This is what I posted on my Facebook page FOUR YEARS ago tonight. I got support there, but not nearly the support that I got here on EX. This site is amazing. Thank you to everyone who helped me here, both before, during and after my Quit. I will never smoke again. And I want to help others feel the same!
Ok. I'm taking a deep breath and going public with this: I am quitting smoking. I have joined a wonderful organization online called, "Become an Ex", and my Quit Day has been set for September 24. Prior to that day, I'll be tracking my cigarette smoking, establishing what my triggers are, working to separate triggers from actual smoking times, learning new behaviors and establishing supportive relationships with other people who will be quitting at the same time I quit. One of the preparation steps is to go public with your plan to quit and ask for support from everyone in your life. Sounds easy, right? But it's a scary thing to announce it to the world because even though I am DETERMINED to do this, there's this little voice in my ear saying to me "What if you fail? Everyone will know you failed!" However, failure is not an option. I smoked from the time I was 16 until I was 30. Then I quit, by participating in a wonderful program in Ann Arbor, MI, called "Smoke Stoppers". I quit for TWENTY-THREE YEARS. I was as dumb as a box of rocks to ever pick up a cigarette after all those years. I've been smoking again for almost four years, and thinking about quitting the entire time. And today, the scales tipped; as of this morning, I want to NOT smoke more than I want to smoke. So, I am asking for everyone to support me. I've done it before and I can do it again!
Wow! What Storm said. That's so scary. Guess we always have to guard our quits, eh?
Seriously, Nancy's story has always flashed in my mind right after I think about "just one," which is always fleeting and almost always just an academic thought now. But especially early in my quit, hers was THE cautionary tale that makes me know I will never smoke again. I think it's because she describes the descent I know SO WELL from previous attempts on her profile page.
I love this, Nancy. I remember our early days very fondly even though they weren't always easy. I'll be four years on Saturday!
Storm- this post was from four years ago. When I met you, briefly, in Nashville at the 3rd Ex Get-Together, I had already had a successful second Quit. I only tell my story to help others understand that you should always remember, no matter how long your Quit is, that you need to stay aware and and be aware of becoming addicted again if you aren't careful to protect your Quit.
Brenda, I love the hell out of you! Alway have, Thanks for always being here for me. DC rocks. We SHALL get together again. I promise. xxxooo, Sky
Good message Sky - always protect your quit. I quit once for over 2 years and stupidly started smoking again. I have wised up! NOPE!
I did not remember this, either. I think the lemon image blocked out everything else!!!!
A cautionary tale for us ALL. Great reminder!
Nancy
I'm wondering if 23 years ago they saw this as an addiction as they do now. I started smoking in the '70s and it was considered a "habit" way back then. This is a great blog to read. It should never be scary to anyone that one could go back to smoking. It's what we used to stuff things away. I'm of the mind-set of it's always going to be there. I just have to choose not to do it. Again, a powerful message to all ;-)
I didn't remember that either - that you'd been quit for 23 years. Great reminder - never take your quit for granted!
Me too. Smoked thirty years ... thought I would never be able to quit. Then I did, and lived happily for three years without cigarettes. One day, in the middle of a pity party, I reached for that old quick fix. Just one pack, I told myself. Four years later, there I was, still smoking and no better for it. (I guess the fix wasn't so quick, afterall, or even much of a fix, for that matter.)
So yeah. Anyone who thinks they're just going to have a one trick trip down memory lane, think again. IT'S AN ADDICTION! The next time you are buying your next pack of cigarettes keep in mind that you are actually selling your freedom.
I started smoking in the 60's and even back then i knew I was addicted I new it was not just a habit I had to smoke ! I was hooked within just a few weeks !
I have 571 DOF and I will learn from you Sky !!! It took to many years of smoking to get to this Freedom ! By the grace of God and the support from Ex and the strength within I will never smoke again and I will protect this quit !!!
Great blog, thank you for the reminder to protect our quit.
This is key to know that you are on your forever quit.
"However, failure is not an option".
Thank you Sky........
This is a brilliant blog, Sky, really, it says so much to everyone here and everyone NOT here. You have a big anniversary coming up soon...
Love you,
Ellen
"Failure is not an option...." Those were such Important words that you said 4 years ago! You are such a wise woman!
Great memories. May you have many more memories to come.
Larry