I have decided to become an EX!!!

[christinad316]

Today I made the decision to become an ex..and I have to say it is exciting and scary all at the same time.  I hope I can do this.  I just lost my mother two months ago and it made me think about how we spend our time on this earth..I want to grow old and see my children have children and I know that smoking will not get me there so I have put my family before my addiction. 

[Jordan-11-1-12]

Hi Christina, and welcome!  Congratulations on deciding to quit! Have you set a quit date yet? Make sure to check out the preparation exercises on the home page of this site. I'm sure an Elder of EXpert will be along soon with links to the suggested reading. I can not stress how important the reading is!!   whyquit.com   quitsmokingonlin.com  and Allen Carr's book, "The Easy Way to Quit Smoking"  are such important tools to quitting.

You have definitely come to the right place for support. You can do this, and everyone here wants to help! Its not as hard as we think it will be, so be excited for yourself. You're about to take control of your life!!!

[Jordan-11-1-12]

Here is the link to Allen Carr's book. Its an easy, free, online read that has helped many people stay quit.

http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

[SkyGirl]

Congratulations, Christina!  You have come to the right place.

In order to have a successful Quit, it is essential to start thinking about your smoking in a new way.  If you do the reading that is recommended to you, it will absolutely change the way you think about tobacco and nicotine addiction and yourself.

There are people here on EX who have been designated EXperts because of their experience and qualifications.  One of them will be along soon to post a link to some of the reading materials.  To start with, go to Quit.com and read an article called "Nicotine 101".  Also the most important link you will be given will be to a book called, "The Easy Way to Quit Smoking" by Allen Carr.  Do not skip the reading because the way you think about quitting is a good indicator of whether you will be successful.

Also, do the exercises here on EX.  Track your cigarettes so you can learn your triggers.  You may think you know everything there is to know about when and why you smoke.  But you will probably learn something new from the exercise.  Also, do the separation exercises, which will help you learn to start DISassociating certain times, places, events, feelings that trigger you to light up.

Set a Quit Date about two weeks from now in order to give yourself time to complete the reading and exercises.  During that time, come to this site often and blog.  Blog about your preparation, about your feelings, whatever.  And read the blogs of others.  The support of other people who are going through (or have already gone through) what you are is absolutely INVALUABLE.  You will make friends here.  They will help you and you will help them.

When you get closer to your Quit Date, there will be other things that will prepare you for quitting.  But start with the reading, the exercises and blogging.

Christina, we are SO happy that you have joined us here.  We will be here with you, and for you, every single step of the way.

Sky

[SkyGirl]

Jordan, you beat me to the punch on that link.  I really need to learn how to do links...

It's an easy read, Christina.  Let us know what you think about it while you are reading it, ok?

[christinad316]

My quit day is Jan. 9th and it will be approaching fast.  Thanks for directing me in the correct area for the reading material as I need all the help I can get...

[christinad316]

I will keep you updated on my thoughts of the book...

[SkyGirl]

You are welcome!  Also, most of the real interaction here on EX takes place in the blogs.  The forums are not used as much.  Here in the blogs, you will always get an answer, a response, a shoulder to cry on, a helping hand almost immediately.  Blogs are where the real action is...

[pugs_girl]

Welcome Christina!!!!  We are very proud of you!  Losing someone seems to be the time that we stop and think about our own mortality.  I'm so sorry that you lost your sweet momma.  I quit 2 years ago after losing my dad.  If that's what it takes for us to make this very important decision that I believe there's a reason for it.  Stay strong, belive in yourself, don't give up!!!  It's a tough decision, but you will see that so many people have been through it and we are all much happier and healthier for it!!!  Drink lots and lots and LOTS of water!!!  Take your happy butt out for a walk and learn to breathe during a tough time.  It get's easier each and every day......PROMISE!!!!  🙂 

[Ex_Nancy]

The most IMPORTANT thing you can do for your quit now is to educate yourself about the addiction and the mind games it plays on us....READ,READ,READ for a successful quit...the more you read, the EASIER it is...

CHOOSE to quit smoking, not TRY. Educate yourself by reading these links that most of us have used to help us quit and STAY quit! This is about making a DECISION to never put another cigarette in your mouth, mean it, and be committed to follow through on that decision. Also allow NO excuses AND hang in there for as long as it takes, no matter how uncomfortable you become.... This is about re-learning your life WITHOUT cigarettes....start changing your "normal" routine....because a smoker's routine revolves around cigarettes. You will be a nonsmoker so change how you start your morning so it doesn't revolve around cigarette breaks, etc. You CAN do this! ....http://quitsmokingonline.com/

Allan Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking -
http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf