One more time, I pick up the talkingstick and share this moment with you.
My dear AS3 family,
I have no idea what possessed me to start smoking. My kids had already
been
born. I had already faced a good deal of stress in my young life so that
wasn't' the reason. Peer pressure? No. Stupidity. Probably. I would
bet
there are as many reasons why we start smoking, as there are folks here in
AS3. No matter what started me smoking, the point is that I stopped.. a
long
time ago now.
Aho. My name is Yukpa ha****. I am adopted Chata (Choctaw), Cherokee,
English, Irish and Scots. And I am 10 years smoke free today. I honor
those
in my life who played a part in that process. Mostly though, I honor me.
What a journey this has been.
In the last 9 days, you might have read what each year meant to me. (I
hope
like hell I haven't overstayed my welcome because of all of those
reposts.)
I think I said the same things 9 different times. You probably have the
gist of it all by now. The first year was not fun. But the first year
taught me so much about me. About strength and will and decision and
honor
and strategy and tool kits and cog quitting.. and some not so good things
such as quit depression. No matter what, it was a learning experience I
knew I had to go through if I really wanted to get smoke free for all
time.
So many things pushed me towards that decision but none more than my two
buds. The oldest grandson graduates from high school this year. He has a
full ride scholar****p to college because he is twice Nevada State
Wrestling
champion. I'd say that kid has come a long way since I first sat on the
couch with him 10 years ago and he turned his face away when I went to
smooch him. Wow, did that hurt. But the smooches nowadays, as they have
been over these last 10 years, are smack dab on the lips.. by his choice.
Hurt turned into joy. Absolutely.
I have grown up as well. The changes that took place 10 years ago have
evolved into this happy, sweet smelling, round-bottomed Grandma who
learned
to handle whatever life threw at her. That's what quitting smoking really
taught me. If I could quit smoking, then whatever else came my way would
certainly be a no thing. As it has turned out, that remains true today.
(My
latest challenge, raising Ragdoll kittens, may drive me to drink though.
Smile. www.merlinsrags.com)
There isn't much more to the story. You have heard it all before. So I
will not bore you further with repeating myself once again. But know
this..
I truly believe the benefits FAR OUTWEIGH the pain. Absolutely. What YOU
THINK you give up by quitting smoking doesn't begin to compare to what you
receive in physical and emotional health. The gains in your life - think
on
it.. freedom, sweet smelling, who you really are, no drug habit that
dictates your life, better ***, clearer thought processes, hearing,
smelling, breathing, tasting and believe it or not, the list goes on from
there - can be yours if you keep walking the path to smoke freedom. I
encourage you with each healthy breath that I take to not just keep
talking
the talk but to keep walking the walk. Each step leads you closer to an
unlimited you. Just by your continuing to quit a habit that is doing
everything it can to hurt you will pay off big time. Indeed. I've 10
years
worth of pay off to prove that truth. I hope you'll join me on the path to
smoke freedom. It doesn't matter why you started smoking. It only
matters
that you quit. Aho.
And now my 5/25'ers (And yup, 5 out of the 6 that are still quit are
chattering away once again. We have new babies and new jobs and new homes
and some of us are much closer to retirement to talk about and catch up
on.
It feels so good to have them close by for this huge celebration.) and I
are
going to take the leap into the TOF tubs. ddJacquie and all my old pals,
I
hope the champagne is chilled.. and that you'll move on over. There are 6
of us 5/25'ers who made it 10 years. Now how much fun is that? It's
gonna
get funner yet. Splash!!!
Yukpa ha****, TOF
AKA PatB
Thank you, AS3, for being there for me over all these years. My gratitude
knows no bounds. You have made a true difference in my life.
And I'd like to share this:
Ten years, 50 minutes and 25 seconds. 146121 cigarettes not smoked, saving
$29,589.58. Life saved: 1 year, 20 weeks, 3 days, 8 hours, 45 minutes.
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