The End of Smoking

I am happy to announce that on September 16, 2011, my husband and I quit smoking. The process of quitting was much more difficult than I anticipated. I never realized how dependent I was on cigarettes and how they ruled my entire day every day. It is definately a very hard habit to quit and my sympathy goes out to anyone who is trying to quit. I recently read this online: "Nicotine is as highly addictive as heroin and cocaine. Cigarettes contain at least 43 distinct cancer-causing chemicals. The benefits of quitting smoking begin to occur within 20 minutes of the last cigarette smoked"

I never grew up in a "smoking" household, however once I started, a cigarette became my best friend. It was always there for me when I felt stressed, upset, excited, bored or wanted to escape a situation or setting. The process of quitting is literally changing all the regular habits you had in your life. As happy as I am that my husband and I decided to quit together, I realize the daily struggle for us both. I also realize the importance of kicking the habit once and for all. Especially when most of our family and friends despised the habit and smells. However first and foremost, I don't want my daughter thinking it is an acceptable habit growing up.

I am very proud of my husband Jonathan, because he has smoked longer than I have smoked. He also was pushed to quit since I was determined for us to quit. He has been doing an amazing job since he is doing it cold turkey, while I am aided by the nicotine patch in my process.

I don't need anyone to congratulate me because I congratulate my husband and myself on giving up smoking 12 days ago.