onyx
17 posts
Registered:
29 Nov 2017
29 Nov 2017
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Hi everyone. I was a member of the old forums for a few years. I was under the username "Veridian", but decided not to use it here. The name has no meaning to me now, so I chose something new.
I quit smoking on July 18, 2014, after being a heavy smoker for over 20 years, with a period of 10 weeks smoke free while I was pregnant with my son, and for a week or so afterwards. I was smoking over 60 cigarettes a day when I decided it was time to quit. I'm a proud Champix Pixie success story, the first time I was on it was the time the quit stuck like glue. I admit it was not easy, but it was probably one of the best things I could have done for myself. I'm a lot healthier heart and breathing wise now. I'm three years in to my quit, and I can't imagine going back to it. Yuck!
As for my personal life, I'm a stay at home mom to a teenager on the autism spectrum. I'm also happily married to his father, we've been together over 26 years, and married for just over 16. If it wasn't for my husband, I don't think I could have stayed smoke free. He's been such a great support, even holding my hair and trying to keep me calm during those awful moments when a craving hits, or when I was going through the withdrawal. We also have one cat, who is my therapy cat and helps me when my anxiety acts up. She's 11 years old and so spoiled!
I'm in a small community in southern Nova Scotia, although we are talking about getting a house in another part of the province after our son graduates from high school in a few years.
Writing is a huge part of my life. Last year, I found a traditional publisher that would give me a chance... My first book came out this past spring, and I am currently working on two new ones - the completed first draft of the first book in a series, and I'm currently writing the first draft to a companion book for the one that's published. I write part time, so things tend to take a lot longer for me than someone who is able to write full time, or even an hour a day.
If I can quit after smoking over 60 cigarettes a day for years, anyone can quit. Never think that you've failed if you give in to those cravings. Quitting smoking was one of the toughest things a person can do... Some people have said it's as bad - or worse - than giving up heroin. I can see why. The withdrawal for me - even though it was muted by the Champix - was horrible, and remembering it is enough to make me tell the Nicodemon to take a long hike off a short pier.
Just hang in there. One day at a time. Every second that you don't light up is a victory. You have this. We are all with you... We've all been there, done that, and know how rough the road can be.
Have an awesome, healthy day everyone.
~Onyx, formerly Veridian