Wellness & Wisdom Blog

Every journey begins with a choice. A crucial decision. This process began for me more than a decade ago when I stepped out to smoke a cigarette like I would every other night. That was my routine, my habit. On this night, it was the last cigarette in the pack. Little did I realize that it would be my last. As I began to inhale, I noticed that it was making me feel ill. Smoking cigarettes was actually starting to nauseate me. Why was I still doing it? Right then and there it hit me: I could continue down the same habitual path, or I could forge a new one.

I decided at that moment that I would leave tobacco behind. I said to myself, “This is it. I am done. After this one cigarette tonight, I am going to go through tomorrow without bumming a cigarette, taking a puff or buying a pack.” This was not going to be an easy change, but life-changing in the best of ways. I knew and trusted that. I had been a smoker for years and had previously quit smoking for nine months, so I knew I could do it. The desire to quit was still there, I just needed to dig a little deeper and build on the existing willpower. This time, I was quitting for good.

What was the stronger motivating factor outside of myself? I connected my heart to my new mindset. What would be my ultimate goal in leading a tobacco-free lifestyle that would keep me centered when times got tough? My mind turned to my siblings, and it brought tears to my eyes. That was it. My siblings have always meant so much to me. They were so young and impressionable then. My goal was to be the best role model for my younger brothers and sister. That became my underlying motivation, my positive driving force.

Quitting smoking was one of the toughest commitments I have ever made. I took it day by day, sometimes hour by hour, minute by minute or second by second. I had to distract myself through each craving. I had to work on my mindset every day. When a craving came on, I would think to myself, “I need a cigarette. No, I want a cigarette. I do not need nicotine.” How empowering it was to turn my thinking around to work it in my favor!

After the first three weeks, I knew there was no turning back. I was done. My toxic, dependent relationship with tobacco was over. I had regained my freedom. My colleague would boost and encourage me each day, asking, “How many days now? 25? 92? 162?” I would check my calendar for the days I had marked off as successfully tobacco-free and count them up, my heart leaping with excitement and internal pride. It was so rewarding. Years later when my mother mentioned my former smoking habit at my brother’s little league game, my little sister whipped her head around in shock and stated, “I can’t picture you smoking!” Yes, I won! I had beat tobacco! I had achieved my ultimate goal.

It has been 15 years since I stepped out to smoke a cigarette that night. I have proudly and passionately been working in tobacco prevention for more than 14 years, helping others and creating healthier environments, working to build a world without commercial tobacco. I still celebrate my accomplishment and reward myself every year; a special treat, a nice dinner out or maybe a new piece of jewelry. To me, it will always be something worth celebrating. It is the best decision I have ever made for myself and those I love.

That is it, that is my story. I changed my mind set and switched up the self-talk. I developed healthier habits such as walking more, spending more time with family and volunteering to support my siblings at all their events and extracurricular activities. I distracted myself through the cravings and rewarded myself for all my victories in conquering tobacco, big or small, using some of the money I had saved from quitting.

My best advice is, do not hesitate. Make the leap. Build a life without tobacco. If I can do it, you can do it. It can change your life in all the best ways, whether it be your health, your relationships or your perspective and priorities. Take your freedom back. I promise you — you will not regret it.

Do you use tobacco and want to break free? Have you tried to do it on your own but find it challenging and need support? Alaska’s Tobacco Quit Line is free and available to all Alaskans, 18 years or older. To enroll now, call 1.800.QUIT.NOW (1.800.784.8669), visit alaskaquitline.com or text “READY” to 34191. Quit coaching services and nicotine replacement therapy options can be tailored to your individual needs. It’s free, it’s confidential and it works!

Patients are also encouraged to meet with their primary care provider to discuss a plan to begin their quit journey. To make an appointment today, contact SEARHC:907.463.0400.