Quit Buddies

[bonniebee]

One of the first things I noticed when I quit on this site was the elders who guided me though the first days and weeks and also teaching me how to navigate this site (we were on the old site which was easier then this one ! ) I clung to them as I got though the first weeks of my quit and they were there for me !

   Then I began to really notice the ones just ahead of me and from them I learned what to expect next and how to get through the tough times ahead . As some dropped out of sight I just kept noticing the ones who were sticking it out .  Some even had the nerve to call themselves "Happy quitters "..... I thought ya right will I ever get there ...I seriously doubted it ! But it was those people who I really followed I wanted what they  had ! 

 Then I began noticing the ones who quit around the same time as myself and suddenly realizing we were all making it together ,some fell away but some are still here today and I call them my quit buddies !

   If you are new here look around at the Elders for there wisdom ,those just ahead of you especially those you see that are really positive in there thinking and are making it .... the  "Happy Quitters" , and finally your quit buddies , support each other and hang in there for yourselves and for each other  You will be so glad you did !!!. 

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Awesome blog.  My special quit buddy, we are making it through.  Yay US!!!!! whoo hoo. 

[Giulia]

I never stop learning on this site.  I learn both from the newly quit and the Elders.  Each provide different lessons. For those who are new in their quit, it's not a bad idea to check out the /blogs/Giulia-blog/2017/06/18/elders-list-ao-december-7-2016 .   Click on someone's name, go to their page and reads some of their blogs.  You can read from the beginning of their journey on.  There's a wealth of information among the pages here.  

[bonniebee]

Giulia you have been a Rock and a happy quitter your loyalty to this site and all of us Ex'ers is simply remarkable ! I am forever thankful for you  !!! Any Newbie looking for a great elder "Here she is ! " and for that matter all who commented above as well !!! 

[Giulia]

bonniebee‌  Well that's an awfully nice thing to say, but though I have been rock (and sometimes bashed people over the head with it in my support methods!  lol), it took me many years to become what I would call a "happy quitter."  That doesn't happen overnight.  It comes about the more and more we accept the choice of our journey.  For if you read many of my blogs I have often said "If I could smoke without penalty, I would."  I think I've now moved past that stage of the journey.  And am almost at the point where I could say "Even if I could smoke without penalty - I wouldn't."  But I'm not there yet.  The day I never experience another craving for a cigarette is the day I can profess that statement.  Though I am free from the daily needs and yearnings for a cigarette, I still have that occasional blockbuster of a replay.  Fortunately I have a strong quit maintenance kit and preventative tool box always at hand.  And this community is the most important tool in it.  

[bonniebee]

 I love your sense of humor sometimes we need our heads bashed ! Better then some of the penalties of continued smoking ! Giulia

[Showiestodin]

What a wonderful and helpful post. The photo is very appropriate  Thank you so much for your advice and perspective. 

[bonniebee]

Thank You !!!

[kristen-9-7-15]

I feel like I lost a lot of my quit buddies 

[elvan]

Sadly, that is the story of addiction.  People come and go, all we can do is to be responsible for our own quits and try very hard to help others.  It is not an easy journey.

I am glad we did not lose YOU and that YOU got to be an elder!

XO,

Ellen

[bonniebee]

You can join me and the others you are in 2015 too Buddy !