Quitting Smoking

The story below is about quitting smoking and how it can affect your health.

Submitted by Debbie,

I would like to add a little something about smoking.

I've been a smoker for many, many years and today I regret it more than anything. In the last 5 years I've had 3 very good friends who passed away from cancer due to smoking. Plus my father had died from years of smoking and drinking.

Today I am 50 years old and been smoke free for only 1 year. At one point of my life I was smoke free for 8 1/2 years and started up again.

I've come to terms that if I don't quit now I know I will never be able to be here for my family.

I tried taking medications to quit, but that didn't work. What worked for me is Will Power. The will to live and wanting to see my children and their children grow up. Plus I have so many plans for my future that I haven't achieved yet and that's my goal to this day.

While I was smoking towards the end there, I found it difficult to breathe. Just walking, talking and doing the most minimal kinds of activities was exhausting. I love walking to this day, but I find it sometimes difficult to breathe if I take long brisk walks.

After one year of quitting smoking...it is so much easier to Breathe.

However exhaust fumes and any other kinds of strong odors, likehousehold cleaning products do bother me.

Lately I've been more and more aware of my health. I can't reverse those years of smoking but I can at least take care of my health now and pray for many more years to come.

It's a GREAT feeling of being smoke Free and I plan on being Smoke Free for the rest of my life.