I Can Do Hard Things: My Path to Becoming a Non-Smoker by Coach Lindsay

When I think back to the age of 11, I can hardly believe I started smoking. At that time, my parents and my friends' parents were smokers, and I thought it was a cool and grown-up thing to do. Little did I know that this decision would lead to over a decade of addiction and negative impacts on my health and well-being. However, while my journey towards becoming a non-smoker has been filled with challenges, self-discovery, it was ultimately a transformation to a healthier and happier life.

I vividly remember trying my first drag of a cigarette with my friends in a small forest near my childhood home. It was a terrible experience - the taste was disgusting, it made me feel dizzy, and I coughed for hours afterward. Despite the initial negative effects, the strength of addiction took over, and I began smoking regularly. I resorted to stealing cigarettes from my parents and asking strangers to buy me packs. I thought I was being stealthy, hiding my habit from my family, but the truth was, the smell of cigarettes lingered on me, even when I couldn't detect it myself.

After over a decade of being a pack-a-day smoker, my health started to decline rapidly. I was morbidly obese, constantly sick, and experienced heart palpitations, headaches, and difficulty breathing. Simple tasks like walking up a flight of stairs became daunting, leaving me out of breath and exhausted. It was at this point that my grandmother's genuine concern and her calling me "fat" made me confront the reality of my unhealthy lifestyle. The fear of having a heart attack before turning 30 jolted me into action.

To improve my mobility and lung capacity, I knew I had to quit smoking. With the support of my best friend and roommate, who acted as my accountability partner, I set a quit date and had my last cigarette. The journey to becoming a non-smoker was not without its struggles. During the first month, I experienced mood swings and frustration. However, I remained determined to succeed.

Despite my initial success, I faced moments of weakness and relapses. There were times when the smell of cigarettes would trigger a wave of nostalgia, making me momentarily long for my old smoking habit. But I learned from each relapse. I took time to self-reflect and understand why I turned to smoking in those moments. This introspection allowed me to build a deeper understanding of the power of addiction and helped me cultivate self-love and compassion for myself.

Now, as a proud non-smoker, I can confidently say that quitting smoking was the catalyst for my journey to a healthier and happier life. It has been over 15 years since I made that life-changing decision. It has given me increased mobility and improved my overall health.

My path to becoming a non-smoker wasn't easy, but it was worth every step. I am grateful for the wake-up call from my grandmother, as it set me on a course of self-improvement and empowered me to overcome addiction. I have learned to embrace my humanity, acknowledging that relapses may happen, but they don't define me. Each day, I reinforce my commitment to a smoke-free life by remembering why I quit in the first place and nurturing the love and compassion I have for myself. As I look back on my journey, I

am proud of how far I've come, one cigarette at a time, one step at a time, towards a healthier and happier me.

My transformation into a non-smoker is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. By reminding myself that "I can do hard things," I continue to overcome challenges and stay true to the path of a cigarette-free life. With every obstacle I conquer, I strengthen my resolve and commitment to living a healthier and happier life. Quitting smoking wasn't just about giving up a habit; it was about reclaiming control over my health and well-being. This journey has taught me that no matter how tough things get, I have the strength within me to overcome and thrive. Today, I stand tall as a non-smoker, knowing that each day I choose health, self-love, and the belief that "I can do hard things."