Smoke-Free
Zero cigarettes thus far today, though my daily cigarette has been mostly an after-dinner indulgence. I don’t anticipate a problem, however, because my thinking is pretty set on the issue. I know I’ve licked my physical addiction to nicotine, so it’s been up to me to get my head in the right place. I believe I’m there.
I’ve gotten a couple of emails of encouragement today that’s I’d like to share with you. The following is from a very special colleague who has been incredibly supportive during my quit journey.
Susan-
Reading your blog these past few months, I have learned from you that illness, disease or death from smoking has served as motivation for you to quit. Therefore, I will share with you the news I received today. A dear friend’s Mom died yesterday from COPD. She was 75 and a 40 year, one pack a day smoker. Although she had quit smoking years ago when first diagnosed with COPD, it was too late. Anne was a gem. She had energy beyond her disease and sweetness beyond description. I wanted to tell you about Anne as a reminder to you that indeed, it is time to say good bye to smoking forever.
I am so proud of you that you have re-dedicated yourself to yourself! Good luck on starting over.
I am very glad you found the courage to try again.
You may recognize the next writer–my friend who has been SMOKE-FREE FOR 72 DAYS now, despite her less-than-cooperative spouse.
Good Morning Sue,
Zero cigarettes today? I probably shouldn’t say this, but sticking to ½ or 1 cigarette per day after 35 years of smoking is extremely commendable. I can’t tell you how many times previously that I’ve lit one after quitting for weeks at a time, and inside of a day or two, I was back up to 5, 6 or 7/day and then on the weekends, pretty much smoking non-stop. I finally cracked the addiction, and Mike has been much better about cutting back and smoking less frequently in the house. I plan on picking up an air purifier for the office to which he is relegated to smoke 90% of the time. He has gradually become respectful of my desire to have a smoke free house, well sort of, as long as I don’t bug him about quitting. He won’t tolerate that nonsense from me. You know, Jack Durbin’s wife Deirdre quit smoking 4 years prior to him quitting, so I know it is possible for one person in the relationship to quit as long as the other is respectful. Or, in Mike’s case he’ll see the light after his first heart attack, clogged artery, stroke or lung cancer diagnosis.
Good luck, I know you can do it!!!! You’ve come this far and now just one teeny little hurdle to get over.
Jeff, too, remains a pillar. I’m fortunate, indeed, to have such support.
