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 forum
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
