The Hill to Conquer

Quick Facts

The Wai’anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center’s E Malama I Kou Ha program provides tobacco treatment services to the community.

Running Up That Hill: A Journey to Self-Discovery and Freedom

As I stood at the base of the hill, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. The memory of my past struggles with addiction was still fresh in my mind, and the thought of running up that hill without cigarettes was a daunting task. But I was determined to show myself that I was stronger than I thought.

Growing up in Wai’anae, I had always been an active person, competing in track and field in high school and enjoying hiking and running in my free time. But after I started smoking in my early twenties, everything changed. Smoking became a part of my daily routine, and I soon found myself relying on it to cope with stress and anxiety. I would look forward to my morning cigarette, and my evenings wouldn’t be complete without one. My friends would often joke about how I couldn’t walk up a hill without lighting up a cigarette, and it became a habit that was hard to break.

As I grew older, I had a wake-up call in the form of motherhood. Becoming a mom for the first time made me realize the impact smoking had on my health, and how it was holding me back from being the kind of mother I wanted to be. I tried to quit many times, but it wasn’t until I became pregnant with my second child that I decided to seek help.

I reached out to the tobacco treatment team at Wai’anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center’s E Malama I Kou Ha program, and it was a game-changer. The team was warm, welcoming, and made me feel empowered to take control of my health. They offered me resources and support, including counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and other activities to help me quit.

It wasn’t easy, of course. There were many times when I felt like giving up, especially when I ran out of nicotine patches at work and had to wait for a refill. But the team was always there for me, and their support and encouragement kept me going.

Finally, after months of hard work, I reached my goal: I was a non-smoker. And let me tell you, it was an incredible feeling. I felt like I had finally broken free from the chains of addiction and could live life on my own terms.

Running up that hill was more than just a physical challenge – it was a symbol of my journey to self-discovery and freedom. Every step I took was a reminder that I was strong, capable, and resilient. It was a reminder that I could overcome anything, as long as I had the right support and mindset.

Today, I’m proud to say that I’m a non-smoker, and my health has improved significantly. I’ve noticed a decrease in fatigue, an increase in energy, and a sense of confidence that I never thought I’d have. And when I think about the hill, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come and how proud I am of myself for overcoming my addiction.

If you’re struggling with addiction, know that you’re not alone. There is help out there, and it’s never too late to make a change. Seek out resources, support, and encouragement, and remind yourself that you are stronger than you think. And when you’re ready to take the next step, remember that running up that hill might just be the best thing that’s ever happened to you.

The Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) is highlighted as one of the nonprofits receiving funding from the Hawai’i Tobacco Prevention and Control Trust Fund to provide tobacco treatment services to the community. The HCF’s mission is to strengthen communities by investing in people and places that make a positive impact on the lives of Hawaii’s residents.