I have given a lot of thought to this weeks challenge. Asking myself the question: what do I regret? There are a lot of things that have happened to me that I regret, but I did not have any control so I am not responsible. I wanted to think of a choice I made. The biggest regret I have is the choice to smoke. I was only 18. Not an excuse, just a fact. In those days, it was the non-smokers that were the minority. stupidly, I wanted to fit in. I soon became addicted and smoked for too many years. I quit about 15 years ago, but not soon enough. My lungs have been permanently damaged. I have to live with COPD. I must take an inhaler every day or I struggle to breathe. I still live life to the fullest, I exercise daily, love hiking, canoeing and am training to run a 5km race. Yet I do regret smoking and damaging my lungs. When I get a cold, it often leads to further complications like pneumonia and that is not fun.
This is not a pretty picture but I think It looks like a picture of me with my head hanging down in regret
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Thanks for letting me camp out in your blog this evening. I had a great time and hope I left my campsite clean enough for your next visitor.
Thanks for having a look around, I love company camping out at my blog, thanks for putting out your campfire..
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The power of words unleashed in your post. Valiant!
Absolutely share this regret with you and so sorry to hear about your COPD. I only have to think about cigarettes etc and my chest tightens. Hope the winter is kind to you and all best to you for good health!
Thanks, It is under control, I just pray it will not progress. I do regret that so many are still caught in this addiction.
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Some regrets are meant to be. Sorry about your condition, I hope you’ll get stronger each day. Nice story behind the picture. I salute you for quiting.
A really honest post for this week’s challenge, with a important message .
Yikes Maggie! Very cool photo to go with your words and challenge. Glad you quit when you did. Margie
Great shot Maggie. I can see the image of a person in the smoke with their head hanging down~head, an arm, two legs. I am glad you quit Maggie but sorry you have COPD. Not fun, my Mom lived with emphysema. I’m happy to hear that you are living a happy life full of hiking, running, and an active lifestyle. You are a determined lady!
You have me thinking that some of what smoking is about … is the visual – I like your capture of light in the whisps of smoke against dark backdrop. I’m not a smoker, but used to leave board meetings in my office (where five others smoked) with a noticeable nicotene enriched buzz … the argument was that it was a cultural thing. Cough, cough. And, I wouldn’t sleep for hours. Well done, on sharing that which is regrettable ….
I am glad you quit smoking Maggie and that you enjoy doing things which will help you stay fit and healthy…
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At least you quit Maggie. Congratulations on quitting!
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I’m with Carl, I thought it was a photo posting the regret of being a smoker.
Great shot ….
Isadora
http://insidethemindofisadora.wordpress.com/2012/02/11/weekly-photo-challenge-regret-ful-endings/
Perfect for this week’s challenge. I’m so glad that you keep active and alive!
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greetings by
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How very honest of you to write that. My father used to be a heavy smoker (60 a day) He gave up about 40 years ago and fortunately seems to be quite healthy even at 87. My mother, however, has never smoked but suffers from COPD from having been a “passive” smoker. At least you are fit and doing lot of exercise, keep it up. X
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Maggie,
A thoughtful post on the subject regret and congratulations overcoming one of the hardest addictions. I’m trying to think of a lesson here instead of regretting the time you spent smoking, I think maybe you value life more now than if you didn’t have the damage left by smoking. Also, you become a valued teacher to anyone who is struggling to quit. Thank you for sharing.
This is a beautiful post and an amazing image! I just recently quit smoking, before had for about 7 years very consistently. I quit when I found out I was pregnant, and while I wanted to start again after the loss of the pregnancy, I stuck with it. Feel better, smell better, and have way more money then I know what to do with! The future will tell what effects my body will show from the damage to my lungs, but presently, am so much happier with how I feel! I commend you for 15 years! So many times I keep wondering when my resolve will fall, but so far I’ve been good at it. The cold snowy winter has helped though lol, since I do not want to go outside!
I know how it feels to struggle with your breathing. I was asthmatic since senior year in high school. At one point the hospital felt like a home due to frequent visits. I wish and pray for a better health for you. Dramatic photo with a story to tell and learn…
But the important part is that you quit!
Hi Maggie, This is a really appropriate post for regret. I’m sure anyone that smokes/smoked regrets every starting/have started. Congrats on successfully quitting.
I see the vision. The irony is that it is smoke right?