I'm happy to report I am still smoke-free.Thank you to all of you who have been wondering where the heck I have been lately. I'm doing fine and the new job is going well.
I did read serveral days of blogs this morning in an effort to catch up with everyone. Its great to see all the newbies. And if you are new to this site you will find folks here who sincerely care about you and will support you through your smoke-free journey.
When I quit smoking on 11//3/13 I used to be on this site constantly. I was unemployed at the time. When I went back and read my blogs I realized my last post was early Apirl. 175 days is just shy of 6 months. Wow thats hard to believe. After smoking for 35 years and attempting to quit many times I believe strongly this IS my final quit. Without a doubt it is because of this site that I am smoke-free today.
How did I do it? Well, I listened to the elders and connected to their success stories. I wanted what they had. I read blogs, posted comments and made the desision to tackle my addiction one day at a time. When I 1st quit I was mean and ugly to my love ones, sigh. It took my total focus not to reach for "just one". As to days and weeks started to add up I proved to myself that my world would continue to spin If I smoked or not. I became more confident and determined. I started to think less about smoking and more about how wonderful life had become without the ball and chain of my nicotine addiction. It was a gradual progression toward freedom. I'm extremely proud to be part of the EX team!
It's clearly a tough process to go through. No one will do it for you. There are no shortcuts. "The only way out is through".
Many times in life the most challenging tasks are the most rewarding (after the fact of course).
My tool box is full of distractions, techiques and rewards to support my quit. I'm confident you can remain smoke-free too. To accomlish this goal you must make the desicion to quit and hold yourself accountable one day at a time. Hanging out on this site will provide you with an excellent support group and the education you will need to be successful.
God has granted us one beauiful life. There are no do-overs. Take your best shot. Why not live life to the fullest with no regrets. Head up, shoulders back, chest out, be confident and strong. Be a role model to others. You never know who is watching.
I do not smoke anymore and I will not smoke today no matter what!
Have a great smoke-free day!!
Kevin d175
