In Prince George, Carolyn is newly tobacco-free:
“I've been a non-smoker for about 3 weeks now, after 20 years of smoking. I feel much better. I can keep up with my sons better, and I'm not coughing and wheezing when we go for walks. It's been tough, but I'm excited to think that I'll likely be around for their weddings someday!”
Sandy, from Terrace, talks about how tough quitting can be:
“I started smoking when I was 16 and quit when I was 40, wow, that's a lot of years. I sort of tried to quit everytime a new "program" came out; gum, patches, pills, etc. There was something about smoking that I liked though, not just the buzz it gave me but the time away from the kids, household chores, work, life. It was a time for me to zone out for a few minutes or to socialize with other smokers in the back parking lot. I tried to be a courteous smoker, always outside, away from doors and windows and I would justify my addiction by saying it's really the only bad habit I had. I had lost family members to lung cancer but always thought well, if that's what's gonna get me then so be it.
Call it an epiphany, or a light bulb moment, whatever… I sitting on my front step, taking a mom's time out when I realized that I didn't want to do it anymore, I didn't want to leave the kids in the house and hide out so I could have a smoke. That was it, I went to doctor, had a little cry, told him I wanted to try the new drug to quit, didn't hurt that I was also feeling depressed and needed the anti-depressant part too. I took the drug for 2 months then stopped because of the side effects. I told myself over and over again that I didn't want to go through all that again, I didn't want to hide, or disappoint or make excuses for my behaviour. I had two very smart children watching me as well, making sure I didn't slip. I tested myself once, after about 4 months, stupid thing to do and I don't recommend it! I took a drag off my friend’s cigarette and was so dizzy and queasy that I couldn't take another drag, if I did, I would have been right back at it again. I never tested myself again. I always thought I would like to be one of those smokers that only smokes when they have a few drinks, but then I would be an alcoholic.
I loved smoking, I loved the smell, the jolt when the smoke hits the back of your throat, the socializing and even the zoning out. Would I go back? Not on your life. That's how I stay smoke free, I admit to what I miss and accept it and move on. I can honestly say that I will never smoke again. I said that in 2010 and I am still saying it in 2016, never again.”
I’ll share more stories before the end of the week - I’m excited to read all that come in. Sometimes these aren’t easy stories to tell, thank you for your words.
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