As today marks my 3rd year smoke free!! 
It was 3rd time lucky for me to successfully reach this milestone and finally passed the last of 'The Icky 3's' 
My life, in the last 3 years, has changed dramatically and mostly all for the better. I was an emotional smoker and my mind was brainwashed into thinking I needed to smoke to get through my daily life and on reflection now as I write this post, it was like a toxic marriage, for better and for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer and poorer – thankfully I will not reach till death do us part in the marriage as I was brave and strong enough to end it on 17 September 2015 and never looked back.
Personally, the first year was a rollercoaster of ups and downs with out of the blue cravings. My first one occurred at 1 month, then 3 months, but the worst came along like a ton of bricks at 6 months and 9 months and finally the year. It is Mr Nico's final attempts to get you back even if it is for just one brief fling. It did seem very tempting as I have come along way and done so well without him and the thought of just one won't do any harm played over and over in my almost repaired and re-wired heart and mind. I had to be very strong and stand my ground and not give in to his one brief fling. Sometimes he was persistent especially when nostalgic memories came flooding back of different times spent together, a song, a place, a chore, a celebration, a sad time, a stressful time. First Christmas, birthday, funeral, summer (that was a biggie with the first lawn cut, bbq, painting, gardening), holiday etc..... But........ NOPE I repeatedly told him and will continue to do so until he gets the message once and for all, he is never coming back into my life.
I am slowly but surely getting healthier and at the happiest I have been in years both in my personal and working life as I continue to enjoy this smoke free life and the confidence I have gained since stopping. I have learned to deal with lifes curve balls smoke free and that is something I never thought I would be able to do.
Wherever you are in your journey, don’t stop believing that you can do this with positivity, determination and focus, it is so achievable…
I would also like to point out, for our new members here, do not underestimate the power of this community especially if having a bad day - it really can make all the difference in your journey just to post, let off steam, get things off your chest. I truly believe I would not be here today celebrating this milestone without the support, advice, chat, laughs, tears in our little community. Thank you all so much
Had to play this song as it is ringing in my head since I started writing this post!!
3 Months And Here I Am 🚬 Free
Time is flying