Almost forgot - 2 years not smoking

I can't believe I forgot to blog about this. On June 2nd, I passed the 2 year mark of stopping smoking. As I drove Katie and Morgan into camp this year, it was just a few days from that 2 year mark, and it was incredible to me to remember inhaling as many cigarettes as I could because I knew I wouldn't have any for a week. A WEEK! That thought was absolutely terrifying to me. I seriously didn't even think I would make it 10 minutes through the gate on the way home. In fact, I had two packs of Malboro Reds waiting in my glove box. They were there for about 2 months.

It is really odd that I really don't ever think about it. Every once in a while, maybe once every 2 months, I get that feeling that will make me think "Oh, it is time for a smoke."It isn't strong. It isn't even something I have to fight. It does however crack me up and frighten me at the same time. I can't believe that something is so powerful that TWO YEARS later, it can make me think about it - not want it, but think about it.

I still don't really notice the smell of smoke unless it is a really smokey room or it is right in my face. I don't mind being around friends who smoke, and it doesn't make me want one.

I can't believe that I went so long wasting my time smoking and doing harm to my body. It seemed so normal, and I really liked it. Now, I am so thankful that I am not burdoned with it. It was very stressful worrying about it all the time. I also can walk up the stairs without panting, and I can even run a little! I don't get colds very much now, although I do still get some sinus stuff. It is much better than it was though. I had a bad cough in February, and I remember struggling to accept that I used to SMOKE with a cough.

So, for anyone who is struggling with quitting, I will say two things.
1. Just accept it and move on. YOU WILL NEVER SMOKE AGAIN. If you don't do this, it will forever haunt you. If you just accept it and stop thinking about if you can do it or how you will deal with this or that, then it is much easier. It is all of that DOUBT that makes it hard. Yes, the first two months are rough, but knowing you can do it is the power you need. I also did the patch to ease the physical cravings, and I would recommend them to anyone.
2. IT GETS EASIER! Really, after a few months, you don't ever think about it. In fact, it seems odd to me that others even think I would struggle. It goes away IF you do #1,
3. No matter what anyone says or what your brain tells you, can't have one. NOT ONE. Never. Be done with it. YOu will really be happy about it once you have done it. I promise.

Here's to clear lungs and being here to see my kids grow up.

The other absolutely amazing thing is to realize that if I had kept smoking, I would have smoked 17,932 cigarettes. HOLY COW! Seriously. Of course, the dollar amount (at the price when I quit which would be much worse now) is $3227. The best part is that my lungs are pink, and my risk of coronary artery disease has been cut in half of what it would have been if I had kept smoking. Also, they say that you are less likely to relapse if you make it two years. So, here's to that...I think I will go have a glass of water and go to my elliptical.