It has been two years...two long years, but I did it. Today is my 2 year Smokefree Anniversary!

[Behind the Aegis]

Last edited Tue Apr 5, 2016, 03:48 PM - Edit history (2)

I smoked for almost 30 years. By the time I quit, I was smoking at least two packs a day, sometimes, 2.5 packs. It was not easy for me at all, but eventually, more time passed and the cravings became less extreme. Sure, there are some days I want to punch someone in the throat just to have a couple of puffs, but usually it passes quickly. I also still have dreams where I am smoking, but they are more rare now; usually, when I am really stressed.

I have noticed a number of things since I quit, the first was I can now laugh, a good belly laugh, without breaking out into a coughing fit. I don't cough throughout the day, except when my damn allergies kick in full gear. My sense of smell is extremely heightened, which can be good sometimes and other times...ewwww . I could always smell quite well, even as a smoker, but when I quit, I could really smell things! I don't get winded when I am working or playing. My clothes don't smell!! My breath doesn't curdle wallpaper, except when I eat certain foods, which I can now taste! I also don't use as much salt as I used to use. Then there is the money I have saved...I have been putting what I would have spent on cigarettes into a savings account and used it to buy holiday gifts; made for some very expensive gifts!

I am not going to preach. I am not going to chastise. I am not going to lord my quitting over others. I will simply say, if I can do it, anyone can! If you are ready to quit, do it YOUR way! Make it YOUR experience! Celebrate your wins, and move past any setbacks. You can do it! I DID!


TWO SMOKEFREE YEARS!



ETA: Thanks for all the "Kudos!", it is really appreciated. I am really glad others who have quit are also sharing.

ETA: Again, THANKS for all the positive comments! What a thread! Also, thank you to all the other former/ex-smokers for coming forward as an example to me and to others. If you are trying to quit, just read this thread. So many "quitters" have been that way for YEARS and YEARS! You can do it too! Look at all the people just waiting to cheer you on!

[daleanime]

1. Nice!

And great celebration dance.

[Behind the Aegis]

2. Thanks! I lurves me some "Calvin and Hobbes!" nt

[JDPriestly]

3. Congratulations!

[PoliticAverse]

4. Congrats to you! n/t

[4now]

5. Congratulations - This post made my day

I feel so happy for you and your new found health.
I will be smiling today every time I think of your post.

[NanceGreggs]

6. Congrats!!! n/t

[AgadorSparticus]

7. Way to go! Congratulations!🎉🎉🎉🎉

[Wounded Bear]

8. Congrats!

Just to one up you, I quit during the Carter administration.

Seriously, great news. I never looked back after I quit, on my third try. Best wishes going forward. It did get easier for me, I hope it holds true for you, too.

[Behind the Aegis]

54. Thanks! Congrats to you too...I was ten then. LOL!

It is getting easier; certainly better than the first year, so I imagine the trend will continue.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

9. How is your weight?

[Behind the Aegis]

55. I need to lose some, but it had nothing to do with my smoking.

I was worried about it, but I didn't have any noticeable weight gain (and I weigh myself twice a day).

[Spitfire of ATJ]

114. That's great. I didn't gain weight either....

As you know, EVERYONE at DU has six pack abs.

(Except those of us who built their's with twelve packs.)

[byronius]

10. That's the hard one. Two years means You Are Free.

Don't ever play with those things again. They're like, wicked little alien parasites. Respect your claw marks. I got some of those. So hard to defeat. Never going back.

Now -- to go vegan.

[Electric Monk]

95. I haven't smoked a cigarette in nearly a decade, but I still get urges from triggers.

I know how stupid it sounds, but it's Pavlovian. Sometimes if I see someone enjoying a cigarette, it hits me.

Then I remember why I haven't smoked a cigarette in nearly a decade, and how much better I feel overall, and how I like the extra money in my wallet, and not smelling like smoke, etc.

I get over it

[braddy]

11. My advice is for you to become a nonsmoker, not someone who quit smoking, but get

your mind set on the fact that you don't smoke, therefore there is nothing to go back to, nothing to fail at, and nothing to tell people, and nothing that you are avoiding, you are just a non smoker.

[RobinA]

24. Depends On What Works

for each person. Reading this thread I realize I missed my 2 year anniversary - 4/1. I consider myself a smoker who doesn't smoke. When I wanted a cigarette when I was quitting I would tell my brain, "Yes, I know you want nicotine, but we don't smoke anymore." That actually worked. If I told myself I wasn't a smoker I'd be lying to myself. Everybody has to find the mindset that works for them.

[Behind the Aegis]

56. Were it that easy.

Smoking is an addiction. I am essentially a recovering addict. So, unlike non-smokers, I do have issues I have to face and simply relabeling myself won't change that fact.

[braddy]

61. The suggestion was made because of addicts, when one quits something they are addicted to

there is a part of the addict that is just waiting for a good enough excuse to take up smoking again, a divorce, a loss of a job, death of a loved one, stress, whatever it takes for him to think that he deserves to relax for a bit and indulge himself.

I was a three pack a day smoker, I think I quit for 7 months, and then two years, with years of spacing in between, and then one day I just ended the game playing and became a non-smoker, that was so much better than being someone who was always in the process of "quitting something that I love and long for".

[Behind the Aegis]

63. With me it is a bit different.

I rarely "long for or loved to" smoke. Yes, there were days, still are, where I absolutely crave it, usually when I am stressed or upset, but thinking about how it is not my fallback has allowed me to look to the positive in the stressful situation.

After awhile, I am sure I will 'forget' my "anniversary," but for now, it serves as a reminder than I can control my addiction and not the other way around.

[braddy]

66. For me, when I became a non-smoker, that killed it, it was done, over, almost no torment

and no connection mental or emotional tie to my smoking past.

I also stopped when people were constantly offering cigarettes to each other and it was nice to not get started with the whole "I quit" conversation business.

[pnwmom]

12. Congratulations! Two men I love stopped that kind of habit, so I know what an achievement that is.

But, with a lot of effort, it can be done! Good for you!

[eridani]

13. You deserve a nice treat--buy it with some of the money you saved

Just noted in my local convenience store that cigs are going for $6-$8 a pack! Yipes! How can anyone afford to smoke? My husband has spent his savings since quitting in 1985 on computer books.

[Behind the Aegis]

57. This year I got a new camera!

So, once I figure it out.. it will be a nice gift for me.

[eridani]

133. Excellent! n/t

[Skittles]

14. freaking awesome, Behind the Aegis!

I too smoked for a long time, and after several attempts to quit it finally stuck

one night I was walking around my apartment complex and I found - on the sidewalk - a pack of cigs (my brand) and a lighter - I picked them up and was surprised how quickly I started thinking, go on, just have one.....and then it occurred to me, this is the moment I decide whether to BE a non-smoker or to be someone who constantly struggles not to smoke......and I walked by the the dumpster and tossed them......it felt liberating

[Behind the Aegis]

58. Thanks and congrats to you too!

I still have those cravings now and again, and I actually keep the last pack I bought, unopened, sitting on the desk. It reminds me I never opened it, despite it being right there, so I can do it.

[fasttense]

107. Congratulations, I too have given up the demon tobacco

This was my 3rd time quitting that lasted for more than a year. I usually went back to smoking about at the 18 month phase. But I'm now going on my 3rd year and know I will never, ever go back. I tried to smoke about at the 18 month into the quitting because my hubby was seriously ill. But the minute those fumes hit my lungs, I choked and gagged and coughed. My lungs felt as if they were on fire and my throat hurt so awfully bad.

I have permanently lost my ability to smoke. You know the cool comfortable smoke that makes you feel good without making you sick. It took me years to learn to smoke that way and I know I will never put that much effort into that habit ever again. So, yeah you get the urge now and again but you wont ever again get that comfortable smoke. After 2 years, it will always hurt to smoke again. And it's really not worth all that pain.

Welcome to the land of former smokers. We are all more healthy here.

[msongs]

15. way to go, the hard part is over nt

[beam me up scottie]

16. Congrats!

You're definitely over the hump! It's been almost 17 years since I quit, I still have nightmares where I start back up. Weird how that happens since I never have cravings.

Anyway yay you!

[Lunabell]

17. Happy dance!

Hardest thing I ever did was to finally be smoke free 8 years ago. Congratulations!

[Rhiannon12866]

18. Wow! Congratulations!

Has it really been that long?! You really did it, my friend! And I know folks in recovery who say that quitting smoking is harder. Well done! (And we sure miss you on MIRT... )

[VOX]

19. That's the stuff! Nice work!

I quit some years back -- it's a process, but once you're a couple of years out, you find that you can't go back -- the smoke odor is just too overpowering.

Nice going!

[In_The_Wind]

20. Congratulations!

[bigwillq]

21. Congrats!

[brer cat]

22. Congratulations! nt

[bemildred]

23. Congrats, been there too, you won't regret it. nt

[Ino]

25. Congratulations!

You deserve to spend some of those savings on YOU!

[Phentex]

26. Congratulations!

That's great to hear!

[Democrats Ascendant]

27. Woo hoo!!!

[mindem]

28. Congrats!!!

Tomorrow will be 7 years smoke free for me. One of the best tings I ever did for myself was to quit those things.

[DesertRat]

35. Congrats to you!!

[Arugula Latte]

42. And you also did a favor to those who don't have to breathe in your smoke anymore!

[Behind the Aegis]

59. AWESOME!

I am waiting for that one, but making it to two is quite a feat for me. I used to smoke when I was really upset or stressed and the past two years have had some real pisser moments, but I was able to resist.

Again, congrats to you too!

[rogerashton]

29. More congrats.

My Dad quit in 1960. Never smoked another for the remaining 40 years of his life.

[Bohunk68]

30. For sure, CONGRATS. It gets even better as time goes by.

The only thing worth smoking is that other natural plant, and since that is infrequent, it is the best thing to do with nicotine. You are right about the salt. Used dramatically lessened amount. All the other things you mentioned. Again, Congrats.

[redstateblues]

31. Congrats-That's a tough battle

[onecaliberal]

32. Congratulations. Quitting is anything but easy, kudos to you!

[blm]

33. ((BehindtheAegis))

.

[DesertRat]

34. That's great!! Congrats!

[a kennedy]

36. So proud of you.......congratulations.

Hardest thing I ever did. Coming up on my 11 year anniversary, May 2, 2005. Feel great, still trying to get rid of the extra 15 lbs I gained......but I feel great. And, again, congratulations.......

[Adrahil]

37. Well done!

My Mom quit, and I saw how hard it was for her. But it was good for her, and it will be good for you! WE used to be able to tell when she woke up because of the 5-minute coughing fit. That was gone 3 years after she quit.

Enjoy your smoke-free life!

[Algernon Moncrieff]

38. Good on you!

I quit 26 years ago after smoking for 10 years. Quitting was a bitch, and I'm glad you were able to do it.

[oldandhappy]

39. Super big hug

That is an accomplishment! Happy for you.

[rurallib]

40. $6/pack X 2.5/day X 730 days = $10950

Just thought seeing that figure of money saved might encourage another smoker to quit.

Honestly, I am so freaking happy for you. You have probably added a couple more years onto your life also. You have also quit adding to the pollution of the air and the land by not adding those butts to the mess.

Many of our fellow former smokers have what i call the dream - that is the dream where you start smoking again. I had it in decreasing frequency for years after I quit. Always the same dream with the same outcome - I would wake up in a cold sweat. But it just reinforced my determination never to smoke again.

Looking forward to your post next year when you pass 3 years!

[Behind the Aegis]

60. The money is outrageous!

It is worse when you realize how much you are paying to actually kill yourself!

The dreams I have are I smoke, just one, or part of one, and think it is a "minor" slip, but realize half a pack is gone. I wake up sometimes wondering if I really did smoke or not. Those days, the cravings can be intense.

Congrats to you for quitting too!

[rurallib]

75. My dreams are now pretty much gone

but it has been 40+ years.
But they do decrease in frequency.

BTW - that is almost exactly what my dream was, only with a setting unique to me. I would wake in a cold sweat until I finally realized I was still good.

[Arugula Latte]

41. Fantastic!

Congrats!

[awoke_in_2003]

43. Congratulations

I need to do the same thing.

[RockaFowler]

44. Congratulations

[roody]

45. Happy, happy day!

[Peacetrain]

47. Congratulations!!! that is so awesome!!

I quit 27 years ago.. but it took a bout of cancer to do it.. and here is the good news.. after a few years.. you do not even think about it anymore..

[Behind the Aegis]

62. I am glad my situation didn't get to that point.

But, it was really cutting into my breathing, and I was probably heading to COPD.

I look forward to not thinking about it, other than remembering, "Yeah, I remember my stupid days!"

Congrats to you too for quitting and staying smokefree!

[ismnotwasm]

48. K&R

[HuckleB]

49. Congrats!

[Gidney N Cloyd]

50. My 14th aniversary coming up this month.

I still dream about smoking, it was that burned into my psyche.

Congratulations!

And I am SO stealing that animation!

[Behind the Aegis]

64. Awesome!

We have more than a few "quitters" in this thread, so it serves as a good reminder while my 'anniversary' is only two years, there are those who have gone longer and it can be done. I am so happy so many former smokers are popping up, not just for the congrats, but as an inspiration that I too can make it that long.

Steal away! I love Calvin and Hobbes and this seemed as good a thread as any to post it since it is a happy, dancing gif.

[Wellstone ruled]

51. After 42 years of tobacco use,

today is 12 years smoke free. After two to three packs a day.

[Behind the Aegis]

65. WOW! That is great!

It is such a hard habit to break, even more so now since some of the additives are actually even more addictive than they were previously.

Congrats on your anniversary. I got ten years to catch up...oh wait. LOL!

[Wellstone ruled]

70. The Boss Lady is still working on quiting.

Did the E-Cigs,did not work. Did the Gum and all she got was a ashtray mouth and sore jaw. Did the Chantix and that darn put her in the E.R.. Talk about side effects,leg cramps and back spasms and general all around cranky attitude. I quit cold Turkey.

[Behind the Aegis]

118. I thought about Chantix.

However, while I know a few people who quit using it, not a single person, NOT ONE, escaped some side-effects. In at least two cases, they were pretty severe. So, I knew that wasn't the path for me. E-cigs didn't work for me either, but the vape method really helped. I tried the gum too. BLECH! I am not real fond of gum chewing anyway, so I figured it likely wouldn't work. I also tried that Swedish method, all I did was spit all the time.

I used a schedule of sorts. I kept track of how much I was smoking, then gradually cut back. I smoked about three cigarettes for 5 days, before I got to two, then zero. I did it in conjunction with breaking habits. I started with the easiest, not smoking when I was on the phone. That was only really hard when it was with my mom because she can stress me out and sometimes our calls can last over two hours. Momma's boy.

I wish her luck.

[Wellstone ruled]

134. She is cutting the habit by the limit method.

Six a day. Toughest is the morning coffee on the Patio.

[Behind the Aegis]

136. For me, the toughest was similar.

My "breakfast" was three cigarettes and a Coke, which I drank about 10-12 a day (I am down to three...that monkey is gonna stay on my back).

[Wellstone ruled]

145. Upside of no Cigs is,

damn taste buds kick in and boy do they kick in. You sleep better,no more hacking,have not had a cold or virus in 12 years. As for the Boss Lady,she is rationing her Cigs to 4 today one with each cup of coffee.

[Jean Louise Finch]

52. That is amazing

And so great. Congratulations!

[raccoon]

53. Good for you! nt

[pressbox69]

67. Smoke Free

Congratulations! In June it will be 22 years for me.

[cindyperry]

68. Congrats

It is difficult to kick

[Philly-Union-Man]

69. It'll be four years for me on Memorial Day.

I decided to quit because cigarettes are way too expensive and never looked back.

Congratulations.

[CTyankee]

71. Congrats! This is great!

I quit over 30 years ago. I had entered a new relationship with a man who could not abide cigarette smoke. I had fallen in love with him and that was a HUGE motivation for me to stop smoking. So I did. I never had a cold sweat or any of the withdrawal symptoms they talk about. Downside: I did gain a few pounds.

I loved that my clothes and my hair no longer smelled of cigarette smoke and I enjoyed my smoke free house.

We've been married since 1986.

[gregcrawford]

72. Good for you!

I quit in 1990, for the second and final time. The first time was 20 years earlier and I lasted 8 years. Then I lived on the top of a mountain in the middle of nowhere during a mini-ice age with a car that only started on alternate legal holidays. Sanity demanded a sacrifice, so I started hand-rolling Drums, then sank back into Camel straights. Now I don't even think about cigs, except when someone else is smoking, then I can't stand the stink, so I leave.

Hang in there! Life is better tobacco-free!

[roguevalley]

73. CONGRATS! Well done. :D

[Dont call me Shirley]

74. YES, Aegis! Way too go! Keep it up! I quit 13 years ago!

[Warpy]

76. Congratulations on finding the way that worked for you

I know it's a real bugger to quit.

Those of you who are still in thrall to RJ Reynolds or Philip Morris, keep looking. There is a way for you to get free. You just need to find it.

[arcane1]

77. Hell yes!!!

I'm in year three, and loving it!

[wendylaroux]

78. Super!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not an easy thing to do! Very proud of you.

[Warren DeMontague]

79. YES!

I will happily kick and rec this bad boy, my friend. Good for you!



Seriously, that's fucking GREAT.

[Behind the Aegis]

121. Thanks!

It is still a struggle from time to time. The strange thing is, I didn't realize I craved smoking when I was sad. I knew I did when I was mad, but in the past two years, it wasn't a fit of anger that made me want to smoke, but when I was profoundly sad. So that was something I discovered after I quit smoking. Strange, huh?

[Warren DeMontague]

140. Doesn't sound strange to me, at all.

being able to recognize one's own inner processes is hugely helpful, I've found. And I think they're way easier to notice once you're outside the maze, so to speak, rather than stuck inside it.

[DesertFlower]

80. congratulations. stopping smoking was

one of the hardest things i ever did. i've been smoke-free for almost 33 years.

[Behind the Aegis]

120. Congrats to you!

Been awhile! Hope you are well!

[Duval]

82. That is wonderful!

We are "trying" and have bought the vapor thing to help us. Sorry, I forget the correct name, but I can still remember mine!

[Behind the Aegis]

123. Good luck!

The best advice I can give is don't "punish" yourself if you slip up. Can't wait to see your post for your anniversary. I'll keep an eye out! Y'all can do it!

[RobinA]

146. Vaping

worked for me. Smoked for almost 40 years. Had cut down from a pack a day over the years, but the last 8 or so a day weren't going away and I didn't really have a lot of motivation to stop. Tried vaping and it worked, but I feared that if I couldn't vape I'd be right back to smoking. About 4 months in I realized I could take it or leave it. Two years later it's gone. I want a cig every now and then, but not enough to light up. In that time I've smoked 4 cigarettes - when I go visit a friend's grave at Christmas and Easter. We used to smoke, so I go have a cigarette with him. I enjoy it, but it's a conscious decision, not a compulsion. I've had a couple upsets in the past year and smoking hasn't even entered my mind.

My advice with vaping is don't smoke and vape. I've noticed that people who don't have luck with vaping often smoke and vape as a way of cutting back. The vape will hold you if you use enough nicotine and don't see falling back on a cig as a possibility.

[forthemiddle]

83. 4th of July is my independence day

It will be 4 years in July for me! I also smoked fr 30 years and about 2 packs a day.
Since I quit I have not cheated once. I know that even one puff would hook me again.

Since that time I gained and lost 60 pounds, and now I exercise every day. I couldn't do that before without being out of breath in a few seconds.

Life without cigarettes is so much easier, and so much better! For everyone that thinks they can't do it, I'm here to tell you that it's possible. I used Chantix and that worked for me.

[Behind the Aegis]

125. Congrats and thanks for sharing.

I know when I was quitting everyone and their brother told me "do this, do that" but support wasn't always easy to find. That's why when I wrote this thread I was hoping it wouldn't sound preachy and others would share that they had quit and it would be a thread of "celebration", which it is! Now people thinking about it, can see how many people quit, and how we all did it in our own, unique ways.

[sarge43]

84. Congratulations

It's one of the hardest addictions to overcome. You did good.

[Babel_17]

85. Congratulations!

And thanks, you made me check and today is mine as well!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=2950072

That is cool.

P.S.

[Behind the Aegis]

126. Thanks anniversary buddy!

I also bumped your thread!

Congrats to you on your anniversary as well.

[cal04]

86. Congratulations!!!

I know exactly how you feel
That's awesome!

[stage left]

87. Congratulations!

It's not easy but you did it. I will be a seven year quitter this May. I thought I would miss it forever and ever. I don't miss it at all.

[Sissyk]

88. Woooooohoooo!!

So very proud of you!

[WillowTree]

89. Ain't it grand??!!!

And you said it exactly right, too. "If you are ready to quit.......". 'Cause that's really the key. I'll observe my sixth anniversary smoke free at the end of this month and, after trying to quit and failing several times, this time I was successful because I was just ready.

So big ol' CONGRATULATIONS to you, My Dear. You succeeded at something that's really, really hard.

[ybbor]

90. Congrats!

What an amazing feat!

P.S. I love the Calvin and Hobbes gif. Still my favorite series.

[alfredo]

91. Good for you.

[abelenkpe]

92. Congratulations :)

[Skeeter Barnes]

93. That's awesome. Way to go! Did you gain any weight? I'm at 13 months and gained quite a bit.

It looks like I'm at 9 months!

[Behind the Aegis]

128. Actually, I didn't gain weight.

I was really afraid I would, but I didn't. Congrats (belated) on your one year anniversary. I think that was the hardest...that first year!

[Lazy Daisy]

94. Bravo

I've been preparing for upcoming set date myself. This gives me encouragement.

Thank you

[MarianJack]

96. Mazel Tov!

PEACE!

[reACTIONary]

97. +100 !! You Rock eom

[chwaliszewski]

98. My 2nd anniversary is this Sept 5th

I smoked for 29 years and have been smoke free for 19 months now. My wife, kids, lungs, and wallet are happy. Congrats to you.

[Behind the Aegis]

130. Congrats to you as well!

That first year...whew, that is the worst. The second year, things seemed to get better by leaps and bounds and I didn't have the constant cravings, just the occasional ones, and they are starting to fade too. Maybe by next year, it won't even be a "thing" other than a memory of bad decisions.

[mike_c]

99. congratulations!

Going on 35 years or so for me. My partner quit about a year and a half ago-- she smoked most of her adult life. Pat yourself on the back. It's a big fucking deal.

[Gore1FL]

100. Congrats! n/t

[IronLionZion]

101. Congrats on finding that great gif!

oh and congrats on being smoke free too! Good for you!

[morningfog]

102. Well done! Congrats/

[LostOne4Ever]

103. Congratulations

[font style="font-family:'Georgia','Baskerville Old Face','Helvetica',fantasy;" size=4 color=#009999]And awesome Gif!!!

I am sooo stealing it [/font]

[greiner3]

104. I quit 20 years next month after 25 years.

I was up to 3 packs/day. I'm not upping you but to make the point I dreamt of smoking for years afterward they had been so much of my life. Congrats and I hope your smoking triggers have no hold over you now

[Behind the Aegis]

129. The only two triggers which seem to still have my "attention" are...

...when I am really afraid/upset or profoundly sad. Anger used to be a big trigger, but that one doesn't seem to be causing that "craving" like it did, so I am pretty pleased about that one being gone.

Congrats on 20 years!

[Jackilope]

105. Congratulations! A great accomplishment!

All those good rewards kick in. Food tastes better + the saving money aspect + health benefits!

[Praek3]

106. Newbie Quitter :)

Four months for me. Cold turkey.

Excellent reasons to quit so the transition has gone far better than I thought it possibly could. LOTS of reasons not to smoke. The choice is mine.

I think about the 3000 cigarettes I haven't smoked and I am so grateful.

[Behind the Aegis]

131. Good for you!!!

You can do it! You are a third of the way to your FIRST anniversary!

[montana_hazeleyes]

108. That's great!

One of the best things a person can do, for themselves and others.

[herding cats]

109. Congratulations and great work!

That's what it is after all, work. Everyday you don't smoke at the beginning is a struggle, and it's so difficult to stick to it. Then it gets easier, and finally even easier. You've put in some serious work here!

I've got more than 3 years under my belt right now, and I'll never smoke again. I won't let myself.

[pablo_marmol]

110. Bravo!

I'd been off smokes for many years when I lost my Dad. When I didn't pick up, I knew that I had a better-than-even chance of being smoke-free for life.

Good onya!

[kwassa]

111. Congratulations! If you can quit for two ....

You can quit forever.

[Marrah_G]

112. ~hugs you~

good job my friend

[one_voice]

113. Congrats!

[Judi Lynn]

115. You will eventually wonder whatever came over you to start! You really won't miss it, soon, at ALL.

You've heard the information that with time your lungs will return to a state of well-being that stuns you. You'll feel so much more peaceful without the gnawing anxiety that the habit is really wrecking you.

You will NEVER regret quiting. You'll bless the day you decided you don't really need it.

Congratulations.

[center]

Yay! [/center]

[SoLeftIAmRight]

116. dreams where I am smoking

these suck

I have one that was is so real that to this day i am not sure if it was a dream or memory

you have done a great thing - be well

[Mbrow]

117. K&R nicely done!

[Liberal_in_LA]

119. congrats

[scottie55]

122. I Think I Have 10 Years From A 2 Pack A Day Habit

Now a non smoker.....

Saved around $30,000 I think....

[WinkyDink]

124. Congratulations on your achievement! Your body thanks you!

[greyl]

127. Great job! nt

[DebbieCDC]

132. Congrats!

It gets easier every year, believe me

17 years smoke free as of 2/1/16

[Behind the Aegis]

137. AWESOME! 17 years!

[jillan]

135. How did you do it? Please share. I really need to quit.

I need to get motivated first. That's the hardest part.

[Behind the Aegis]

138. Some advice:

First, this process is about YOU and no one else. It has to be on YOUR terms! At least in my opinion, it does. If you have identified the first hurdle, motivation, then start there. What would motivate you to quit? I am guessing since you asked for tips, the motivation is actually there, so it may be something else which is the actual hurdle to stop smoking. Do you think you can identify it? If it is not "motivation," what might be preventing you from starting the process of quitting?

Here's what I did:

I identified as many "triggers" as I could. Basically, why and when did I smoke. For me, a few were boredom, being upset/angry, sadness, after meals, driving (especially by myself), and when I was on the phone. These are all things which, of course, can not be avoided, they are parts of life. So I started with breaking habits of some of my easier triggers...boredom and sadness (which, now is the strongest trigger from some odd reason). Stopping smoking when I was bored cut into a huge swath of my smoking. In two weeks, I dropped from 2.5 packs, to 1.5 packs. Doesn't sound "great", but it really was. Then I started in on the harder ones, eventually ending with the hardest ones, driving and "breakfast" (which was three cigs and a Coke). I have a dry erase board by my desk and I kept track of the number of cigs so I could visually see the progress. When I slipped, I marked it down, but I didn't let it define what I was doing. It took me a month and a half!

So, I would suggest the following:

• What are your goals in quitting? Financial (cigs are expensive...add it up, it really is shocking!), health, or "it's just time!"
  
• Do you have people who will be supportive (you need to count on yourself too!!!!)?
  
• Investigate various methods of quitting. You can chose a certain route, or pick and chose; or create your own path!
  
• Know your triggers!
  
• Are you willing to accept you may slip and if you do, you will get right back up or will you punish yourself? (If you "punish" yourself, it will greatly increase the time needed (likely) to quit.)
  
• Come up with a plan.
  
• Prepare to encounter bad situations...you know they will happen. So, what will you do when you get mad instead of reaching for a cig? (If anger is a trigger.)
  
• Understand the process will have "side effects". You may get madder easier. You may gain weight (I didn't). You may get weepy, when you usually don't. There may be feelings of "loss of control." Also, for some, and it did with me, your coughing may get worse; it is your lungs trying to clear themselves out!
  
• Check out local/on-line support groups (if that helps; wasn't for me).
  
• Be willing to be PROUD of yourself for accomplishments and highlight those, not slips!!!!

The best thing, IMO, is finding people who will support you in a positive manner, not preach, and if you slip, won't judge. You have to be willing to treat yourself the same way!

It is YOUR process, YOU will know what YOU need to succeed!

YOU CAN DO IT!

[Angel Martin]

147. it usually takes several serious attempts

ie. several failures before success

nicorette gum helped me, there are other medical assists as well

more exercise, a lot more, helped me (check with your Dr first). Vigorous exercise controls stress. Also, as you stagger in after a run, the smell of smoke is even less appetizing than usual.

[Number23]

139. Calvin! Hobbes!!! The only two things that could have made your OP even more perfect

Congratulations!!!

[Solly Mack]

141. You're the best! I'm so happy for you!

You know I secretly adore you!

[Behind the Aegis]

142. Aw shucks!

I adore you too!

Just wait until I figure out my new camera! I'll be back to posting pics!

[Duppers]

143. Congrats! It's been almost 30yrs for me.

I was a 2.5 pack a day chain smoker for almost 16yrs.

It was hell quitting. But when I became pregnant, I knew I didn't want to hurt the baby I was sharing my body with. After my son was born, I nursed him for 2.5yrs. (I know some will But I was convinced nursing help his brain cells.) So, after all that time, my addiction was gone.

The downside was the weight gain because I use food to calm my anger issues instead of cigs. I miss my 115lb body. But I can NEVER go back to that nasty cig habit. NEVER.

Now, because of my severe allergies, I cannot tolerate being around a smoker.

[Violet_Crumble]

144. Just popping in to say I'm proud of you, BtA...

And not in a condescending proud way, but an I'm really happy for you and I know how difficult a challenge it is to have done what you've done. I don't know if you remember that far back, but I recall a term on MIRT back when we were both smokers and about the only two MIRTers on the night shift for a few hours and I remember chatting about smoking with you.

Keep up the great work. You've gotten past the worst part of it but don't ever let yr guard down and do what I did which was get a bit smashed and think I'd just have one smoke that was offered to me. It doesn't end well. Anyway, I'm making a serious attempt to stop starting this Sunday and I mean to keep to it even though I'll be on a cruise ship surrounded by really cheap American smokes ($6 a packet! They cost $30 for a pack of 30 here)...

Hoping to join you as a smokefree person this time next year

[Behind the Aegis]

148. Thanks VC!

Oh I remember our long nights/days sitting on MIRT telling each other "off for a smoke, back in 20!" LOL!

Y'know, the funny thing is, I always smoked less when I drank! So, drinking and being around smokers while drinking hasn't fazed me in the least. Thankfully, it wasn't ever a huge trigger point for me.

Good luck on your quest. I also remember your other cruises and how you would "stock up" because the cigs were so cheap! So this will be a real test of will. I wish you strength and enjoy your cruise? Where is it this time? Let's se...so far, NZ and Fiji, so another close group of islands or you going for a land-based cruise (stops at various ports).

Can't wait to see your "IT'S BEEN A YEAR!" post! I'll be looking.



Safe travels!