Our New Year's Quit Smoking Advice: Page 3
Successful quitters sharing New Year's quitting tips.
GoldenDivamom1972 Dec 17, 2005 #51
I didn't get to post to this thread last year. Why, do you ask? Because I was still in nicotine bondage.
This year is dramatically different, because not only did I quit smoking nicotine, but I chose to quit ingesting it in any way, shape, or form. Why spend more money to quit something that costs me so much money already? It just didn't make sense.
I went cold turkey on January 3rd, 2005 (No New Year's resolutions for me, thank YOU very much!). I have never, EVER regretted it. You too, can be a free person. If you quit (and you DEFINITELY don't have to wait for New Year's Day!), you will never have to worry about where to smoke, when you can smoke, if you have a source of fire, if you have a source of nicotine, if people can smell you, how long to your next fix...You get the idea. JUST DO IT. It will only be as difficult as you decide it will be.
Blessings,
Amy
Free from the bonds of nicotine for eleven months, one week, six days, 15 hours, 26 minutes and 32 seconds. 10429 cigarettes not smoked, saving $2,607.32. Life saved: 5 weeks, 1 day, 5 hours, 5 minutes.
Glenn Dec 17, 2005 #52
I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about lung cancer.
My mother had lung surgery earlier this year. Like most, she felt smoking would never have an affect on her health. My mother learned the hard way that smoking causes lung cancer and other serious diseases. While she did end up with a scar similar to the one shown above, the photo does not describe what she went through during the past six months.
First there was the anxiety of being in a large metal tube for over an hour during the PET scan. Next was the pain that her biopsy caused and the shock of being told the result. There was the apprehension of undergoing major surgery. The severe pain as she spent 4 days in ICU and 10 additional days in the hospital because the chest tubes needed to stay in her. Before the numbness of the incision was gone, next came months of chemotherapy, which turned out to be more difficult than the surgery. Imagine spending 5 days a week in bed, in considerable pain and too weak to eat or even to walk. The hair loss was difficult to accept, but the weekly trips to be given the chemo were almost unbearable. You have to willing ingest drugs that are essentially poison which cause nearly unbearable fatigue and cause you to vomit throughout the ensuing week.
For those without insurance, this process will also make you financially bankrupt.
Several months before my mother's diagnosis, I found whyquit.com and the Freedom site. They have helped me and hundreds of others to find and keep the freedom of not smoking. If you want to successfully quit, stick around. You will be glad you did.
Glen - Gold
California
johnnynonic Dec 18, 2005 #53
I thought that I could not live without "them".....
..... With my morning coffee.....On the way to work.....To get something done.......... After lunch.....On the way home.....After dinner.....With a drink.....
..... After a show.....During a movie.....Before going to bed.....
..... With my morning coffee.....and on and on and on.....
To have them.....
.....I chose not to go where I could have gone.....I chose not to ride with people..........I chose to leave others and be alone.....I chose where I wouldn't go.....
.....I chose to spend money on them rather than what it was meant for....
.....but really.....
.....I didn't choose at all.....
.....they chose for me.....
Then.....someone told me I could choose.....so.....
....after 32 years with them..........I chose to let them be.....
.....I chose to be free.....
.....it was easier than I imagined.....
You can do it to.....
.....join me..........for the next moment/hour/day....
.....don't take that puff....
....and before you know it...
.....you'll soon be on the road to....
Never Take Another Puff!
John
Michigan, USA
Nicotine free for over 8 1/2 Months Saved $1,156.51 by choosing to live without 4,769 cigarettes. Spent 2 Weeks, 2 Days, 13 hours and 25 minutes of my life doing better things.
You can do this :-)Oliviadawg Dec 19, 2005 #54
Welcome! I am so thrilled you are here ... I really feel like this Web site helped me change my life, and I hope it helps you, too.
I was in your shoes just a little over a year ago. At the time, I was 27; I had been smoking exactly half of my life and I could not imagine my life without cigarettes. As much as I knew I needed to quit, I was still so scared that I wouldn't be able to function without nicotine. Only superhumans could quit cold turkey, right?
Wrong. I threw away my remaining smokes, lighters, ashtrays. I read, and read and read from Joel's library. The first few days, I wasn't sure I could really make it, but as one day turned into two, and three, and a week ... each moment was easier, mostly because the information here at Freedom gave me the tools to understand the bigger picture of what I was going through.
Over a year later, I can honestly say that I do not miss smoking at all and quitting is the best thing I have ever done for myself. My quit was not always easy, but honestly it was easier than I had imagined, and it has ALWAYS BEEN WORTH IT.
Again, I am so glad that you are here at Freedom. Come back often and read as much as you can, and see if it makes the difference for you like it has for so many of us on this message board.
THERE IS LIFE AFTER NICOTINE, AND IT IS BETTER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE!!!!!
Olivia, Atlanta, GA age 29
I have been quit for 1 Year, 2 Months, 4 Days, 23 hours, 31 minutes and 17 seconds (430 days)!!!!!
amicalm Gold Dec 20, 2005 #55
Hi all. Happy Holidays!!!
I have been nicotine free for more than 10 months and very proud to finally have my first smoke free New Year..... after more than 25 years of addiction. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to see if it's true. It is true and it was really simple to quit.
1. Don't take a puff today.
2. Educate and motivate yourself here by reading the valuable information.
3. HAVE FAITH that what you read here is true......it does get better in a relatively short amount of time!!
There is no magic and it doesn't cost a thing. (You'll actually save a lot of money). Give yourself the gift of a smoke free life.......enjoy the journey....we'll see you around!!
Tanya
Atlanta, GA.
FREE for 10 1/2 months
Starshinegrl Gold Dec 22, 2005 #56
Are you still thinking about quitting, wanting a life without nicotine so much but still coming up with loads of reasons why you can't do it today?
There is really nothing to be afraid or scared of if you do it the Cold-Turkey-way. Don't let anybody tell you that you need NRT-products to replace nicotine with nicotine. You are the one person who can take your life back.
You honestly don't have to wait for the New Year or for that magic moment when you know it is time - you can just go ahead, do it, cherish the one and only life you have got and give yourself and all those who love you the best gift anybody could possibly think of!
No matter how young / old you are or feel: It Is never too Late! With WhyQuit.Com you have found THE place on the internet, where you can learn everything there is to know about nicotine addiction and see for yourself what it is doing to all our bodies and minds. You know you want it: so allow yourself to follow your dreams!
Not that you need to but have you ...
... ever thought about being able to fly? Once you have taken off, there are not a thousand or more rules to obey, all you ever really need to do it this ...
What are you waiting for? Don't think you can't do it - as you most certainly can!! Don't be scared or afraid: Just go ahead and do it ... you are really, really worth it!!
Gitte,
who celebrates 391 days and a bit days of nicotine free living today and
who also was exactly where you are now just over a year ago.
TickTockGold Dec 30, 2005 #57
I have been trying to think of something profound to say but can't come up with anything spectacular. My advice? Just quit. Period. There's no secret to quitting. Tell yourself " I Quit" and mean it. The rest is simple, never take another puff. I smoked for 50 years when I was told to check out WhyQuit.Com and Freedom From Tobacco - Quit Smoking Now.
It wasn't always easy, but by taking it one day at a time, educating myself in Joel's Library, it all fell into place. Always remember one puff = all. My only job now is to remember the promise I made to myself to NTAP
Dina nicotine free for 1 year, 9 months
FirmKak Gold1 Dec 30, 2005 #58
Today is 20 months without a cigarette. I remember sitting at my computer wondering how in the world I was going to stop smoking. My cough scared me...the smell embarassed me... I didn't want to wait around for that dreaded diagnoses. I found why quit and the rest is history .... I found out HOW to quit. WHY I smoked and WHAT to do... NTAP!
If you are on this website, reading these messages... you have two roads.. you can take either. If you choose the road to quitting.. you will travel a path chosen by many.. a path to Freedom! Freedom from the slavery of nicotine addiction.
You only quit for now.. one day at a time!
Best of luck!
Sissy 20 months
CMondragon21170 Dec 31, 2005 #59
Last year at this time I was 4 months "old" to my quit.
I had no idea where this smoke free/nicotine free journey would take me-and for once in my life I was not obsessing over the details. I did have moments of anxiety about "what next?", but I do believe that because I remained here at Freedom and WhyQuit and read, read, read, it helped ease me into my comfort w/out any drama.
I could write volumes about what I've discovered in my own journey. I am still, to this day, incredibly proud of what I've done for myself, my family. And I've realized that if there was ever any way for me to honor my mother's memory-what better way than to quit smoking?
Isn't it time for you to write your own volumes about your own journey?
Chevet' - Free and Healing for One Year, Four Months, Eleven Days, 13 Hours and 16 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 138 Days and 11 Hours, by avoiding the use of 9971 nicotine delivery devices that would have cost me $2,671.77.
WILLIEGOLD1 Jan 04, 2006 #60
GUY A.K.A. WILLIE (GOLD) HAS NOT SMOKED FOR 2 Years 23 Hours 44 Minutes 25 Seconds 25619 --CIGARETTES NOT SMOKED, WITH A CASH SAVINGS OF $3,842.94 AND WITH A LIFE INCREASE OF 3 Mos 2 Wks 1 Day 17 Hrs 57 Mins 43 Secs ONLY IN THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS . THIS AFTER 30 YEARS OF SMOKING.THANKS TO WHYQUIT.COM
forza d animo Dec 15, 2006 #61
As you read the words on this page, the testimonies of nicotine addicts like yourself who came before you, either with the excitement of having just quit or the trepidation of someone contemplating a quit, I hope that you will take a moment to pause and consider your options. If you continue to smoke, your chances are 50/50 that smoking will kill you. In some cases quickly, in others slowly and painfully. Your options are a 50/50 chance of an early death by your own hand or a life free of tobacco and nicotine. Which will you choose?
You are here seeking help. I know it is so, because all who find themselves here and read, like I once did, stay and read because what they have found is a promise of relief from the burden of nicotine addiction. If you didn't think it was a good idea to quit, then why do you find yourself reading these words? WhyQuit.com
We have the answers to all of your questions. We know the secret to quitting once and for good. We are a free, nicotine recovery support group and knowledge base. Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco or using nicotine replacement has already cost you physically, mentally and financially. Freedom from tobacco will cost you nothing except an investment in yourself. The dividends you will earn when you quit will not just be in the money that you save but the life you will rediscover as you learn that you don't need tobacco to live, to cope, to celebrate, to mourn or to contemplate.
Come learn the truth about cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and nicotine replacement. Most important of all come learn how good life can be without them. The day you leave them behind will become a defining moment in your life. Let us help you learn how to Never Take Another Puff, dip or chew.
Perhaps you can relate to some our stories. Have you ever ... ?
Joseph
Smoke free and nicotine free for 2 years, 2 months.
realmarino Dec 16, 2006 #62
Wow Joe thank you so much for sharing your story. You choose to live!!!
You have shown us what a strong hold those cigs have on us. But have also shown us that WE are stronger if we choose to be. On to bronze and then silver for you. You wont believe how much better it gets. I know because I am there!!!! NTAP
I have been quit for 8 Months, 3 Weeks, 6 Days, 16 hours, 40 minutes and 10 seconds (271 days). I have saved $774.32 by not smoking 3,260 cigarettes. I have saved 1 Week, 4 Days, 7 hours and 40 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 3/18/2006 11:00 PM
dennyb2 Dec 17, 2006 #63
Congratulations, YOU are one of the lucky ones to have found us. That means you want to quit smoking or chewing or otherwise using nicotine.
Now for the really good news. We will share with you the truth about your addiction Nicotine Addiction 101 and how to arrest it WhyQuit.com and the cost to you will be 0.
If you want to quit please read here. You will find the truth as well as a very serious group of ex-smokers who willingly share their experiences with you.
We live our lives nicotine free. You can too and it is much easier than you think. "NTAP" Come read and learn the power or these four simple letters.
Denny B
Albany, NY
Addicted to nicotine for 38 years - finished my smoking career at 2 packs a day - now 266 days nicotine free ans life gets better every single day! Interested?
katsrule8 Dec 19, 2006 #65
IF YOU ARE READING HERE
You have made a decision to stop smoking, you have been searching for answers, you have probally read other sites, articles anything that will make this easier - well look no further you have come home - if you are committed to take control of your life acknowledge that you are an addict, then be prepared to absorb the knowledge here at WhyQuit.com, take back your life and become a happier, healthier, and wealthier person.
All you need to do is invest 72 hours to become clean - then it is simply mind over matter and one day at a time, reading or listening here to reinforce your desire to become an ex smoker. No one can do this for you, this has to be your quit - I personally have had such an easy quit after 35 years of smoking, thats not to say I am complacent .
Bonus
I can breathe, I don't cough in the morning anymore
I have whiter teeth
My skin has a glow that I havent seen for ages
I don't smell anymore
I love my food, taste and smell has returned
I am richer
Maybe I have just saved my life by adding a few more natural years.
This is to just name a few wonderful things that have happened to me.
So if you are an AUSSIE (or anyone else) what are you waiting for.
Suzie - Free and Healing for Two Months, Twenty Three Days, 10 Hours and 59 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 4 Days and 16 Hours, by avoiding the use of 1351 nicotine delivery devices that would have cost me $610.21.
kysbrlady Dec 19, 2006 #66
It was once suggested to me that I picture recovery from addiction as a bridge. On one side of the bridge there is active addiction. It is cold and dark. On the other side of the bridge there is recovery. On that side of the bridge it is warm and there is the light of truth. We stood in the cold and dark. We did not know that the bridge was there. Then, some of us got lucky, we found the bridge. Others waved to us from the other side and said "come join us". Each of us had to make the walk across the bridge ourselves. We could not be pushed or pulled across. Some started across only to run back to the what was familiar. Some made it all the way and even then, ran back to the cold and dark. Others stayed in the warmth and the light. They found Freedom From Tobacco and they never took another puff.
On March 28, 2006 I decided to make the journey across the bridge myself. I packed my bag and started out. In my bag I packed all the knowledge I could carry that I had found at WhyQuit.com. The knowledge helped me when the going got rough. The people in the light continued to wave and cheer me on. I have made it across the bridge and found the wonderful dwelling place of Freedom From Tobacco. The people on this side of the bridge still continue to help me when I feel an urge to run back across the bridge to my old way of living. We all help each other to remember what it was like before and how gratifying it is to live a life free from our addiction.
After over 30 years of addiction to nicotine I have found the warmth and the light. I never want to go back to the cold, dark, prison of nicotine addiction. Now, as the New Year approaches, it is my turn to wave and say: COME JOIN US!
Kathy, Bowling Green, KY
I have been quit for 8 Months, 2 Weeks, 5 Days, 13 hours, 45 minutes and 41 seconds (263 days). I have saved $1,238.78 by not smoking 10,542 cigarettes. I have saved 1 Month, 6 Days, 14 hours and 30 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 03/28/2006 6:00 AM
Joe D0 Dec 19, 2006 #67
SUICIDE BY CIGARETTE
My name is Joe and I am addicted to smoking cigarettes. I have suffered and continue to suffer from the effects of this deadly drug which I freely administered into my body.
After forty-five years of smoking I have contracted emphysema. I stopped smoking cigarettes cold turkey with great thanks to the free education I received at this website.
Since my wife quit smoking at the same time as I did we have saved almost $2,500.00; and that is after only four months of living free and clean of nicotine.
I prefer not to dwell on the financial aspect of quitting smoking cigarettes because I genuinely care about the many friends, neighbors, family, associates, and yes, even strangers who continue to ingest nicotine poison. For me it was cigarettes, but the good folk at Freedom and WhyQuit factually report that the poisonous effects of nicotine ingestion covers the gamut from chewing, smoking cigarettes and cigars, and/or "snorting" it.
I have so much to say on this topic but do not wish to make it seem that I am any kind of voice of authority with regard to the website or educational material which is freely provided. I am an authority only about me, how I think, what I do to stay on the clean side of my life and how/what I do to protect my quit from smoking.
Most importantly, I need to tell you exactly why I stopped smoking. Certainly it was not because my doctor told me to do so; he/they have been telling me that for years. It was not the social stigma of standing outside the workplace in a doorway to cop a few drags, nor was it the fact that I needed acceptance from my buddies who also smoked.
I was hospitalized twice with bronchitis which evolved into pneumonia. I was told this happened to me because my health was compromised due to smoking. Do you think I listened? Do you think I cared? Nope, first day out of the hospital I was right back at it with my brand of choice. That's what addicts do, we can't or won't fight it, and we lie to ourselves by thinking we can't live without it. Actually, the reverse is the truth; we cannot live a decent quality of life if we continually poison ourselves with nicotine. I think this addiction actually affects every part of our bodies in one way or another but I didn't consider any of that, denial was more suited to who I was.
No friends, for me I had to come face to face with my own mortality. My constant bouts with bronchitis eventually evolved to what was termed COPD which is: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For me, I understood this to be the precursor to emphysema which it was but do you think that stopped me from smoking? Nope, it just made it more dangerous, exhilarating and stupid. So, forty-five years down the pike ruining my health, I am now sixty-five years old and living with emphysema; predictable huh?
For many years prior to quitting smoking I had been suffering seizures. At first they were like excessive pins and needles in the head leading to blurred vision and some extreme coughing. As I progressed with my debilitating mental sickness of nicotine addiction, the seizures became a lot worse. I would fall to the floor in a semi-blackout but feeling weird sensations covering my entire body. I would shake and quiver and although I could see to a degree, I could not talk or breathe. Later, I would suffer total blackouts where I saw and felt nothing. Fortunately for me God granted me the ability to return to reality (not normalcy). Luckily, one of these seizures happened in the hospital while they had the CAT scan focused on my carotid artery. I saw the playback later, the artery actually contracted from what seemed like a half inch in diameter to what looked like a squished soda pop straw; this artery feeds blood to the brain. I was given some medications to help me control my problems and allowed to go home after some severe admonitions.
I continued to smoke.
I half heartedly tried acupuncture, the commercial patches and gum, "feel good" medications and even hypnosis; none of it worked to help me stop smoking. Looking back upon those times, I don't think I wanted to or was ready to quit smoking. I wonder whether or not I was waiting for the undertaker.
Four months ago I sat at this computer smoking while typing the next great American novel. I walked downstairs to get a soft drink. My wife was away for a few days on business so I was home alone. Halfway down the spiral staircase I started to cough violently. My body stiffened and twisted while the shakes started. Trying to hold onto the banister I slammed my back against the railing of the staircase and fell down the rest of the steps. I had a blackout seizure and there was nobody to help. When I "came to," I thought I had broken my back or fractured some ribs, I had really bad pain. With much effort I crawled to the couch and managed to get into a semi comfortable position. I was telling myself; "this too shall pass." Eventually my breathing stabilized and I knew that I did not puncture a lung with a broken rib. I managed to stand erect with some effort so I figured that I had not caused any real damage to my skeletal system. I thought; "perhaps some bruised ribs or muscles, I will tough it out." Once again I was lucky but the pain did not go away. Sleeping was iffy at best as I had to keep adjusting my body position due to the pain. After a few days of this agony I bit the bullet and went to see my family doctor.
His examination revealed that I had bruised some muscle but the trauma of the fall brought on a case of shingles; more medications different disease, what a merry-go-round. Wouldn't it be nice to tell you that at this point I had learned my lesson? Nope. In my junkie thinking I rationalized that shingles had nothing to do with smoking so I could just continue my life willy-nilly without a second thought to cigarettes, nicotine, addictions, or shingles.
A day or so later, my wife had come home and was is in her office fifteen feet from me. I was surfing the web looking for a chicken-hearted way to quit smoking. Of course, I had a lit cigarette right in front of me. A small cough led to an attempt to take a deep breath but I could not. I was restricted from breathing and I fell off this swivel chair to the floor floundering around like a fish out of water. Drastic convulsions, shakes, clenching of teeth and extreme cold to my extremities caused great fear. I thought this is the one; this is the episode which will claim my life or render me mentally diminished.
My wife totally freaked out. There was nothing she could do and she knew it. She had seen these things happen to me before and knew if she called the paramedics the seizure would be long over by the time they arrived. She just lay on the floor and lovingly held me.
After a while I had some water and slowly returned to where I was; sick but controlled, at least until the next time. I looked at what I was doing on the computer, the search engine listed WhyQuit.com. I started to read. I smoked for another day or so but reading "Joel's library" made perfect sense. I firmly resolved at that time and after all those years to stop smoking cigarettes cold turkey and so did my wife.
I had decided that suicide by cigarette was not a good way to die; I have children, grandchildren, a loving wife, and an elderly mother to care for. In short, I have an awful lot to live for. I owe it to myself, even if at this late date, after so much history behind me, I owe it to me to capture what is left of my life and live it as healthy and happily as I can. I vow to do this by learning all I can about this addiction, listening to others, and applying the techniques that are freely dispensed by freedom and whyquit. The most important lessons I have learned are pretty simple but they are paramount if you really wish to quit smoking.
1- Never Take another Puff (NTAP)
2- One Day at a Time (ODAT).
3- You can only do this by yourself for yourself
And now for the good part: After a week or so of my quit from smoking the seizures started to decrease in intensity; thank God. I have not had one in months.
A few months down the road I started self testing using the portable PFT test device. (PFT = pulmonary function test.) Within four months, I have tripled the positive values on that test, going from a meager 88 to over 350. Although I am not where I am supposed to be on that test, I continue to improve. This means that I can breathe deeper, walk longer, have more endurance, and yes, I have even started to jog around the neighborhood. To add in the obvious, food tastes better, the air smells cleaner and our home is nicotine free.
If you who are reading this message are still smoking, truly I can say to you that I understand your fear of quitting. I do however beg you with all my heart to consider what you are doing to yourself with each drag you inhale. You are poisoning yourself friend; mentally and physically. I am one of the lucky ones; I am so far, a survivor but that doesn't mean that you or anyone else can play the game and slip by like I managed to do by the grace of God. Some die quick, some die slow, agonizingly slow, think about it, isn't it time for you to stop this silliness? At this point in my life, I am absolutely terrified to smoke a cigarette. I wish I felt that way back in 1961 when I first started to ruin my body so painfully slow.
Thank you for reading this message, my hope for you is the same as it is for me; a message of hope! Yes, you CAN stop smoking.
Joe Doherty - Free and Healing for Four Months, Three Days, 21 Hours and 33 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 17 Days and 11 Hours, by avoiding the use of 5036 nicotine delivery devices that would have cost me $1,265.52.
smokefreeJD Gold Dec 19, 2006 #68
There's no magic pill. There's no magic wand. But you do have to be truthful with yourself. You have an addiction. The good news is that you're not alone.
I was a smoker for about 12 years, by the time I quit I was nearing 2 packs per day. I was also a child raised by chain-smoking parents who in those days didn't try very hard to keep their kids away from secondhand smoke. To say smoking was part of my identity is an understatement.
I always knew one day I would quit, the problem was "How?" On one hand I'd heard cold turkey was the only way to go, on the other I'd heard that cold turkey was about as fun as a self-inflicted beheading. I also heard that I would be suffering the rest of my life. I was at rock-bottom.
I found WhyQuit by accident, I was preparing to engage another patch-aided quit. (notice I said "another") When I started reading Joel's articles something happened, it was like a light went on. It just made sense. Remember when you were a kid and something was happening that you didn't quite understand, you just wanted someone to tell you what was going on? That's Joel. And that's ALL of the members here at Freedom, we will help guide you through the haze of withdrawal and we will welcome you to the ex-smoker's section through the use of education, support, and logic. That's it! It really is that simple.
Life here is full of fresh air, sweet smelling aromas and total comfort!
Jill
Kicking Butt for 4 Years, 2 Months+
Living in WV, USA)
Jeff S 1966 Dec 21, 2006 #71
Quitting isn't easy, but educating yourself about nicotine addiction does make it doable. I may be a "newbie" ( a little over 3 weeks quit) but I plan on making this quit last forever.
I have a history, like most smokers, of trying to quit unsuccessfully. I never knew fully what I was up against. Luckily I found this site, and Joel's library. I never thought about learning all about the addiction as an aid to quitting, but it really does help. If you tried to fly an airplane with no instruction in aviation, you probably wouldn't get very far. I never got far with previous quits, because I didn't know much about the addiction. I thought the cravings would be constant for the rest of my life, but they actually peak after 3 days and are gone after 2 weeks. I thought I could be a part time smoker, having 2-3 a day, but now realize it's the full addiction or no nicotine at all. The more knowledge you can get about the nicotine addiction, the better you are prepared to fight the urges and cravings, as well as know what to expect and how to handle it. Read Joel's library all the way through, and keep the articles handy when you are struggling, it helps to read them. Never take another puff. One day at a time. Congratulate yourself at the end of the day for not smoking, and face tomorrow with confidence. You can do it, and it does get easier!
Jeff - Phoenix, Arizona USA
Jeff - Free and Healing for Twenty Three Days and 16 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 1 Day and 23 Hours, by avoiding the use of 575 nicotine delivery devices that would have cost me $115.16.
heath0210 Dec 21, 2006 #72
For to long I listened to other people and advertisments informing me how difficult it was to quit. How wrong they were!!!!!!!!!!!! Here at whyquit, you will find that the more you read the easier it gets, you educate yourself and understand just exactly what your mind and body are going through, no gimmicks and no miracle patches prolonging the withdrawal period. I was a smoker of 20 years, 25 death sticks a day and I am not far off bronze (3months). Both my parents have quit by just reading articles from this site, in fact my dad was a smoker for 50+ years and he has just turned green (1 month), my mum will be bronze a week after me!!!!!!!!!!!! If you don't feel like reading there is also the video lessons, my Dad likes these, so truly there is a way for everyone to be educated and you have just found it my friend, so sit back read or watch and enjoy your new found freedom.
Heather.xxxx
Free and Healing for Two Months, Eighteen Days, 8 Hours and 52 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 8 Days and 6 Hours, by avoiding the use of 2381 nicotine delivery devices that would have cost me £563.78.
TOM DPLN1 GOLD Dec 21, 2006 #73
Hello Fellow quiters,
Congratulations!!! You have foune the greatest ssource of education regarding smoking cessation. After a 2+ pack a day, 44 year deadly addiction I am now celebrating 3 yerss of freedom. How was this accomplished?? Education! Education! Education! Read the material offered at this site and educate your- self. I cannot stress enough the importance of learning and understanding the law of addiction. Additionally I recomend thant you take it one day at a time. Do not look to far down the road. When you wake up tell yourself "Today I will not smoke" and tomorrow will take care of itself. You Can Do This!!! All it takes is to NTAP ( never take another puff).
Wishing you all a nicotine free 2007.
Tom, 36 months of glorious freedom.
Pennsylvania, USA
JoeJFree Gold Dec 22, 2006 #74
"Why I Thought I'd Never Quit"
Don't have a real good answer for that one. I guess it's because I hadn't been able to succeed in doing so despite several 'assisted' or 'educated' &/or 'Prescribed' episodes over the last 25 years or so. Because I'd never been fully educated about who held the Key to my Freedom. I didn't understand what it meant to be a nicotine addict nor did I fully comprehend the irrefutable simplicity of The Law of Addiction.
(and how surprisingly different things are now that we have - the whole truth)
The Truth: The Final Truth
Turns out we all possess the Secret Key to our Freedom From Nicotine.
We are able to choose for ourselves by finally no longer allowing nicotine any say in the matter.
I'm not different but my life sure has been changed for the better since I decided I wanted to be 'Just Me' again after 40 years.
Never Take Another Puff
If you don't want to smoke or chew tobacco then .....don't ingest tobacco.
Easier said than done but do-able all the same.
"Because I'm not done livin' yet."
JoeJFree from the demands of my addiction for Two Years on January 10 2007
TinaLEM1 Dec 22, 2006 #75
I quit smoking loads of times. Sometimes it lasted a day, other times a few days, weeks or even months. In my heart I believed I could never escape my addiction. I knew I was a fool. I knew it would kill me. I hated myself for smoking, but I was afraid, very afraid that I would never get through a day without either smoking or being in a foul temper and wishing I could smoke.
As I write this, I can't actually remember when I last thought about smoking. I found Freedom nearly seven months ago. My fear has gone. I'm still an addict and always will be, but smoking isn't a part of my life any more.
After 16 years of smoking, I have been quit for 6 Months, 4 Weeks, 13 hours and 44 seconds (211 days). I have saved £1,078.86 by not smoking 4,230 cigarettes. I have saved 2 Weeks, 16 hours and 30 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 24/05/2006 21:30
Please come and join us. You will never regret it.
Knowledge is a Quitting Method
