I Feel Like I Can Overcome Anything
Submitted by CJ from Disability and Aging
I found myself being out of breath from simply climbing a flight of stairs, and I was inspired to quit by fear after watching a loved one go through two strokes within three months. I wanted to extend my life by being healthier and live my life without being short of breath. I simply said, 'No more.' Then I started the nicotine patch. It helps to have a supporting and encouraging work environment.
I found that I wasn't able to permanently achieve my goal until I was determined to do it for me. I had quit smoking three other times when pregnant and ultimately went back to it each time when my babies were about six months of age. This time I quit for myself and I think that made a difference. Sometimes you have to make your own way of doing things. It may have taken me an entire year to become nicotine-free, but in the end I can honestly say I have zero desire to go back to smoking - absolutely none whatsoever. I've been a non-smoker for approximately four years now.
I have learned that my motivation has to come from within. No external source of motivation can have a lasting outcome. Quitting smoking was one of the toughest things I've ever done. Now I really feel like I can overcome anything.