I used to think I did not have the willpower to quit smoking.  Every attempt, my thoughts would drift back to needing that cigarette and the excuses of why I could not quit.  

Last night, as I lay in bed, I could not get this word out of my mind.  I realized that, over the past year, this word has really changed meaning for me.

I always had the willpower to quit smoking, I just did not know how to do it.  Stumbling across this forum was a life changer for me.

We all have the power to change our lives for the better, but many times we do not feel we have the strength or "will" to do so.  That has a lot to do with our self esteem.  How can we not feel lowly about ourselves, when we are addicted to a behavior that is destroying ourselves.  

Know that you can change your life and , in my case, the meaning of this word.  Now that I have quit smoking, I have the willpower to do anything I want.  I have the willpower to stay in control of my life.

What a wonderful feeling. 

 

Your transformation has been so encouraging, Linda.

This is my favorite part about being here, watching people begin to trust themselves, care about themselves

and make even more changes in their life to nurture themselves, to make themselves better humans.

 

I am so happy you continue to shine your light on us and encourage us all.

Thank you so much.

 

Quitting smoking is the best thing anyone can do for themselves and their friends and family.

The lessons learned lead to an inner strength and a great compassion also.

 

This is my favorite part about being here, watching people begin to trust themselves, care about themselves

and make even more changes in their life to nurture themselves, to make themselves better humans.

 

I couldn't agree more ..

It's wonderful to watch a newbie travel on their road to Freedom...Growing confidence ,and strength in every aspect of their lives.....

Smoking affects so many aspects of our lives in a negative manner and we never even think about that as addicts. We use smoking to hide away from so many things in our lives. When we quit, it's sort of the same thing in reverse but all the effects are positive  It's too bad we don't realize this before we quit or even in the early days of our quit. It's only after we've gone through the process that we actually get it!

 

It's nice to enjoy life again the way it should be 🙌

I love this post Linda, it so describes the journey we were all honored to watch you take. The one where you discovered your self worth, xoxo

22 minutes ago, jillar said:

I love this post Linda, it so describes the journey we were all honored to watch you take. The one where you discovered your self worth, xoxo

 

Yup! Nicely said J  

On 8/31/2019 at 12:48 PM, Linda Thomas said:

We all have the power to change our lives for the better, but many times we do not feel we have the strength or "will" to do so.  That has a lot to do with our self esteem.  How can we not feel lowly about ourselves, when we are addicted to a behavior that is destroying ourselves.  

 

That is one of the most insidious aspects of addiction: it wears you down mentally to a point where you feel defeated and ready to resign yourself to live and die an addict.  A sense of despair and hopelessness goes hand-in-hand with the addiction.

 

Of course that also leads to one of the most glorious aspects of quitting: the return of autonomy and the confidence that comes with knowing you are strong enough to take control of your life.  You get yourself out of that rut and move forward.  From there, the momentum kicks in.

 

Strength begets strength.  Confidence begets confidence.

 

On 8/31/2019 at 12:48 PM, Linda Thomas said:

What a wonderful feeling. 

 

Ain't it the truth!

Best feeling ever!! I am so with you on this. 

Edited September 1, 20196 yr by greenlight