Now that I’ve quit smoking, everyone’s decided it’s time for me to take on the next steps: diet and exercise. Honestly, I can’t say I’m thrilled about it. But with a little moaning and complaining, I’ve started taking short, brisk walks.
At first, I had to—because my breathing was out of control. Simple things like walking up stairs or getting out of bed to use the bathroom left me gasping for air. The doctors say it could be anxiety, or possibly COPD from years of smoking. Either way, it’s clear that I’ve got to rebuild my lungs and stamina.
So, I began by walking around the block. Then I went a little further. Each time I picked up the pace a bit more, and surprisingly, I started to notice a difference. My breathing began to adjust. The shortness of breath I used to get just from standing up too fast is slowly improving.
Sometimes I approach these new habits with enthusiasm, ready to take on the challenge. Other times, I drag my feet like a kid being told to clean his room. But that’s okay. Change isn’t always glamorous—it’s about consistency.
What I’m realizing is that there’s a lot more to being a nonsmoker than just not smoking. It’s about learning to breathe again, move again, and live again—one walk around the block at a time.
by Dan and Bonkers
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