One year ago today I gave myself an early Christmas present - freedom.
The best gift ever, and a gift that keeps on giving:
- health
- wealth
- energy
- self esteem
And it's just given again - an anniversary, one year of freedom!
I always said I wouldn't count the days as I went through the quitting process but even so, having smoked for over thirty years and going through various (ultimately botched) attempts to stop smoking, this is the first time I've been able to say "it's a year since I smoked" since 1980:eek:
Next week it will be the first time I've been able to say "I've not smoked this calendar year" since 1979:eek::eek: (apologies to Jan 13 quitters who'll just have to wait until the end of 2014 to make that claim:p:p)
Fast forward to March and (God willing) it will be another birthday - the first birthday I'll be able to say "I didn't smoke when I was xx years old".
On their own, none of these are a big deal - I'm firmly 'in remission' but eyes wide open to the fact that I'm only ever one cigarette away from a relapse; in that respect it doesn't matter if you've been free a week, a month, a year or a decade.
What is a big deal (for me anyway) is the timescales involved in these statements - and it is this which underlines one simple fact:
THIS HAS BEEN A LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCE
To those who know me:
- thanks for the camaraderie
- thanks for reading my ramblings
- thanks for being there
To those who don't know me, to those who are gearing up for a quit:
- read up on the experiences of those on this forum who have already embarked on the journey
- plan your quit
- use this forum - one of your most valuable resources
- never take another puff and you cannot fail
- give yourself the greatest gift of all this Christmas
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE AND I HOPE IT BRINGS YOU ALL THAT YOU WISH FOR
[/Gets coat and prepares for a second smoke free Christmas Day]
Written by
nsd_user663_54305
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I've followed your quit with nothing but admiration for your appreciation of the task in hand, intelligence of approach and genuine honesty. I never doubted for a minute that you'd be successful, and will continue to be. A great achievement!
And just look at the view from here, isn't it amazing? So clear!
Cheers Egg, here's to you and what you've accomplished, and hope you have a great (second!) smoke free Christmas!
Congratulations Egg, I am in absolute awe, as I am really struggling today, it's boredom i know, as everything is done now and am waiting for santa to arrive, all i can think about is smoking! Obviously not going to have one, but take my hat off to you for picking this day in particular.... Well done, you deserve to be in the penthouse
Congratulations Egg, I am in absolute awe, as I am really struggling today, it's boredom i know, as everything is done now and am waiting for santa to arrive, all i can think about is smoking! Obviously not going to have one, but take my hat off to you for picking this day in particular.... Well done, you deserve to be in the penthouse
Noooooooooo no thinking about fags!!
Believe me I'd kill to be where you and Egg are right now!!
Well done Egg, one year is brilliant, welcome to the penthouse....and don't forget tomorrow you'll be able to say this is my 2nd smoke free Christmas!!!enjoy the celebrations x
Well done Egg, another success story, and well-deserved; one of this forum's regular contributors, you've certainly helped me stay on the right path, and others I'm sure
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