As I reflect back on 2,000 days of being smoke free, I can't help but remember how difficult those first days were. I KNEW that I would never be able to make myself go through them again, so I knew from Day One that this was going to be my first, only, and forever quit. I did not find this site, the educational materials, the planning and preparation tools, and support until four days into my quit. I think it might have been easier with it.......but I went it alone in the beginning. I had decided that I would handle craves and associations by substituting a frozen Hershey Kiss. Well, about 4:00 on my quit day, I was sick from all the chocolate, and just didn't know WHAT I was going to do. Luckily, my daughter was visiting, and she knew, somehow, what I needed, She brought her iPad and Angry Birds to me, and I played that game nonstop for the first week or so. I found this site, and all the good information, blogs of the elders, and I was on my way! I had some rough spots, but I knew my support system was always here. When I needed help the most (around Day 106), I blogged “HELP” and received it.
I cannot begin to describe how wonderful this freedom from addiction is....and it's why I have hung around these many days. I want EVERYONE who seeks it to experience this freedom. If you are new at this, hang around, read, read, and read some more, ask questions – listen and use the advice that you feel will work for you.
I smoked for over 40 years and never believed I could quit. I DID – and you can, too!
Nancy
