the journey begins....

[madison13]

  After years of "thinking about it" I made a decision to commit to my health, end the excuses and quit the addition. 

  I began smoking around the age of 21 when I could drink at the bars/ clubs. Somehow, alcohol and cigarettes seemed to marry perfectly together. By the time I turned 29, I promised myself that I would not be a smoker going into my thirties. The thirties came and went.... along with all the empty promises to myself and false intentions. Stress ( mostly from the X) and depression fueled my self approval to continue smoking, after all, I needed "something" to be able to cope with it all. Cigarettes mimicked a comforting friend.... one that will eventually stab you in the back- "later" I will contend with that issue, for now it is a helpful friend.

  The big 4-0 happened and my "friend" was there to help me celebrate.

  Now, I see my "friend" starting to change me and I am not happy with the changes. From shortness of breath to the drain on my wallet, it is time to part with this "friend" and make new ones....

  I know it's not the easy road to take, but it is the high road.

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to our community!

We are so glad you are here!

We believe there are certain things that are necessary for you to become a successful quitter. The first is for you to educate yourself on what nicotine does to your mind and body. To that end, I like to recommend an Allen Carr book. Here is a link to a free PDF version of it:

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

Your education should also include what quit aid, if any, you will use. Read all you can about each, and talk to your doctor about what might work best for you. I believe those that don't let the addict control the dose (lozenges, e-cigs, gum) are the least favored – but whatever you decide will work for you is what is most important. Just be sure to make an informed decision about it!

You might also check out whyquit.com and quitsmokingonline.com.  You should do the tracking and separation exercises on this site, and read the blogs, and the pages of folks who have been succesful (click on their avatar to get there). 

After you have completed your preparations, you will be able to face your quit date with a plan in place!

The second part of a successful quit is preparation. It is a good idea to make a list of the reasons you want to quit smoking and keep it with you to review when the going gets rough. As well, keep a list of distractions you can use to get past craves.

The third (and most important) part of your quit is your commitment. Hint: if you keep cigarettes around just in case, you aren't committed. If your first thought when you have a crave is to light a cigarette, you are not committed. You just have to make a decision that NO MATTER WHAT, you are not going to smoke. You will do jumping jacks, take deep breaths, go for a walk, bite into a lemon, march in place ---- but you are NOT going to smoke!! If you start to think about smoking, that IS what you will do. Distract!

We want to help – but you have to do the work. It isn't easy, but it IS doable!

Congratulations on your decision to quit.!

Nancy

[madison13]

Thanks for the support! 

Do you happend to know if you can search for people in your geographical area?

[indingrl]

YAHHOOOOOO AND CONGRATS TO YOU MADISON♥PLEASE REMEMBER TO BLOG BLOG BLOG BEFORE YOU TAKE THAT FIRST PUFF OVER YOU♥KEEP ON KEEPING ON FOR YOU♥NOT ONE PUFF IN JESUS NAME AMEN AND AMEN♥

[Junior7]

Congrats on your decision to quit!  And welcome!

[alex64]

   Congratulations already !   You've taken a big step just writing what you have !

[Strudel]

Welcome to the site and congrats on deciding to quit! You are in the right place for support! Be sure to read the book Nancy gave you! I also like the free course at www.quitsmokingonline.com 

You can do this Madison - stick around! 

[Giulia]

Your journey to freedom began the first time you ever considered quitting.  You're now older and wiser and have progressed on that journey with that kernel of desire to quit.  That kernel grows each day you will come here and read.  So do.  Take what works and leave what doesn't.  But come here daily.  It's the necessary mind reinforcement that will enable you  to beat this thing, this addiction you call "friend."  Are you willing to make this rite of passage to your freedom?  Think about it.  Don't take it lightly.  It will take some sacrifice.  But I promise you it will be worth it.  And we're all here with you.  So have heart.