I Want to Be a Role Model

Submitted by Michelle from Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

I am a trainer for a wellness program. I found it difficult to teach wellness when I was not practicing it in my own life. I wanted to be a role model to those I was teaching. I also realized that I used smoking as a coping technique and wanted to have healthier coping strategies. I started smoking regularly the summer of 1987 after suffering a tragedy. Smoking for me was a way to cope. 

I became a non-smoker on Sept. 2, 2013. I am able to enjoy life. I am able to breathe easier.

My advice for others is to make a big overall goal. Mine is to live to be 100. Then determine the steps that you need to take to get to that bigger goal. Setting smaller action plans along the way helps to achieve the bigger goals. One of the first steps for me was to become a non-smoker. It took me a few months to get used to not smoking and to find other activities. Unfortunately, I chose food the first year. That is when I decided to start running to lose the weight and stay a non-smoker.

I have learned that I am stronger than I ever thought I was. I have learned that I am able to achieve goals. I have learned that I am not a quitter.