Today is one year to the day.............

[RoisinO1]

that I finished up working in a job I worked in for 20 years - it was my first job and in June last year our department were notified that our jobs were redundant, 34 of us left on 19 August, it was an extremely sad, tough and emotional day but I am pleased to say I never looked back even though at the time I was devastated

As some of you know, I embarked on a completely new journey and followed my dream and passion - which is cooking and completed a Professional Cookery course - it was the best 8 months I could have dreamed off, learned so much about my passion, gained invaluable experience in my work placement and made new life long friends - yeah there was some tears and struggles throughout the year but I truly believe I would not have had the confidence and belief to take on such a new chapter if I was still smoking. I have also got alot healthier as home cook/bake everything now from breads, stocks, soups to pizza's and springrolls from scratch and definitely notice it in my health as no longer have the artificial colourings and flavourings in them. I am also exercising alot more now as we got puppy Charlie back in February (as I am a bit OCD - that was another thing I don't think I would have ever thought of getting if still smoking). It is still very early days in building my new career, currently looking for a part-time job so I can continue to do my home baking on the side but enjoying this time to myself.

My family and friends have said since I left my old job that they have never seen me as happy and looking as healthy.

So this is a bit of a long winded post (sorry!) to share with you all that is never too late (42 in January) to follow your dreams, you can do it!

[Phobicmaniac 2 Years Smoke Free]

Ah love it RoisinO1 - what a great motiviational story to share, wishing you future success and look forward to reading how you are getting on

[Beatit 500 Days Smoke Free]

Great inspirational update RoisinO1 - hope your dreams continue to become a reality

[Aoibheann75 1 Year Smoke Free]

Very inspiring post RoisinO1 - that took guts to go back to college and try something completely different, hopefully it all works out for you and all your dreams come true - I am currently in a midlife crisis career wise at the moment - lost my job over a year ago - took time out for myself, now sorting out some personal stuff I put on the long finger for ages - firstly my teeth!! Then getting healthy as put on alot of weight since I quit, your post really got me thinking so thank you!

[Exfirecracker 9 Months Smoke Free]

Roisin, huge congratulations on following your dreams, your story is a perfect example that you can do it, wishing you success in whatever lies ahead for you

[MadMary08 6 Months Smoke Free]

Thanks for sharing such an inspiring post!