FORGETTING PHILIP!

FINALLY,

I and no longer am I a complete hypocrite for doing so! This time, I can talk smack about the tobacco giant, corporate serial killers and back it up because I'VE QUIT! After 9 years smoking, several failed attempts, and God knows how much money wasted, I am proud to shout that I AM CIGARETTE FREE! It's been 3 months since I've stopped using Nicoderm CQ and it feels like a cloud has been lifted from my life. Better skin, breathe, smell, taste, and confidence. I have my life back thanks to my beautiful mother who stuck by me and wouldn't let me give up! Sadly, I almost forgot this simple but great pleasure in life; what it is to breathe. Most of all, I am without addiction.

I AM FREE!

Like anything else in life with will power, the patch works by making those damned nicotine fits tolerable. I tried cold-turkey and it just was not happening lol. My hat goes off to anyone who has. You are a beast lol! Also, it does gets easier by the day. As you start to defy, relying on cigarettes the more & more you hate them. That hate helped fuel my will to stop. I've cussed out a few cigarette packs on my way to redemption. Whatever it takes! Forget Philip! No longer am I a slave to those stupid cancer sticks.

Heart 2 Heart:

I wrote a poem called God's Breath during my battle with cigarettes. I lost my Uncle Curtis due to Lung Cancer & Pneumonia [R.I.P] the same year a friend's father passed away from Emphysema at the golden age of 61. Needless to say, writing it was cathartic. My reason for quitting was simple - I don't want to kill myself... for I'd have hell to pay. Recently, my friend's cousin called. I answered and she blatantly asked, "Which brand of patch did you buy?" Ashley, is a 21 year-old songbird with a passion for music. Her reason for quitting is a lifelong dream of singing professionally. She combed me for advice and sought encouragement. I was more than happy to show her my support. We all need positive affirmations so as an added incentive I decided to frame God's Breath. I gave it to her in hopes that it would keep her on the right path; going strong 'til the finish line. If you are a smoker trying to overcome cigarette addiction, my hope is that you too find that extra bit of encouragement to quit...