By mid-February, many New Year’s resolutions start to slip. If quitting smoking feels tough right now, Teeny’s quit smoking journey offers real inspiration.
Teeny, also known as @Teeny81 in our Quit Support community, has been smoke-free for nearly three years. Her journey has not been easy, but it has changed her life.
“As I approach my third year without a cigarette, I reflect on what I’ve achieved. Apart from raising my amazing 19-year-old daughter, quitting smoking is the thing I feel most proud of.
“I loved smoking, so I never wanted to quit. But I knew I had to.
“At 32, doctors diagnosed me with COPD. It was a huge shock, especially at my age. Even then, I didn’t quit. I kept smoking for almost seven more years. Looking back, I can’t believe it.
“In 2020, everything changed. I caught a virus and ended up in hospital with pneumonia for the third time since my diagnosis. That’s when it hit me. I saw the damage I had done. As a single mum, I realised my daughter needed me healthy more than I needed cigarettes.
“I sat in hospital and cried for two days. That was my lowest point. From then on, I committed to a smoke-free life.
“Even though I knew I wouldn’t smoke again, quitting was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I had insomnia, anxiety, hay fever and shortness of breath. These symptoms lasted for months. I also felt depressed and cried for no clear reason. At times, I thought it would never get better.
“At my lowest, I searched online for answers. That’s how I found the Quit Support group. Reading about other people’s experiences helped me so much. Without that support, I would have been at the doctor every week worrying.
“I also struggled with weight gain. I put on weight quickly after quitting. Last July, I decided to take control. I started intermittent fasting and walked every day. I’ve now lost 25 kilos and reached my goal weight.
Too stressed to quit
“People often say, ‘I can’t quit, I’m too stressed.’ I used to think the same. I couldn’t imagine coping with stress without smoking.
“But I’ve learned how to manage my emotions in healthier ways. It took time, but I now feel more in control.
“In the past three years, I’ve faced huge challenges. I lived through the pandemic, left a job after 18 years. Left an abusive relationship, moved away from my home of 20 years. I cared for my grandfather as cancer took him, lost my dad suddenly last year. I got through all of that without smoking.
“Life is actually less stressful without cigarettes. I used to worry about when I could smoke next. I watched the clock and searched for places to smoke. Now I feel free. I’m no longer tied to cigarettes.
Supporting each other
“I want to thank the admins who run Quit Support and everyone who shared encouraging posts. Their words made a huge difference.
“That’s why I’m sharing my story. If my experience helps even one person on their quit smoking journey, it’s worth it.”