When I first found EX (which was a completely random Google miracle), I wasn't even sure I wanted to quit yet.
And yet, here I am, a successful Quitter.
Why? Because when I came to EX, I could see that there were people here who had already achieved what I wanted to achieve: these people were ex-smokers and I was still a smoker. They had something to share. I should listen.
I accepted that. And I DID listen.
I read what they told me to read (even if it seemed stupid and simplistic.) Oh, how my ego had to eat some humble pie when what I read actually made ALL the difference in the world in my Quit!).
I did the tracking exercises offered here on EX. I learned that, even though I smugly thought I already understood my triggers (phone, car, coffee...duh), I had one MAJOR trigger that I had never before understood. Many smokers have unconscious triggers that they are completely unaware of!
I did the separation exercises offered here on EX. Yes, I felt stupid and (I'm embarassed to admit it) superior when doing these exercises. But, holy cow. I cannot tell you how scary it was to walk out of my door on a trip to the grocery store, leaving my cigarettes behind on purpose. And how incredibly empowering it felt to make that trip to the grocery store and back again without lighting up...and (surprise!) not dying for want of a cigarette.
There's been some discussion here lately about whether or not you have to WANT to quit in order to be a successful Quitter. Here's the thing, folks. You don't have to come here with the absolute conviction that you are ready to quit. But you wouldn't have found your way to EX if you didn't already have the "seed" growing in your brain.
You DO have to come here ready to listen, read, take advice and do the work. And when you make that DECISION to quit, you must COMMIT to that decision and that you must HONOR your commitment every single day, no matter what life throws at you. Did you hear me? I said, "no matter what life throws at you".
You must decide that you are no longer TRYING, ATTEMPTING, HOPING... You must decide that you will do whatever it takes to never smoke again.
Your addiction to nicotine is no stronger nor harder to beat than the nicotine addiction of anyone else who has ever come here to EX and been successful. (Hate to say it this way, but...you're not special. Nicotine is a equal opportunity addiction.)
You CAN do this. When you are ready to stop leaning on cigarettes, lean on EX. We are real people, not a burning stick of dried leaves. We will give you the emotional support that you THINK you've been getting from cigarettes.
xxxooo, Sky
