Just because I quit does not mean you will

[justsayno3]

How can we influence those around us to make the decision to quit smoking? I do not think anyone can make someone else quit. It is something that has to be internalized. But what I can do, or what we can do is be a beacon. We can shine a light for those in the dark to follow. I am eternally grateful for the EX for leading me to a new way of life. I had resolved myself to the life of addiction and smoking until my health just gave out, or I became too feeble or broke to keep smoking. The fear of cancer or ruining my ability to breathe was always lingering in the background. But up front and center was the strength and resolve to go get that pack a day.

Funny but sad, If the gas station where I bought cigarettes was going to hand me a $5.00 bill, once a day, every day, just for showing up to collect it, I truly believe I would not have been as motivated to go there as I was by the powerful addiction to smoking. I would not miss a day to buy cigs but would probably have missed days regularly to pick up my $5.00. Sad. But soooo powerful a drug.

I know people that have quit, we all do, but I just did not think it would be me. And now it is. I just hope I am a shining light for someone on this site or in my realm of influence that looks at me and sees that it is possible for them to quit. I was as big a smoking addict as anybody. I did not think I could quit. I really thought in my mind that I wanted to quit but until I found this site, it did not seem like it was going to happen. But the EX got me thinking a different way.

That thinking is where it all started. When I started thinking differently, I started to feel some hope that maybe I could try this. And so I tried it. I do not think I have missed a day coming on this site since I started here. And I do not think I would be where I am if I had not come here daily. But just because I quit and started thinking differently, does not mean those around us will quit. That is something they have to find for themselves. And it is a dark place they are trying to get out of. We can be the light, or beacon, that shows them the way. Stay strong and keep shining. Love ya'll.

I do not know about tomorrow, but I am not going to smoke today. For me NOPE foday.

Lee

[Patty-cake]

Hi Lee,

My husband had made it difficult for me to smoke for the past couple of years. And all that he had accomplished was to create friction between us. It wasn't until I was ready this past year that I even had a chance.

So I whole-heartedly agree with you. We need to be the light for others. It wasn't until I quit that the power of renewed life took hold. The love and support I receive here is incredible. Now I am able to share this strength with others who are looking.

[Nyima_1.6.13]

You are still my hero! Must have that cape on this morning 🙂 You're blogs always move me. Thank you

[debr]

Lee, What a wonderful blog this is.  Alongside the mantra, 'Just Quit', you also showed the emotional element to us.  Your "beacon" is shining ever so brightly!  No matter what, keep it lit.  Luv, Deb.

[Shadow420nc6900]

great post I agree 100% its like they say you can lead a horse to water but you cant make them drink . 

[SmokedOut041412]

Love this---You are a shining  light Lee! Keep it shining---I'm sure many will follow 🙂

[mygirls-6-5-17]

Thanks for shining your beautiful light!

[Connie55]

My husband quit smoking 7 years before I did. I tried and failed many times during that 7 year period but he never got rude or angry or really said anything to me about it. However, every time I failed I would see that look of pain in his eyes that I never truly understood until now. What I know now is that he was terrified to lose me and was praying that I quit so we can be together longer. I can't tell you how happy he is now that I too have succeeded. He was wise enough to be my beacon, as I know you are being for many people now.

[Giulia]

That gas station analogy is mind bogglingly true.  I thought, "yup," I be the same way.  Amazing how addictive we are to this thiing.  Lead by example, yes indeed.  Shine on Luminous Lee!

[joyeuxencore]

"I just hope I am a shining light for someone on this site or in my realm of influence that looks at me and sees that it is possible for them to quit."

I look at you and read your posts and you are one of the shining lights that helps me to STAY quit...thanks Lee...Like I told you day one...Man you are great writer! xo

[joyeuxencore]

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[joyeuxencore]

No Man's Land...Here we are together! Must be time for another NML party! SKYGIRL where are you? xo

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/SkyGirl-blog/2012/12/12/day-76-time-for-a-party-in-no-mans-...

[joyeuxencore]

Lee..just want you to be able to scroll through some fun times here as a distraction and re-focus...an example:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/ShawnP-blog/2012/11/03/feeling-blue  xo

[freedom-38]

Great post Lee!!!

You're doing so good!!

[joyeuxencore]

Lee..

On the first part of the journey
I was looking at all the life
There were plants and birds and rocks and things
There was sand and hills and rings
The first thing I met was a fly with a buzz
And the sky with no clouds
The heat was hot and the ground was dry
But the air was full of sound

I've been through the desert on a horse with no name
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the desert you can remember your name
'Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain
La, la ...

After two days in the desert sun
My skin began to turn red
After three days in the desert fun
I was looking at a river bed
And the story it told of a river that flowed
Made me sad to think it was dead

You see I've been through the desert on a horse with no name
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the desert you can remember your name
'Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain
La, la ...

After nine days I let the horse run free
'Cause the desert had turned to sea
There were plants and birds and rocks and things
there was sand and hills and rings
The ocean is a desert with it's life underground
And a perfect disguise above
Under the cities lies a heart made of ground
But the humans will give no love

You see I've been through the desert on a horse with no name
It felt good to be out of the rain
In the desert you can remember your name
'Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain
La, la ...

[freedom-38]

Hey look!! It's Vancouver!!

[serenav]

Hey Lee,

Great post!  I believe we all have to make the decision to quit for ourselves, and can only hope to be an inspiration for those around us, to follow our lead.  I love life and don't want to die young.  I am 37 days quit and am doing well, but still using e-cigs for now.  I already breathe better and feel better.  It's one day at a time.  Stay strong.  Thanks to Lee and everyone here for inspiring me.

Peace always,

Serena