Turkey's Triumphs: Page 30
Musings from cold turkey quitters who've remained nicotine-free for at least 1 year
Victory@WhyQuit.com
Well, I made it to GOLD! It is great to see updates group which keep me vigilant in my thought wary of that little voice, that suggests such illogical things, like maybe just one today. Still just one simple rule of life: Never Take Another Puff! Freedom wins!
David Dieterle
I did it, one year since my cold Turkey Quit all because I came across this website and Joel helped me by linking videos to my journal and really following me.
I am so proud of myself. I had many moments over the past year that at one time in my life I would have drove to the gas station purchased a pack and lit up. But I didn't because I knew it would be throwing away my new life of no nicotine.
My Birthday was on Easter and I secretly told myself last year on my Birthday that my gift to myself was quitting forever. This year I promised myself to go back to eating healthy, no processed foods etc...
What I love the most about not smoking anymore is the smell, the way my skin looks, the way I decided to take up knitting to keep my hands busy, lol. I can't knit and the stuff I knitt is really pathetic but it worked for me while traveling and getting frustrated I would turn to knitting . I have a bag of knitting projects that are all a result of me not smoking, it is pretty funny actually. I never developed a cough during quitting and still don't have one. I feel much better and I love that I don't smell like an ashtray.
One thing I wonder about is that if I have to walk through a place where people are smoking it actually makes me start throwing up, I am so ashamed by this physical reaction but I can't stop it. I now hold my breath and then I am fine.
I am so proud of myself but I have to thank this site and all the members that helped me. I didn't post much after my 3rd month but I guess I didn't need to. I still always will check back in because I never want to be a smoker ever again!
Liza
When I first chose to quit, I did so with a determined mindset. I realized not only were cigarettes killing me, but they we're making the things I used to enjoy chores. Chasing my daughter around and realizing that I would stop interaction with her for a cigarette made my decision easier. I also realized, quitting for "her" was not realistic. I had to want it, or it wouldn't be.
One day I turned on my television and I saw a woman with a tracheotomy and noticed that could be me. I searched online for support groups to aid in my quit. I read for a few days before throwing my hat in. On April 16, 2013, I had 7 cigarettes left. I asked myself, 20 years, "isn't that enough?" Told myself, "when you go to bed, in the morning you won't smoke anymore." 11:45 smoked my last cigarette.
In the weeks to follow, I had to avoid certain social situations to make this work, because this 20 year relationship is not an easy break up. That green stuff you cough up (lol) nausea from standing in line behind someone who just put one out, getting to the counter and seeing your brand. Triggers, they were everywhere... Including my dreams.
Then I became proactive. I started going out again. Friends would offer a cigarette, I'd take it, and break them. Had to argue afterwards, but I ask for one now and they cuss me out saying I'm not gonna break their cigarette! Lol
The cravings dwindle after a few days and food tastes so much better now that my taste buds work. I know I'm rambling on, but I made it to a year! And I'm still alive! Feels great to be able to chase my 5 year old down. I can ride 5 miles on a bike none stop. No more burn holes in the interior of my cars.
It's within reach for those just starting. Everyone has to start at day 1. Take it one passing crave at a time and you'll do great! NTAP! Good luck on your journey.
George Mills
I've made it 365 days without one smoke as of today. Awesomeness!!!
Carolyn Thompson Chute
So this morning I got to see this on my quit counter! Free and Healing for One Year, 7 Hours and 6 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 7 Days and 14 Hours, by avoiding the use of 2192 nicotine delivery devices that would have cost me $556.25.
Thank you Turkeyville and Joel for the tools and support needed to do this. Especially in the beginning when it is so hard and seems to consume your thoughts and feelings. Coming on here to share my struggles, offer support when I could,and read from those who came before me was a godsend! For you noobs out there, yes, it can be done, no it is not easy, but it is so worth it! The feeling of freedom is immeasurable!
Lisa O'Connor
So, turns out as of 12 months ago today , I threw the last smokes I've ever bought in the bin. I guess it's a momentous occasion, but in fact ... it isn't. Today was no different to yesterday and indeed it will be no different to tomorrow. I'll get up, go to work, get stressed, have a laugh, maybe relax and go fishing ... whatever.
In fact today is also exactly the same as every day before I quit except for one thing: I no longer obsess over when I can get my next puff. I no longer worry that while I'm away I may run out. I no-longer need to lie about my addiction to my family. I no longer worry that what I am doing is shortening my life and reducing it's quality ... the list goes on.
The changes are not subtle and they are real, but they are so much a part of me now that I don't even think about it. Perhaps I should. So here's to me and you and everyone else who is keeping the addiction at bay. Cheers everyone. And to those just starting their quits? Don't loose heart! It's worth it! This is one thing I have done that I can say with complete certainty that I will NEVER regret. It really is as simple as just don't have a puff today.
Pete
One year since I quit smoking. One rule, keep the nicotine on the outside... just for today. That is truly all it takes.
Mike Korso
Achievement unlocked: Three-Six-Five - No smoking for one year, I am gold now. Thanks a lot guys!!! Without your support it would not have been possible.
Shree Kant
Yesterday I celebrated 1 year tobacco/nicotine free and I must say its well worth the effort. It's been about the best thing I have ever done for myself. So all you Turkeys keep strong and NTAP for the win.
Mcclellan Roger
1 year today... NTAP! Went to the doctor for a check up. Gained 15 lbs, my asthma is GONE and my breathing is back to a normal non-smoker between the ages of 26-30. Right where I should be! I'm no longer skin n bones! Woohoo! Keep up the quit you turkeys!
Bret Bunton
One year ago today I said no to nicotine, and never looked back. It was tough at first, but with a little perseverance and baby steps I made one week then two then bronze and so on. So to all the newbies and lurkers, stick with your quit, look forward to meeting the clam, free and happy you! It is the best decision you will ever make. N.T.A.P!
Jimmy Peny Carr
Happy 1 year anniversary of no cigs to me. This forum helped through a lot of tough times. Glad I didn't give up. Thanks everyone!
Tara Rice
Went gold today!!! Thanks to all of you. One of the greatest groups of people on the planet! The $2,376.18 I saved fit nicely into a 5 week trip to Cambodia, and temple climbing lungs helped as well! Good luck and continued success!
Jeff Wawryk
I am proud to say this weekend is 1 year! The willpower and knowledge of everyone here and all of the NTAP reading greatly helped. For those of you that are afraid, there is light at the end. There is hope for change and you CAN do it!! You must be tough and never give up. No matter what don't fall off that horse! If I can do it, you can too!
Thank you all for the support and for reading my first post here, ever. NTAP Power right here! My hubby is successful at 4 months! We did it, so can you. It feels great having our freedom, I love it and would never go back, we feel great!
Get educated HERE: Free Relapse Insurance
Shannon Whitten
Since Mar 17, 2013: 363 days smoke free, 5,453 cigarettes down, $1,567.74 saved!
I went gold on Tuesday! Couldn't have done it without the support of everyone here. I still can't believe it. Thank you all, old and new!! ntap!!
Laura McGowan
Hurray!! I am celebrating 3 years nicotine free today! I feel so great and life is great! I was a smoker for almost 60 years before I finally took my life back 3 years ago. Please celebrate with me and everyone stay smart and strong so that one day you can celebrate like me. NTAP forever!!!
Pearl Abernathy-Farnsworth
Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of my quit. I have never taken another puff since March 10th 2004, 5 days before my first granddaughter was born. I now have 3 more, and none of them have known me as a smoker. I was extremely grateful to your site and to the threads helping me through the first few weeks, months and years. Anyway, many thanks for all you do.
Marion Fitt (Carvoiero-Gold)
I am heading towards my 3rd year of tobacco abstinence and I smoked from age 11 to age 47. 36 years of my life living as a hostage to the big tobacco companies.
The only way to successfully quit is to go cold turkey. PERIOD. Get as far away from nicotine as you can. It is the only way to succeed.
I cannot tell you in words how amazingly healthy I feel. Every thing I eat tastes amazing. I can smell honeysuckle from blocks away. I can walk up flights of stairs and not get winded.
Smoking chips away at your reality. It is pure POISON.
John Madison
ONE YEAR!!! One year ago today I made a tiny apprehensive step to free myself from nicotine dependency. I wasn't sure that day that I would make it. I wasn't even sure then that I wanted to make it. It wasn't easy but I kept taking those baby steps, one day at a time.
Throughout this journey I've discovered benefits of quitting beyond my imagination. Today I'm so comfortable and rarely think about smoking. I don't ever want to go back to being a slave to my addiction. I believe I'll continue on this journey one day at a time.
Tami G Dehnert Nolte
To everyone who is just beginning this journey.....
I remember the moment I first made the decision to quit! I was so scared and wondered how I was going to live without being a smoker! How do you know when it's time to take a break? What do you do when you take a break? Will my car even start without me lighting up? Will I know how to drive without having a smoke? When will I know I am finished a meal? What will I do when I first open my eyes in the morning?
The physical addiction leaves very early in your quit ... the physiological was a little tougher! I didn't think that I was ever strong enough to quit! But I had it all wrong!!! You don't have to be strong to quit smoking. You just have to be smart!! With a few simple rules you can do it. One step and one minute at a time! NTAP!
And keep the nicotine on the outside! I remember my first visit to this forum and reading the posts ... the turkey parades and thinking ... wow all these people are superheroes in my eyes!! I looked up to them for being able to quit. I wanted to be just like them. Wanted to be on easy street so badly! Well, here I am 1 year 167 days and 13 hours later ... I can no longer see myself as a smoker!
I have sympathy when I do see a smoker that they don't realize the freedom they are missing out on. Congrats on making this amazing decision for yourself!! One day one moment one step at a time!
Randi Rusnell
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