27 years old. Daily smoker for 10 years with a few breaks here and there when I was out of the country.

Kind of an embarrassing way of quitting, but, it truly feels like I flipped a switch.

I got drunk at my office Christmas party (I don’t normally drink) and I woke up to the worst hangover I’ve ever had. I felt so nauseous I couldn’t stomach my normal, mid-afternoon, weekend J. I took the time to reflect on why I was smoking every day.

I finally accepted that I was using weed as a coping mechanism. I used it to numb any negative feelings of anxiety and doubt. I was telling myself it helped manage stress from my career (I’m an accountant), but really it just numbed every feeling, good and bad. I knew I needed to change if I was going to build a sustainable career and family.

I skipped my nightly edible and that momentum carried into me into the workweek. I didn’t really have any cravings until the next weekend. It was tough to get through the first Friday night of gaming and movies with my partner (a non-smoker) but I managed to hold off.

I’ve had a few beers here and there, but no weed or edibles, and I feel absolutely fantastic. Brain fog is gone, less procrastination, I actually FEEL my feelings for better and for worse. My sleeps have been INCREDIBLE, I fall asleep fast, get a full 8 hours and I wake up refreshed. The dreams are just a bonus. I don’t spend my whole day thinking about that first hit. I have much better focus during the workday with no mental fatigue. I actually want to get out of the house and go out in public now. I haven’t been wasting my weekends being unproductive. I used to think of my time as “blocks”, rushing through every task or activity so I can spend more time baked. I don’t have gross breath, my clothes don’t reek like smoke, and I’m able to be much more attentive to my partner.

There are so many benefits, some expected and some unexpected. I’m reminded of each of them daily, and very thankful I took control of my habit before I did any further damage to my brain, body, or relationship.

STAY STRONG!