It’s been a while since my last blog post, and I want to share why. Over the past few weeks, my health has taken me on an unexpected and challenging journey. For those who follow my story, you know I have shared my struggles with chronic health issues before, but this time, it was different.

A Health Scare and a Revelation

On February 1st, I came down with the flu, which quickly spiraled into a full-blown health crisis. My blood pressure skyrocketed to dangerous levels, and despite the local ER’s efforts, they couldn’t bring it down to a stable range. I was admitted to the ICU, where I spent a week in the hospital. Even now, a week after being discharged, I am still focused on recovery. While I am doing much better, my absence from CherryCoBiz has simply been because I haven’t been well enough to engage. I am slowly regaining my strength and will continue to contribute as much as I can.

This recent health scare highlighted more than just another illness. I realized that I’ve actually been sick since early December. Having a child in school means constant exposure to germs, and my chronic bronchitis didn’t make things any easier. While my family bounced back from their colds, I continued to struggle, though I was almost well before the flu hit.

My Journey with Smoking and Vaping

Today, I want to share some truths I’ve never shared with my audience before. I started smoking cigarettes at 16, unaware of how that addiction would control parts of my life for so long. I hated smoking—the smell, the impact on my health—but quitting seemed impossible, especially during my wilder, carefree years of partying and living in the moment. As I grew older, smoking made me sicker each year, with illnesses lasting longer and becoming harder to shake.

In 2020, a dear friend encouraged me to switch to vaping, promising it would be healthier than smoking. I took their advice, thinking it would be a step toward better health without giving up nicotine entirely. What my audience may not know is that I continued vaping until December 5, 2024, when I quit entirely to prioritize my health, especially with a new job I had just started. Let me be clear: quitting vaping was harder than quitting cigarettes. But after 72 days, I am proud to say the addiction is behind me.

Overcoming Alcohol

This isn’t the first habit I’ve kicked. I’ve shared before that I challenged myself to two 40-day periods of no drinking. After the second round, I realized I no longer craved alcohol and decided to leave it behind, not because I was an alcoholic, but because I knew I was drinking more than I should have.

Sharing My Truth

I share these truths not because I have lived a perfect life, but because I have made mistakes—a lot of them. My health issues are, in many ways, the result of those choices. But I am human, and CherryCoBiz has always been about sharing my journey, my truths, and my insights to help others on their path to better health and wellness. If even one person is inspired to make a positive change, then sharing my story is worth it.

A Message to Anyone Struggling

To anyone trying to quit smoking, vaping, or drinking: do it. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking vaping is an easier alternative to cigarettes. Quitting was the hardest thing I’ve done, but it’s also one of the most rewarding.

Moving Forward Together

Life hasn’t been easy for me or my family lately. From health struggles to financial hardships, we’ve been through the wringer. But through it all, I strive to live an honest, intentional life and share what I learn with all of you. CherryCoBiz has never been about telling you what to do but rather inviting you to join me in striving for better.

Thank you for your patience as I recover. I look forward to continuing this journey with you, sharing tips, stories, and inspiration for our collective well-being.

Warmly,

Terra Turner