I can't believe it! In a little less than 4 hours, it will be 1 year since my last cigarette! At this time, one year ago, I was smoking like a chimney, trying to finish my last pack of cigs, and when I put out the last one, I cried. I cried because I was angry...at myself mostly, because I had let myself get addicted to cigarettes in the first place. I was 11 when I had my first cigarette, but I didn't start smoking in earnest until I was 22...when I was old enough and smart enough to know better.
Fourteen years and more than 10,000 packs later, I decided that I WOULD NOT be a slave to my addiction any longer. I did a lot of research for about a month before my quit smoking date, and I frequented a smoking cessation forum like this one. It wasn't easy, as I'm sure you all already know, but I knew that I wanted it badly enough. I used the patches (as directed) , and they served their purpose for me. I understood that they were a crutch to help me wean myself off of the nicotine while I was battling the psychological addiction. When I was finished with the program, I kept the last patch in my purse...just in case...would you believe it's still there?
I wish I could say that I never think about smoking, but that's not true. In fact, just a couple of weeks ago, I had a couple of pretty strong urges. That's all they are though...momentary thoughts about what it would feel like to light up. The thought of how horrible I would feel if I actually did light up has always been enough to keep me on the straight and narrow.
The 1-year mark is a bug hurdle...I'm proud of myself, but I'm not naive. I know that I can NEVER have another cigarette. Every night for this past year I have thanked God for getting me through the day without a cigarette, and I have asked for help with the next day.
The three biggest positive influences in my quit have been: Wanting to quit more than I wanted to smoke and committing to it Asking God for help Reading and posting in a quit forumI can't thank you enough, Christine, for the forum. I think I'd be puffing away right now if it hadn't been for you and the 'No Smoke Cafe'.
I'm so proud of all of those who have decided to quit. As some of you have said in your posts, only another quitter can really understand, and I sure do. It will always be one day at a time, and I can NEVER let my guard down.
Even though I found my initial support in another forum, I hope you all won't mind me hanging out here from time to time. It's a great support system for which I'm grateful, and I sure am happy to offer any support I can in return.
All the best to everyone.
Hang tough...don't puff! We don't smoke no matter what!
Michelle
QUITWIT (MICHELL15437)
Michelle's Quit Story
Michelle's 2 Year Milestone
Michelle's 3 Year Milestone
Michelle's 4 Year Milestone
Michelle's 5 Year Milestone
Patience With the Process
A Perspective on Using NRT's
There is No Substitute for Time
Depression When You Quit Smoking
Smoking and Degenerative Disc Disease
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