Ifyouplease,
I understand what you are saying. I smoked for 32 years. Like many others, I never knew myself as an adult non-smoker. Some days I don't think about smoking at all, and other days thoughts hit me out of nowhere. As the season changes, I've run across times I used to smoke (we are such creatures of habit), and I feel like I miss it, and have to remind myself... oh yeah, this again. When I fully realized and admitted to myself how many things smoking was keeping me from doing, is when I got fed up with it. I did not smoke in front of anyone except friends. I didn't smoke at work, or in my house, which made smoking an inconvenient pain in the butt. I was to the point where I only actuallly enjoyed a couple cigs a day. The rest were smoked to feed the nic beast. I felt controlled. I can't stand being controlled, and that is why I decided to beat the beast and take control. It's fun. I like it better. The past three days I have wanted to smoke, but I just ignore it and go on. I can't imagine that I will ever willfullyl smoke again. My lungs are so much happier now, and I can begin to do all the things I want to do with my life. I didn't realize how many things I didn't do because of smoking, and having to stop and feed the beast at regular intervals. Now I'm FREE.
Yes, I feel great about overcoming the addiction. I tell people who never knew I smoked that I quit smoking, because I feel so good about myself. I also didn't realize how much shame I had attached to smoking until I saw my pride in not smoking. I was very ashamed of it.
It's the benefits I didn't know about that have been the best. Another biggie for me is that I'm better able to relax. I'm a high energy person and can't sit still long without nicotine, and with nicotine, I found myself going in circles. At least I can settle down, and the energy I have is a calmer energy... much more productive. I mentally feel better. I think nicotine makes a person feel more nervous and anxious, if for no other reason than the withdrawal that occurs every 20 minutes or so.
I hope I answered your question. I feel strongly on this one... that yes, I feel better in many ways than the physical aspects. Hang in there, and good luck to you. Congrats on your stats!
[B]M
