treepeo
832 posts
Registered:
29 Nov 2017
09 Feb 2018
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Hey Debbie,
I started from Day 1, too. And I used to think, "Wow, I wish I had 3 months (6 months, a year) under my belt." And I wondered if I could really do it. And I had a lot of doubts and insecurities. But yeah, I did it, one moment, one hour, one day at a time. It wasn't easy. In fact, the first month was almost complete hell. I quit cold turkey and it almost broke me. I ended up bawling my eyes out at the end of my first month. But you know what? It was all worth it. I mean it, it truly was worth it. Because now I have achieved my goal. I am a non-smoker. And I am reaping the benefits.
My breathing is so much better. It's not perfect, it never will be because I smoked my whole life and my lungs are shot. But holy cow, I do breathe so much easier now. I have noticed such a change this winter. Fighting against the wind is difficult, but I used to be almost dying for a breath, it was so difficult to breathe. It is much easier now. And in the summer, the humidity almost killed me, I felt such pressure in my chest. Again, I found it much easier to cope this summer. The difference was like night and day.
I no longer worry, "Do I stink of smoke? Does my breath stink? Do my clothes smell okay?" I no longer carry the shame of being a smoker. I don't huddle in a corner to get my fix. Quite frankly, I walk on by people who are doing the huddle I used to do, and I think, "I'm so glad that's not me any more". I no longer feel guilty about subjecting other people to my smoke. And I know I am setting a good example for the children in my life.
And that is just the beginning.
Debbie, there are so many great things that happen when you quit smoking. It will really change your life. I hope you don't get discouraged because you are starting from scratch, because that's where we all start from. The important thing is to take the first step and keep moving in the right direction. You can do this. Believe in yourself and remember why you want to quit. And you will beat this sorry addiction.