Thank you Josie and Brenda!! Brenda, I noticed you are coming up on a year! WELL DONE!!!
Hello to all -
On May 3, it will be 2 years since I last smoked a cigarette. Wow. I can't tell you how good it feels to be smoke free. As my anniversary comes up, I ponder what I would I like to do celebrate. I haven't quite decided but I think I'm going to buy something extra special. It's too bad I didn't save all that money LOL, but I was able to do other things with the money I saved every week. I had dinner out, had my nails done (they looked fantastic!), bought a new pair of shoes. But I think most of all, the extra $100 a month allowed me to change my lifestyle - how I eat, massages, etc. I have used it to make healthier choices. Oh, and I did I mention I was able to afford the cell phone I always wanted without breaking the bank :)
I have had other health issues though, I am currently recovering from a second knee surgery - both have been replaced. And I still suffer from asthmatic symptoms. But not smoking and healthier choices is keeping me from heavy duty medication that can lead to other health issues. Now that i no longer smoke and have two new knees, I'm hoping to also loose the weight I have gained from being so immobile. I am actually pedaling a bike (after not riding when it was my life, this is an amazing accomplishment!).
It is so nice to have my senses back. I can smell the flowers, food, and the nasty air pollution LOL. I like to cook, so it's nice that I can taste and smell the aroma from my food. I have not needed hot sauce so much either. Now I pick and choose what to put it on whereas before I used to use it all the time because I couldn't taste unless it was strong. It's amazing how we take our senses for granted. They were given to us for a reason. They not only allow us to sense the good stuff, but warn us of bad stuff.
So for those of you in considering your quit, or are just starting out - you hang in there. It can be done. It took me several tries before I got it right. But the most important thing is you get back on the wagon and start again. You quit everyday already between each cigarette. You will find yourself making life changes around you. And you need to know it's okay to do that. You may not go to the bar anymore because of the smoke, you may choose different people to hang out with. Whatever you do, this is your quit and you need to do what you have to that is healthy for you.
As I celebrate my 2 years, I do so in the hope that I will celebrate your 2 years soon. If you need encouragement, support, advice, email me. I will do my best. Keep your quit, never give up, and allow yourself to feel and enjoy the new changes coming your way!
All my best,
Bea
