Good Morning, Everyone
This is for newcomers, who don’t know where to turn to, and feel alone, depressed and overwhelmed by life’s challenges and problems… Never underestimate the power of a support group like this one!
I started smoking when I was 14 years old. I remember that first “puff”, steeling a cigarette from an aunt, who I was staying with over the weekend… I tip-toed into the bathroom with one of her cigarettes and lighter, early morning, when she was still sleeping… “WOW”... when I lit up it tasted terrible! I threw it down the toilet and flushed it away… However, most of us keep trying, because we are naïve’ about the destructive and addictive effects of Nicotine, until it is too late, and we are “hooked”!
There were no groups to support me. We had commercials on our tiny little black and white TV screens showing us people like the “Marlboro Man” who was handsome, and sitting on a beautiful Stallion Horse, looking out at a beautiful mountain scene, smoking a cigarette… There used to be lots of commercials on alcohol too! Bourbon, Whiskey, Vodka, lots of different beers…
My point today is that BecomeanEx.com is literally, a “lifesaver”!
My wonderful husband, whom I love very much, is a highly functioning alcoholic. I just joined Al-anon, which is for family members, who suffer from the effects of an alcoholic personality… In just a few days, I am learning so much on how I can “let go” and not feel shame or guilt because of his daily drinking…
Back to Nicotine, which is an addictive drug. If we smoke, we are Nicotine “addicts”, period. If you feel overwhelmed and depressed, ask for help here! Come here every day and participate. Read posts and discover how others feel the same, as you do. One day at a time, we can learn and support each other, and begin to change the things we can, within ourselves…
Quitting smoking is hard, at first. The first thing I did for myself, was to realize that I needed help and then put effort into participating with the “elders” and I tried to learn everything I was able to, to begin my journey in becoming smoke-free…
Make a sound plan to quit smoking. If you need help in forming one, ask how to do it! Many of us can help you in the right direction! In the beginning, it is best to keep it “one day at a time”! Live just for today, and don’t worry about tomorrow… If I can do it, after over 50 years of smoking, believe me, it is possible for you too! I wish all of you a very happy and smoke free Monday, and let’s all keep our beautiful quits, ok? Rosemary