Quit Smoking Monday Messages

A Message to Those Who "Can't" Quit Smoking

Every now and then I come across a particularly compelling personal quit story at the support forum here at About.com Smoking Cessation. Walt's story is one of those, mostly because what happened to him could happen to anyone -- especially those of us who have decades of smoking under our belts.

Thanks for sharing your story, Walt.

From Walt:
"For 50 long years, I couldn't quit smoking because I was addicted to tobacco. As I grew older, I truly believed that I would never be able to quit. Smokers of any seniority can relate to this. As we grow older, we sincerely believe that we are forever and hopelessly addicted to smoking. At this stage of hopelessness, we begin to be alert for signs of cancer and other lung and heart diseases. How comforting it is to hear your doctor tell you that your recent chest x-ray was "negative" except for a few signs of typical smoker-related congestion. (Ah, I dodged the bullet again).

"At the same time, we start to condition ourselves that we probably won't live as long as our non-smoker friends. Then, we begin to predict the age at which we will succumb to the consequences of smoking...all the while puffing on another coffin nail. This is what I mean about smoking taking control of one's behavior.

"One year ago, I was strolling down the dock at one of our local marinas. For the prior 10 years, I had developed a new career in the boating services business. It was fun being able to earn a living in an industry that I loved. Suddenly, I felt an unusual pain in my forearms and an immediate loss of strength. I knelt down for a few seconds, thinking that it would go away..."

A Message to Those Who "Can't" Quit Smoking -- Walt's Story

Related:

• Smoking and Atherosclerosis

• Smoking and Heart Disease Statistics

• How Smoking Harms Us: From Head to Toe

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We all have the ability to quit smoking successfully, and we all deserve a life that is free of addiction. Honor your life by choosing Monday as the day to start and reinforce your quit program.

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