Most of you here don't know me, but I have been coming to this site for more than 5 years, even earning the Hall of Fame ages ago. I started this journey on March 17 2005. Not intentionally on Saint Patrick's Day but still a nice day to quit. I had a false start earlier that year, but had to pick myself up and dust off my hiney and start walking again. There were four of us here that started that day in March. Of those four, Walkingeagle (that flightless bird) and Attaboygirl (his travelling companion *S*) and I are all still quit. The other may or may not have been as successful. Not bad odds, really. 3 out of 4. Higher than the average. It helps to have a quit buddy. WE and ABG weren't your typical quit buddies for me (and they weren't the typical for each other either. hehe), but it helped to know they were there!
It was never an easy journey for me, it took me probably two full years before I was comfortable in my own skin again. There were alot of people that helped me along the way, and I think I helped alot in return. Hopefully all those who helped me know who they are! Most of them do.. we've held each others hands through illness, through the loss of family, even went on vacations together (cyberly anyways *grin*). We cried with each other and celebrated together. We wrote poems for each other, we wrote stories to make a point, we were gentle sometimes and we gave tough love sometimes. Without this web of support, I truly believe I would still be a smoker or I would have died from it.
I lived here for two years. Eventually, I reached the point where I felt too removed from the quit to be much help. I felt like I had already said everything I could Even though someone new hadn't heard it, it just seemed like it was better coming from someone closer to those feelings. I knew that it was time for me to move on. There is something about this place though... I still come in to read, to observe, even occasionally to comment and support someone new or to join in a celebration for a long time friend.
The most important thing I can share with someone just beginning this journey is that it is doable. You just have to make up your mind not to smoke the next one.... and not allow yourself to change you mind. For some of you it will be easy and some it will be much harder. BUT we CAN do this! I promise! You will eventually forget that you ever smoked... sometimes for months at a time! Really, you will! Even to the point where you forget an anniversay (notice this isn't the 17th?). But I do still get rewards! Haha! I had a wonderful dinner out with my hubby last weekend,,,because he remembers the big day better than me!
I know I will never smoke again... because I do not ever want to have to quit again! *lol*
I am proud of myself and I want all of you to be proud of yourselves, too! Congratulations on your quit... no matter where you are on your journey!
Thanks SSC!
~lbugg~
My Mileage:My Quit Date: 3/17/2005
Smoke-Free Days: 1828
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 109,680
Amount Saved: $24,678.00
Life Gained:Days: 193
Hrs: 13
Mins: 34
Seconds: 37
