I had not found the Ex community when I first quit and, to be honest, I believed all the horror stories about quitting and was terrified. I practically chain smoked leading up to my quit date. I came up with Hershey Kisses as a way to pacify my cravings and took the leap of faith. That worked well until I made myself sick from eating so much chocolate and then thought, "Now what am I going to do?" My daughter was home at the time, and with a wisdom I didn't have, knew that distraction was key. She brought me Angry Birds to play and, over the next several days, that was my constant companion.
I found the Ex site on the fourth day of my quit and read, and read and read some more. I learned what nicotine did to my mind and body. I learned I was an addict. I learned techniques to help me get past the cravings. I found a wonderful, supportive community that lifted me up when I was in danger of falling. I won't say it was always easy, but I DID it! It's now been over two years and, although I do think about a cigarette from time to time, that's all it is: a passing thought.
You can quit smoking, too! Do the reading and the preparation. Make that decision that you will not smoke NO MATTER WHAT! Take that leap of faith!
I promise you that the freedom is well worth the effort. Just DO IT
Nancy
