Kerry M "I am overwhelmed with gratitude. " 1 Year Quit 2017

1 year quit: “How do you feel about being smoke-free an entire year?”

What am I feeling today? I am overwhelmed with gratitude. This is a miracle for a hopelessly addicted smoker like me. I started smoking my Grandpa's cigarettes at about 11 and was buying my own packs by 13. I was a full-time smoker by about 16 and have, aside from 9 months during my pregnancy, been smoking ever since. I gave up a lot of good things for my addiction, for a very long time. I finally became willing to pray for the willingness to stop and several months later, I got that gift of willingness. Willingness to go to ANY LENGTH to find my forever quit and I ran with it. After a couple of false starts, I finally took smoking off the table completely, like you all told me to and that was it! I was on my way. Some days I felt like I would die from the anxiety stirred up by not smoking... I screamed in pillows, I cried, I shook, I paced, I cleaned like a maniac, I ate, I walked, I drank ice water like my hair was on fire but I didn't smoke, NO MATTER WHAT, I just didn't smoke one day at a time. I used ALL the tools you guys showed me and here I am. I feel like I'm on the other side of this addiction, I know I'll always be a nicotine addict, and I must stay vigilant and guard my quit, but today I feel truly free. Today I don't have asthma anymore. Today my daughter hugs me every morning and says oh mom you smell good. Today I don't feel anxious about hiding my smoking. Today I use healthier tools to manage my stress and feelings and I never have to smoke again. That's freedom!

Thank you to my Q-family here... I could not have done it without each and every one of you. I continue to learn from you and share in the joy of watching you reach milestone after milestone. I'm gonna keep coming back because I like what I'm getting.

XOXOX!!!!

Kerry