February 10Feb 10 Hey all, It's been a while. Last night I had a smoking dream. It's been a long time since I've had one. You know how they are. You dream you're smoking and they suddenly think "OMG! All that hard work down the drain! I can't believe it! WHY DID I DO THIS!?!?! AAAAAAAARGH!" Only to wake up and realize it was just a dream and then that sweet relief seeps in. The knowledge that you didn't cave and that your quit is as solid as it's ever been. What makes last night's smoking dream especially poignant is that about an hour after I woke up, my calendar reminded me that today is my 9 year quittiversary. 9 freaking years of not smoking! It's funny now that it's been so long, I rarely think about having been a smoker. All of the old hassles and bad things associated with it are just strange, far-off and blurry memories. Many people I've met over the years have no idea that I was ever a smoker and when it (rarely) comes up, they can't believe it. So much has changed over the past 9 years. After I quit smoking, I gained a TON of weight because I turned to food when I couldn't have cigarettes. I got my shit together and decided to finally get healthy. Started eating right and got back on the bicycle. I started lifting weights and embracing the idea that I'm "training for life" and that I want to be here as long as I can in the best form of myself. Over the past two years I've dropped over 100 lbs, started racing mountain bikes and at 56 years old, am the healthiest I've ever been. It's been a wild ride, to say the least. If you're struggling with your quit, stick with it! I swear it's worth it. If I can quit and stay quit, anyone can! Attached are a few pics. One from a couple years ago and two from last year. Edited February 10Feb 10 by JimHannoonen
February 10Feb 10 Nice to hear from you Jim and thanks for the inspiring post. Congratulations on 9 years smoke free!
February 10Feb 10 Congratulations on 9 years, that is amazing!! 🎉 I have have had several smoking dreams and sometimes they seem so real that when I wake up it takes me a minute to realize that it was just a dream!
February 10Feb 10 Very inspirational, Jim!! Thanks for sharing and Congratulations on your quit 9 years ago.
February 10Feb 10 Gday Jim Well Jim great to hear from you again and good to hear of your 9 years smoke free. Life is what you make it they say and you have made a strong non smoking life for yourself well done I’m happy for you and thanks for your positive story Edited February 10Feb 10 by Cbdave Speeling
February 10Feb 10 Thank you for sharing your incredible journey! Very inspirational which is needed for those like me who are so early into their quit! Your victory smile in the last photo says it all. 😊 Congratulations on an amazing 9 years smoke free! 💫🎉 Your hard work has paid off and gives me hope I can do it too.
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