Good Morning Freedom,
Today I have officially completed the trip around the big ole' ball in the sky. That's right, 1 year without nicotine. It's fitting I suppose,
that this occasion comes on the eve of Thanksgiving, for I am truly thankful for WhyQuit and Freedom and the support and guidance they provide. Tommorow will
mark the final trigger, if you will, for the year. Last year I remember being the only one of perhaps 20 or so people who needed to excuse myself to go feed
my addiction. Since then I have celebrated Christmas and New Year. I have enjoyed several vacations, encountered stressful situations and marked joyful
events all without the aid of nicotine.
This journey has not been without trying times, and although today holds symbolic significance, it does not signal the end. I have gained so much more than
nicotine cessation over the course of this year. It truly is a journey back to the real me (just like John says). The list of positive changes brought on
by quitting abound, and are too many to name. But suffice it to say, I am a changed man, for the better. But amid this sense of pride and accomplishment,
is the realization that I am, and always will remain a nicotine addict. And like any quitter, be they 10 days or 10 years I am one puff, dip or chew away
from complete relapse. I t took me 27 years to learn this lesson, but I am confident I will never ignore its relevance.
Newbies and/or lurkers pondering quitting, I will simply tell you; it is doable. And that no matter how anxious and aprehensive you may be, they hype does
not live up to the reality. It does and will get better, if you just take it a single day at a time. This had been the mantra of my quit and, I believe the
true measure of our triumph over nicotine. So, on this, the beginning of my 367th day without nicotine, I am grateful and proud to call myself AQuitter.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Greg
Day 367

