another milestone

[kathyjo]

By the time I finish writing this, I will have reached 2 years of no smoking.
I can tell you that it wasn't always easy, but I will also tell you that if I can quit, anyone can, no doubts.

My quit began 2 years ago, with a fairly new drug called Chantix. I took it because my doctor suggested it. At the time, I didn't think I wanted to quit, but in retrospect, I wanted it with all my heart.
In the beginning I didn't think I could....anxiety, stress, you name it, I was ready with an excuse but with the support of a few, especially teko & Jade, they were able to rationalize the urges with me and  I/we got through them : )

Staying active on this board has kept me humble and it has also helped me to understand myself better. I only hope that some of the things that I went through will help others.
I learn daily and really, I think thats what its all about : )

Thank you Jade and thank you teko and thanks to those who have come and gone, you have helped me realize one of the greatest achievements of my life : )


---
2y 0:00 smoke-free, 16,082 cigs not smoked, $3,859.68 saved, 1m 3w 4d 20:10 life saved

[Jade59]

I agree, I love that version too :)

Thank You (Led Zepplin)...for understanding :)

I bet we could sit and talk with just 60's music titles LOL...

[kathyjo]

don't know why it didn't record this, but I also said:
"Dylan's version is the best"

[kathyjo]

"Don't think twice, it's alright"

[Jade59]

Ugh...please forgive me for posting about myself on YOUR anniversary thread!  I don't know what I was thinking :(  I was exhausted yesterday and I think for a moment, I thought I was posting on my own journal lol, and of Course, I know your son is home and only your daughter is gone.  

Aww...that makes me so sad, your daughter called of HER news and didn't remember yours :(  I do know how kids are as I have young nieces who live entirely in their own world.  

Well, I'm glad most of your friends were able to appreciate this amazing milestone of yours.  Like you, I understand your friends who still smoke.  I couldn't appreciate my own mothers quit and I was 28 when she did.  I was still smoking of course and could not appreciate the hard work and Willpower it took for her to put down her habit for good.   My mom is like you...she never ever took another puff and she is 20yrs this month :)

When your other friends are ready, they will be so blessed to have you on their side :)

Sorry again :(

[kathyjo]

I had to remind them that it was the anniversary but what can we expect from the "me" generation : ) I almost thought, for a second that daughter remembered....she called me with exciting news of her own. A friend from school who lives in Milan invited her and a few others to his family's villa for a 4 day weeked sometime in October. She has been to Italy several times, but never to Milan. Imagine how bland my news was...lol.....

I have generally had to remind my "at home" supporters of my milestones. Hubby quit many years back and he did it multiple time, so he never understood the addictive side of smoking. My Wednesday girls (1st Wed. of every month) met this past Wed. and I made my announcement. Most were happy, all congratulated me, but I could tell that my 2 smoker friends were less then excited....drawing attention to their attempts at quitting and the realization that, although they want to, they can't seem to do it. I won't lecture them but I did tell them that when they are ready, I will be there, at any time of the day or night. Funny thing is that I know how they feel. I've had a few who quit in the past and while I wanted to muster up some enthusiasm for their quits, I was a bit envious too.
This board has been my main source of support because we are all going through it together : )

[Jade59]

Thank YOU for your kind words and I completely agree...support is essential!  Thank God for you and this forum...I have ZERO support at home.  Not a single one of my real life friends have ever smoked.  My girlfriend has even gone so far as to suggest I "just go ahead and smoke"  when my anxiety has been at it's highest???  I love her, but was so hurt by this comment until I realized she simply has no clue.  

I do feel so much more relaxed and completely positive about this quit and I feel simply wonderful NOT SMOKING POT either!  Not only do I feel better mentally, but physically as well.  Even though a few hot flashes hit around 4pm yesterday, they stopped by bedtime and I was finally able to wear normal clothing and I Finally slept 5hrs straight, woke up for the bathroom and went back to sleep for another hour and a half!  They are getting fewer and farther between which gives me the hope that it won't be long before I don't have any at all and will feel completely normal...or as normal as I possibly can :)

I must congratulate you again!  Did your kids call?

[kathyjo]

then it's settled, WE are awesome ; )

I think, above all, that we have proven how well SUPPORT works. Without it, we couldn't have made it this far and we wouldn't have picked ourselves up, time after time, and perfected our quits.

Yep, we are awesome ; )

[teko]

You are awesome, and I for one could not have done this without you. You have walked the walk and talked the talk and by your doing so, have given people like me the strength to follow. I hope all good things to you, and wow! LOOK! at how pink your insides are without all those cigarettes! Keep on keepin on and like you, I am saving the money from my habit and gonna make something good come from it! Congratulations!

[kathyjo]

thank you friend : )
May 2011, Paris to see my daughter graduate, Spain and Italy. Hopefully my son will come too, if he can get the time off! He knows the terrain so we need him as a guide : )

I will be here for you, to help you welcome in your months, years, God willing : )

You keep moving forward and never looking back and that really inspires all of us. It also shows the quit as a struggle, a truer picture, and gives hope to those who are in the same boat, talk about tenacity!

You go girl : )

[Jade59]

WhooHoo!!  I am so Happy for you, Kathy Jo!  This is HUGE and man, look at those meter numbers!  Too much!  16,000 cigs not smoked...yikes...kinda sickening to think about it, huh!

I am not only glad you quit smoking, but also so grateful you stayed here on the forum.  You can be counted on to encourage the first timers as well as all of us who don't seem to have your tenacity or willpower and seem to struggle over and over.  Your example of someone who "never took another puff" and how living those words can and will, lead to success, are what has helped me to not give up on myself and to continue trying.  I am at 24 days from a relapse and feeling strong and a LOT of my strength has come from your example and support, no doubt about it! :)

So, my friend, any plans for all that money saved?  Now That is alot of money...that you might as well have just lit on fire before :)

Awesome and amazing work!!!  Great job!