.
Anyway, I've been quit for 12 1/2 years and there is NO WAY I'll take it up when I'm 80. Why would I want to!?
Stay Strong! Breathe deep!
Molly
Quit date 11/20/2009
