I often think back to where and when my quit journey first began, toward the end of 2010. This was the first time I had given any meaningful effort to quit, despite only having been a smoker for about four years at that time.
Any previous consideration to quit was made in jest or was a decision made with friends under the influence of liquid courage. Certainly we weren’t going to hold each other accountable for resolutions we made among a sea of empty cups.
I also think back to the numerous failures and relapses along the way. The countless excuses I told myself, or let myself believe, so that I could smoke again, just one more time. And one more time always turned back into a pack a day, because a pack a day is only one puff away.
Now, five years into my quit, I don’t remember what it feels like to smoke. Sometimes, if I have a straw or something, I will hold it like a cigarette and “act” like I’m smoking and the whole thing feels so alien to me, like I didn’t do it on almost a daily basis for over a decade. I don’t remember the taste either, but I do remember the coughing and the shortness of breath. I’m thankful that I remember all the bad stuff.
Anyway, I wanted to pop in and let you all know I’m still here and still on the train, five years strong. Looking forward to six! It’s cliche to say, but in 2010 when I first tried to quit I would fantasize about what it would feel like to be five years quit. If only I could go back and let younger me know it’s way better than what I could’ve imagined.
Stay the course, you got this!
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