Life is full of obstacles—many of which we overcome without even realizing or giving ourselves the credit we deserve. For years, I struggled to stay away from liquor. But one day, I found peace with my situation and began Overcoming Addiction. When I finally accomplished that milestone, I patted myself on the back and said, “Great job.” It was an extraordinary feat, and I allowed myself to feel proud of it.
But quitting smoking? That was another mountain to climb—and in many ways, it was even harder.
Breaking the Habit
After 27 years of dependency, I decided it was time to let go of smoking, a habit I leaned on heavily, especially after I quit drinking. My daughter was my biggest reason for wanting to quit. She deserved a healthier version of me, and I wanted to be around to see her grow.
I set my quit date for October 1st—my 40th birthday—and stocked up on nicotine patches, preparing for what I knew would be a challenging journey. On day one, I convinced myself I would be irritable and miserable, not just with myself but with others. And to be honest, that’s exactly how it started.
The patches kept falling off, and all I could think about was lighting up again. I needed a distraction, so I decided to try jogging. My first attempt was humbling—50 yards in, my lungs were burning, and my heart was racing. I genuinely thought I might be having a heart attack.
But something inside me—maybe my wisdom, maybe my stubbornness—told me to give it another shot.
From Struggle to Stride
Within 24 hours of quitting smoking, I decided to stick with jogging. My second attempt felt just as brutal as the first, but I kept going. Slowly, week by week, I found myself improving. Within a couple of weeks, I was running a mile. The sense of accomplishment was exhilarating, and I began to look forward to each jog.
Running became my new go-to for relaxation, a space where I could reflect on life and come up with ideas. It was no longer just about quitting smoking; it became about discovering a better version of myself.
Achieving the Extraordinary
At 56, I ran my first half marathon. The weather was miserable—cold, windy, and rainy—but I pushed through my doubts. I told myself, If I don’t try, I’ll never know what I’m capable of.
Crossing that finish line was one of the most incredible feelings of my life. The sense of accomplishment was so profound that I ran another half marathon later. These days, I jog for the sheer pleasure of it—for the relaxation, the health benefits, and the quiet moments it gives me to connect with myself.
A Message of Hope
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: no obstacle is insurmountable. The journey might be difficult, and at times you might doubt yourself. But the reward of overcoming your struggles is worth every bit of effort.
So whatever you’re facing—whether it’s an addiction, a habit, or a fear—know that you have the strength to move forward. Trust in your wisdom, celebrate your victories, and never underestimate what you’re capable of achieving.
With much love and encouragement,
Gerard
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