Im back...and REALLY need to do it this time.

[lee76]

Hey everyone.

So some of you may remember me. So you you might not. Anyway, my name's Lee. Ive been in and out of this site for awhile...but I usually always end up coming back somehow.

Anyway, Im on day four of being smoke free now using the gum. But this time I was kind of forced into quitting and I want to use it as an opportunity to just stay quit.

So for those of you who dont know, I sing. And Ive been trying to make a name for myself for years. Well recently, I had a huge opportunity befall me. I cant say too much because Im not allowed yet but basically a Grammy award winner (who's collectively sold over 25 million albums worldwide) asked to fly me down to Florida in three weeks to collaborate on some songs with him. He then wants to push the songs out to the people he knows and have some really big named people mix them and listen. This is a HUGE opportunity to me. 

He's spending thousands of dollars on me. I CANT go down there smoking cigarettes. And I NEED this three weeks to let me voice heal a little bit so I can go do the vocals. If I mess this up, it'd be the biggest loss. So I REALLY need support here and CAN"T blow this. 

This is the PERFECT opportunity to make this my forever quit.

I cant sing and smoke. It has to be one. 

[ShawnP]

Glad you are back and that  you have this opportunity. If you are being forced to quit though, this wont be your forever quit. You have to want this and be willing to say no to it forever. If sininging is what you really want, then you must never pick up a cigarette again. Remember cigarettes will spell BAD NEWS in the end. Take a hold of your life now while you are young. Hoping your dreams come true for you!

[lee76]

Well maybe not forced to quit. I do want to. I just think this would be good motivation

[aztec]

HI Lee,

quittign for your dream is a GREAT start. I originally quit so I wouldn't make my son cry over a smoking related illness or my family. then I stuck with it and made ita quit for alot of other reasons too.

You can do this , you've done it before.

I am so glad you have this opportunity, Grab it by the horns and you will do well.

I have heard you sing and you are great.

To sing better without cigarettes is a wonderful reason.

I have to make breakfast.

talk to you soon

I would rather breathe than smoke.

aztec

quit date 5-5-09

[Nyima_1.6.13]

So, you have an amazing opportunity to improve your lung capacity and vocal chords before you go to Florida! You have four days down and that is fantastic! I do worry a little about how you presented this quit! Do you want to quit forever or take a break between now and Forida!?! If you get to Florida, do some studio work , go out for a few cocktails with your new found friends and your Grammy winner or one of his pals pulls out a cigarette! You gonna smoke one? Just askin' because, in my experience, you gotta really want this to improve your life not to impress someone else!

It does sound like a fantastic opportunity to become the best you can be as a singer! I don't have to tell you what a competitive career you have chosen. Don't blow it out your....lungs!

I am happy to support your efforts, just want you to be sure of your motivations! You are taking on quitting, the most important challenge in your life, as you head into a pretty wonderful but stressful career situation. So, put on your big girl panties and let's do this!

[Patty-cake]

Hi Lee. Welcome back.

I tend to agree with Aztec. Whatever reason that gets you started on your quit is great.

From what I have read, social reasons are why most people start smoking and social reasons are one of the big reasons for wanting to quit.

Please stay close to the blogs and let us know how you are doing. Dive into some of the suggested readings to strengthen your resolve. Education about nicotine addiction has been key for me in maintaining my quit. In the past, I kept thinking I had this addiction beat and, therefore, I could have just one. Well, we all know how that story ends.

[SmokedOut041412]

Good morning Lee.

I do remember you and I must say I was a bit envious. You see, my only regret from quitting smoking is that I didn't do it much sooner---You can!

And, singing would be much more enjoyable than the prison of smoking.

[aztec]

You can do this Lee, you did it for 6 months, you made it through the illness with your partner and some other tough stuff.

keep a journal, it will be like insurance for you, you don't want to go through the beginning stages again, thats the hardest part.

get a good mantra and reward yourself for your milestones.

you can borrow some of mine if you want

I would rather breathe than smoke,

smoking doesn't help anything

I don't have to do that to myself anymore.

come on kid, choose to live healthy, now is the best time,

nothing is going wrong with your health. take care of Lee.

love to you

aztec

exercies is a great feeling, go for that.

[debr]

Hi Lee.  I'm praying for you.  It's nice to see another south-eastern new englander here.  To my knowledge there have been only two of us up until you came back.  Good for you with your quit and your career!  Don't let the nasty butts ruin your life!  You were free long enough to know what you need to do.  I'm behind you!!!

[YoungAtHeart]

Congratulations both on this great opportunity and your decision to quit smoking!  I think it would be a good idea to reread some of the materials, especially Allen Carr's book.  Here is a free PDF link to it:

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

I am sure you remember a lot, but you still might find it helpful.  Also remember to distract through the cravings! Always remember our mantra, Not One Puff Ever (NOPE).  

Be sure to stay close to the site, and ask for advice and support as you need it.  We are all behind you, cheering you on!

Nancy

Quit 7/4/12

[Brenda_M]

Hi, Lee, welcome back! I remember you, too! We are here for you when you need us, and hope you will keep us updated on your wonderful opportunity!

Brenda

[mygirls-6-5-17]

Welcome back Lee, I don't remember you, I have only been here since September. Congratulations on your amazing singing opporutunity! I would grab this chance to commit yourself to quitting and never looking back.  You already have those hard first days in, so keep it going.  I am glad you found your way back to this site, make your plan and stick with it.

[mary242]

Dont forget all us little people when you become famous!!!!!!I hope your dream comes true and more than that I hope you never smoke again!! God bless. Stay strong and take care.....Mary

[karen-lane]

when u get famous u can make a song about quiting and inspire a generation

wouldn't that be cool, inspiring a generation, wow

stick with it, it can be done, 4 days , the hardest part is over, quiting, now it will be even harder, staying that way.   it isn't easy as everyone here will tell u and u know urself, its a fight for ur life, hope to hear u singing

[lee76]

Thank you everyone! That means a lot!

I dont want to quit just for the sake of singing better and this opportunity though. As I get a bit older, Im seeing more of the effect smoking has. Ive been on antibiotics twice in the past few months for bronchitis, my teeth are noticeably becoming more yellowed, I wake up every morning (except the last few days I havent smoked) coughing up a lung, etc. I hate that part the most. Waking up every morning to a coughing fit is awful... and that never really happened to me before 

[littlestream]

Hi Lee, sounds like an awesome opportunity! I had to quit even singing with the church choir cuz of smoking! 

Good luck with everything !

[Connie55]

I do remember you Lee. I am still here for you. One thing I want to point out to you is  since you mention quitting and failing a few times and always finding your way back here for support, keep that thought foremost in your mind when you come visit Florida. Something you have likely noticed at this time is there is no such thing as "just one". If you smoke one, you'll smoke the whole pack. Or, if you decide to smoke for onenight, it will be back to the same old addiction. There is only "none" or "all". For us addicts, there is no in between. So bascially, you are going to either choose your career and your dreams, or give them up to misery and life-long health problems and the possibility of losing your singing voice forever. There is no in between. If singing is what you truly love and truly want to do, then there is no such thing as "just one" no matter what lies your addicted brain tries to tell you. It's that simple. Make the choice and PERMANENTLY stick to it.