I am a Quitter - not a loser!

I am a 40 year old woman who has smoked for 25 years.  Both my parents suffered from lung cancer before passing away. You would think this would have been enough to make me quit years ago.  It wasn't.

I was told when I was 19 that I would never be able to have children.  To my doctors (and my own) surprise when I was 29 I fell pregnant.  I now have 3 children and I don't want them to see me suffer, like I saw my own parents suffer.  This was very evident when I recently suffered with a medical condition that required surgery because  I had lots of time in the hospital to dwell on my smoking addiction and the affects it had on my life and my family, the main one at that particular time being a longer recovery time.

As a working mum, I already feel like an "absent" parent most of the time but my "need" to smoke will still drive me out of the house and away from my children after a long day at work. 

Also, when we socilise as a family in most instances it is not acceptable to smoke in public places, so I find myself acting like a criminal/drug addict and leaving my family whilst I "sneak" or "hide" away to feed my habit!  Ridiculous behaviour for someone of my age!

Smoking takes time away from my children and the crazy thing is, this indulgence will ultimately kill me, therefore taking me away from my family forever!  This realisation is definately a driving factor in my need to quit.

Furthermore, as I get older I feel the affects of smoking more acutely.  I am beginning to cough more, suffer with colds and flu's more often (and for longer) and when I have a late night I feel hungover in the mornings, even though I don't drink alcohol. 

I have wanted to do some home renovations since my husband and I bought our home 10 years ago. Unfortunately there is never any money left in the kitty to accommodate the renovations I want.  My "quit smoking savings" are going to pay for the renovations I want and at the rate I smoke, I should be making arrangements for them by the end of next year!

My husband smoked for 20 years.  He quit over a year ago after using Champix for just 4 weeks.  He still drinks, socialises and is exposed to high levels of stress.  I recognise that each persons quit experience is different but I am inspired by his ability to continue our lifestlyle as a non smoker, especially after hearing the stories of so many others who have tried and sadly failed to quit.

I was prescribed Champix today.  I have decided to "cut down" whilst using Champix over the next 7 days and have set my "Quit Date" for Christmas day.  I think this is the ultimate Christmas present to myself and my family!

I have contacted the Quit Line, I am making my "quit plan" and have actively planned to reduce my stress levels to give myself the best chance of a successful outcome.

I am anxious about the start of this journey but am feeling excited about all the benefits that come with being a non-smoker.