Funny how it all changes.......

[nsd_user663_51617]

Hello my friends, I promised myself I would try to pop in here every now and then to share an update and to say hello. The reason being that I will be eternally grateful to the people on here who supported me though my quit. Without this place, I don't think i'd be where I am today.

So, regarding the title, what's changed? well, lets have a think..... ok, well in Aug 2012 I was in the mire complaining of ill health, bad chest, constant colds, coughs, over weight, unfit, smelly, not so well off, disappointed children, low self esteem.....the list goes on.

Quite rightly, they were all things to be disappointed about. The thing is, at the time when you are "in it" you cant see the wood for the trees and far too many times you say to yourself "I cant be bothered with trying to quit, its too big a mountain to climb, ill accept my lot and just plod on". Well, if you are lucky (like I was) to be given a sign that its the right time and manage to free yourself of the ****ty weed then let me tell you that your whole life will change.

Now, instead of the long list of woes that I mention above, the biggest thing I concern myself with is how can I position the cleats on my cycling shoes to get the maximum power output and how can I layer my clothing right so that I am exactly the right temperature when on my bike. Honestly, that's it! as far as my personal physical and mental health is concerned that's all I have to worry about..... how amazing is that?!!!!!!

I hate to sound like a bore but I seriously love my life now and am literally living the/my dream!

When I look back 14 months and remind myself of what I have achieved I am so proud of myself it hurts.

So, that's what changed and to those of you taking those very first steps, you CAN do it and you WILL do it if you WANT to do it.

Good luck xxx

[nsd_user663_53649]

Great post, getting fitter is on my cards, well done you to achieve it. Stopping smoking changes our attitude to a lot of different things doesn't it.

[nsd_user663_51617]

Oh it certainly does! when I was smoking in Sept 2012 I was just over 15st. Now, 14 months later I am 12st.

I was determined to go full tilt on my assault of my habit and went for it 100%. This included getting fit and losing weight. My weapon of choice was a bike and I went from doing 3 or 4 miles in those early days and struggling to now regularly doing rides of over 75 miles and commuting to work 3 times a week (12 miles each way).

In fact I have been told recently that I have a place in the Prudential ride London-surrey 2014 which is 100 mile closed road ride. I'm riding for a charity which gives me added verve!

I now consider myself to be fit and healthy! x

[nsd_user663_42390]

Wow! I am in awe of you cos I may have quit the fags but I have not lost any of the weight I gained You have done fantastically but you took this quit by the horns and dug in Magic. Once again let me say I am so pleased for you. Excellent job.

[nsd_user663_51617]

Thanks guys - I hope things are all going ok for you too. xxx

[nsd_user663_18145]

Hey Magic so good to see you back and still going strong hun x

[nsd_user663_58817]

Awesome post !

Reading this says to me that we waste our life, our thoughts on a habit that holds us back so much ! You have proved that it can be done and boy what a way to do it ! Very Inspirational !

When I get a crave today I won't be thinking of Nicotine Ill be thinking of you