My Quit Day is June 1, 2018

[magicpaws]

Hi, 

Help! I have smoked for 50 years. I have multiple health issues and of course, all my doctors tell me to quit smoking. However, when I don’t have cigarettes in my possession, I panic. I’m scared because I’m not sure how to stop this habit of smoking. I understand the health risks, and all the negativity with smoking. I’m an intelligent professional woman and understand that I must quit or die early. You would think this alone would make me quit but it hasn’t. 

Has anyone experienced the same feelings? I’m scared for tomorrow because I’ll be without my cigarettes and I don’t know what the side effects will be mentally or physically. Can anyone tell me what I should expect, experience, or be aware of?

i really want to quit!

[elvan]

PLEASE do all of the recommended reading...I felt exactly the same way, I think many of us did.  I smoked for 47 years and thanks to education and the support from this site, along with my commitment to be free of this horrible addiction.  I have been smoke free now for over four years.  I was so ashamed of the fact that I smoked and that I KNEW it was killing me, I felt diminished and my self esteem was in the sewer.  I can promise you that it gets easier but it takes time and you HAVE to keep it in today, don't start thinking too far in advance...this is a journey and it is one day at a time.  There is no way to speed it up, there are no shortcuts...the only way out is through.  Do as much reading as you can...make a ritual out of getting rid of your cigarettes and see it as the beginning of your freedom and a BETTER life.  I suggest that you read this blog which was written by JonesCarpeDiem‌, I read it over and over again when I first quit.../blogs/jonescarp.aka.dale.Jan_2007-blog/2011/06/26/what-to-expect-in-the-first-four-months   There are many others but you have your work cut out for you.  READ, COMMIT, STAY CLOSE to the site....I came here every morning and every evening and the people here, the advice and support I got, saved my life.  Honestly, I will likely die from a smoking related illness but I am not contributing to it every day.  I am stronger and healthier in so many ways.  I have learned to deal with the feelings that I stuffed for 47 years...it is okay to feel angry, to feel sad, to experience pain...it is LIFE!  Someone wrote yesterday that she had started smoking so early that she wondered what people who did NOT smoke DID...we stunted our emotional growth by smoking...I used the mantra NOPE over and over again when I first quit because it was simple and short I and I could say it silently or quietly or out loud and feel supported...Not One Puff Ever.  I found it terrifying at first but then comforting as I said it repeatedly.  OldBones-Larry‌ says one of my favorite things..."One step and then another will get you to where you want to be."  Quitting is a journey...it is not an event.  

We are all here to help you in any way that we can.

Welcome to EX,

Ellen

[magicpaws]

Thank you Ellen,I definitely will follow your advice. I started reading everything I have found on this site and other websites. I’m trying to prepare myself for tomorrow but it helps to tell myself, “One Day At A Time”. I will need to keep telling myself that. I will update you on my hopefully promising day, June 12018.

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPad

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Start your day off with the pledge https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/thread/18025-the-daily-pledge-may-2017 ,   

[GyorgyiM]

Welcome!!

You've got a lot of wonderful inspiring LIFE CHANGING reading to do, but guess what? That's a good thing to keep your mind educated and busy to overcome the first few days as the poison (nicotine) leaves your body!

Stay cozy and close to US.......we need YOU as much as you need US !

Tomorrow  will be the first day of the rest of your HAPPY, HEALTHY smoke free LIFE !!

Miles of Smiles.............

[Lisaml]

Welcome! The elders on this site have given you the best “welcome” and reading material. I am on my 5th month and I can attest that it WORKS. The more you read, the more you learn, the better it does. It’s a journey, and I’m happy you’re here!! Xoxox 

[Mandolinrain]

Welcome to Ex, I can't offer much that what has been said but this is a fabulous community and your at the right place for support. You have mine

[SheriU]

I completely understand the fear of not having cigarettes.  I placed an unopened pack by my spare tire with a lighter.  I have myself two weeks to get rid of.  This past Monday i tossed them to a guy in a curb.  It felt so good.  When I first quit i got comfort knowing they were there.I almost pulled them out once but changed my mind while moving things around in the trunk.  Welcome to your new journey.

[elvan]

We all want you to be successful and we all KNOW that you CAN be.

Ellen