I’m gonna quit. I really need to quit. I’ve been thinking about it for years. I know smoking is bad for me. I KNOW this. And it’s time. It’s just time. I’ve thought about it. This isn’t the first time I’ve thought about it. And I’ve tried a couple of times before but... anyway tomorrow will be THE DAY. Tomorrow I will wake up and not smoke. I will - just - not smoke. Tonight’s the night. I’m DONE! I won’t go buy any tomorrow. I’m really scared, but ... tomorrow I WON’T SMOKE!
(Later the next day) I slipped. I bought a pack. I feel guilty. I don’t know what to do. I really wanted to stop. But I couldn’t help myself. I was just going crazy at work, and then my mother called and....
Is this similar to your story? Then let us educate you about why you’re not alone in this thinking.
I remember thinking like that myself. “OK, tomorrow I just won’t smoke any more. I’m done. It’s important that I stop and - I’m done.” Never happened. Because I didn’t understand A) that this was an addiction and B) that I needed education on the subject let alone C) a PLAN to make it happen.
Then there were those times I quit when I was sick. And of course the moment I felt better I started right back up.
The reason so many of us never stay smoke free past the occasions of being sick or the “special occasion” quit times (like New Years & birthdays) is because we don’t understand the nature of this addiction. And that it’s not based on WILL POWER. Certainly self discipline is a part of the journey, so is an absolute committed resolve; but ultimately ‘will power’ is only as good as the next emotional stress point or when we’re feeling better again.
Talk to any long-term quitter here. What do they say? What do they emphasize? Education is what set them free.
We all go to bed at night wishing we could stop smoking tomorrow. Making a sorry and weak resolution to do so. The true resolution happens when the absolute, No Matter What, commitment is manifested and adhered to.
Think about it. But plan it. Don’t just say “finger’s crossed, wish me luck, here’s hoping.” Luck has noting to do with it. Hope is good, but education and commitment are what make that hope come to fruition.
I’m celebrating a 13 year quit today because I found a support site and people who had wisdom to share. And I listened. And I moaned, just like every other who begins this journey. But I stuck with it and stayed attentive and continued to listen and learn and grow my quit. And then I passed it forward. Support is what made THE difference. It’s a beautiful two-way street.
Grateful for all here who continue to pass it forward. Grateful that there is such a site for it to happen. Grateful to those of you who have remained steadfast and true to your commitment, and also to those who haven’t. For those who haven’t remind me of where I used to be and to what I don’t want to return, and those who have - give me a sense of pride and “I if you can I can, and I’d never want to let you down!”
May you all embrace your quits and may you all find the beauty in this journey. I’ve never met a quitter who said they regretted quitting. I’ve met many who’ve regretted the opposite.
Quit. Please. It’s a gift to yourself you may not like much when you first open it, but once you’ve spent some time with it you will cherish.
