Today marks a significant milestone in my life—one that I’ve thought about for years but never quite had the courage to do. After 38 years of dealing with my addiction to cigarettes, I have decided that today is the day I quit smoking. This is my declaration of independence from a habit that has defined a large part of my very existence.

Smoking cigarettes has been the way I have dealt with things my entire adult life. From happy moments with friends and family to living through domestic violence and losing people I love; my cigarettes have always been there.

The decision to quit was not impulsive, it has always been simmering just beneath the surface, even though I professed many times that I enjoyed smoking. The turning point, however, came when I had a serious fall last February and the ER doctor ordered X-rays. Thank goodness nothing was broken but he did see that I have the beginning signs of COPD. You would think that I would have immediately quit smoking but no, I continued but tried to cut down. That did not go well so in July, I began taking Chantix, again. I took it for 11 days in August of 2021 but slipped into a deep, dark depression that honestly scared me. This time around, I started off with a lower dose and have been okay with just a few days of depression scattered throughout the time I have been taking the medicine. It helped me to cut down to less than half a pack per day. Not bad since I had been smoking nearly two packs a day for the last few years.

As the months went by after my diagnosis, the warning signs became harder to ignore. Shortness of breath, persistent coughs, and the looming possibility of more serious health issues began to cast a shadow over my life. The fear of what could be lost—time with loved ones, especially my grands, the ability to fully experience life, and the simple joy of a deep breath without wheezing—finally overpowered my addiction to cigarettes.

Deciding to quit smoking after nearly four decades is not a choice made lightly. It’s a commitment to self-love, resilience, and a better future. Today, I am embarking on a journey of breaking free from the chains of addiction, armed with determination, support, and the knowledge that it’s never too late to make a positive change.

I know there are challenges ahead. A few minutes ago, I reached for a cigarette but there were none there. I had three left this morning after I had a few puffs of my LAST cigarette last night at about 11:40 p.m. I threw them away, along with my lighter, emptied the ashtray, and took the garbage bag outside to the trash.

This journey is not going to be an easy one and I know it will be a constant dance between determination and cravings, but with support from friends, family, and a wonderful group of people in my Chantix Community Support group on Facebook, I really think I can do it. I made a quit plan, have apps that are sending me notifications of how long it has been since my last cigarette and how much money I have saved so far, a great support system, and a book to finish writing.

Today is not just the day I quit smoking; it’s the day I reclaim my life. The journey ahead will be challenging, but the possibilities that come with leading a healthier, happier lifestyle are moving me forward. If you, too, are contemplating a similar journey, know that you are not alone. We got this!

Join me as I share my story through this new path I am on. I will give updates throughout the coming weeks and if you are starting this journey too or have already succeeded, please leave tips and advice in the comments below. I can use all the help I can get as I become a non-smoker!