Celebrate "Free from Smoking"

Today is the day after Spring began, but more importantly it is the One Year anniversary of my stop smoking and reclaim control over my life venture.
It has been very challenging, puts it mildly. I recall my last cigarette well. I cherish fond memories of smoking still.

You might ask why did it take me so long to stop???? Didn't I know all the health issues and social issues with it????

YES I knew. I valued the comfort and nervous system fix from smoking more than either of those important issues. I still miss cigarettes. Especially when I am off center emotionally or physically. I gained weight, 16 pounds the first 5 months. It seems to be leaving more slowly than it arrived but at least it is leaving. I decided I could continue to use weight gain as a reason not to stop smoking or I could deal with each of those issues, one at a time.

I had to stop trying to quit.....and DECIDE, make a real committment to do anything else, that wasn't illegal or immoral. but light up. Smoking had to leave my option list completely. I knew I had to stop trying to quit and JUST DO IT no matter what that involved.

I have strained my relationships with other smokers, including my marriage. My husband was quitting at the same time. He isn't completely free of cigarettes yet, but never uses around me or in our shared spaces. I honor his process for him. I know it would not work for me. One cigarette and I would be hooked again.

Anxiety and depression became my new companions, ones I tolerated for the better part of the first 9 months. I dislike suffering and struggling immensely. I am a true Libra comfort matters! I was winning the fight with one comfortable monster while letting 2 other not so nice ones take over my being, but I wasn't smoking.

One day I was telling a former smoker about the terrible companions (anxiety and depression) that I was tired of and angry with. She replied; you know that is a choice too and you can change it......I NEEDED THAT REMINDER! It was the beginning of me living free of smoking without the intense all consuming struggle. It was also the beginning of the weight release. Don't you love the confirmations in life?

I suggest you post your own stories about smoking here and invite others to do likewise. Whether or not they are still smoking they are most welcome here. We heart everyone and their journey!