SMOKERS... LETS KICK the HABIT!!

[Lady Pamela]

Originally Posted by Miss Scarlett

Tomorrow will be 5 weeks for me...i did this the same way as the last time (way back in 1988) - cold turkey.

For some reason it is easier this time...could be because i'd only been smoking 6 months instead of over 15 years (an estimate since i'd started in about 7th grade)...

i'd taken it up again for various reasons...none of them as good as they seemed at the time. Not being around smokers is also making this easier. Also cigarettes had never been integrated into my work day...no smoke breaks to miss...

i decided to quit for me...for my health...i'm a cancer survivor (1988) whose cancer was tied to cigarettes...that's what my doctor told me then. Despite knowing this and being cancer free for 23 years, i foolishly decided to play Russian Roulette with my health...not one of my wiser decisions.

i also decided to quit for Clay...hy didn't need to be around my second hand smoke. Also hys own battle made me acutely aware of the bullet i dodged all those years ago when i was diagnosed in a very early stage. Hy didn't ask or tell me to quit but is happy with and supportive of my decision...i so love that Sexy Silver Butch!

To everyone in this thread i want to say congratulations on your progress and keep moving forward...i know it isn't easy...(trust me the folks in my life in 1988 are more than able to tell you how "delightful" i was to be around...lol)...remember YOU can win because YOU are bigger and stronger than this...but most of all YOU ARE WORTH IT!!!

Way to go..and count your blessings it is easier.
Mine ahs been 50 times harder..lol But I won't budge...ha

Way cool your doing so well.

[Lady Pamela]

Checking in to say I am will be 3 months quit on the 4th.

It is bitter sweet because I spent the other nigt in ER and found out I have emphysema and copd now..So yes I will stay smoke free but truely beside myself tonight.

Please re think the issues if you haven't quit...Not only will you feel wonderful about your quitting..but you won't have to sit at the emergency room one day hopefully and hear all the doc had to say to me.

Still here to encourage all who deseire it.

Blessings

[Blaze]

Wow, I can't believe I just sat here and began reading from page 1 to the end. Everyone story is absolutely amazing. I am proud of all of you! And for those who keep slipping, don't give up.
My story. Both parents smoked, even through the birth of me. Heavy smokers may I add was my family. Mother 2 pack, Father 5 packs.~ Truth ~.
Cigarettes were every where in the house, car, garage, open packs everywhere. So as a youngster I was able to sneak a few here and there. Being the cool one that could get the so called “Your hip if you got a smoke. Dads favorites; Lucky Strike, or Camels. Moms; was Marlboro Red no filter then as she got older she changed to Benson and hedges Menthol lights with filter.
My choice was Camels then Marlboro, then Menthol for about 15 years then changing back to non menthol because I hated the cough I got with Menthol. Yes, I confess. I was a heavy smoker, in fact, looking back at most of my pictures, I had a cigarette in my mouth or hand and a beer in the other.
I always considered cigarettes as my best friend, something I could rely on and find comfort in completely. It was my excuse for everything, and my alibi.
I woke up smoking and couldn’t go to bed without having that last one before I brushed my teeth to go to bed. Now mind you, every so often I would mention to Doll that I really need to quit, but really never foreseen that happening, just bull shytin myself.
Last year. Doll quit, she always suffered from asthma and just got tired. And strong minded and willed as she is. She cold turkey-ed. Maybe one day she will share her story. I was amazed and yet scared because I knew I soon may have to face my demon too, so I, reminded her that I loved smoking and to bad, so sad, deal with it. (yes, I was nasty, and rude).
Well I had just celebrated my 50th Birthday, and being that I suffer from Celiac and Chrones disease. Doll just watched patiently. As I continued my same old routine, and habits. Then one day, I woke up, I't was 2 months after Doll quit. I lit my cigarette, drew in a deep puff and killed it. Killed off the thought of my best friend that I always depended on, that made me feel relaxed and comforted. I grabbed the full pack, crushed it, threw it in the trash and grabbed the other packs that I had just purchased that night and tossed them into the trash also.
Doll was completely shocked. She never believed that I would actually quit, I didn't want to deceive her, so I never told her my intentions of quitting. And every day she would post a sticky note saying I’m am so proud of you, keep it up. Being so self consumed I never verbally congratulated her on her accomplishment. So I started giving the extra hug, and took her out to dinner for 6 months of being smoke free. Only now do I realize that best buddy, protector perhaps died from congestive heart failure because that poor dog had to be the recipient of second hand smoke. Not only I, but everyone that came around smoked, so this poor dog was en caged with toxins that she didn't have a choice to say Heyyyyyyy Stop, your killing me. ~Sigh~ I regret not thinking about the animals that are like family to me, and putting them in my own hell because all I cared about was the light up!
Now. Being a proud Non-Smoker, just short of a Year... I don't judge, but I do share my thoughts on those who smoke around there animals, and tell them my story, and hope that someday they too will realize that second hand smoke kills...

[Blaze]

I just wanted to state... Thank you Doll! Thank you for being such a strong and confident woman, and making me open my eyes and become strong and unselfish. And helping me to realize that every breath is worth taking because I have you to share it with... You are my Rock, you are my Foundation. I am blessed...

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by Blaze

Wow, I can't believe I just sat here and began reading from page 1 to the end. Everyone story is absolutely amazing. I am proud of all of you! And for those who keep slipping, don't give up.
My story. Both parents smoked, even through the birth of me. Heavy smokers may I add was my family. Mother 2 pack, Father 5 packs.~ Truth ~.
Cigarettes were every where in the house, car, garage, open packs everywhere. So as a youngster I was able to sneak a few here and there. Being the cool one that could get the so called “Your hip if you got a smoke. Dads favorites; Lucky Strike, or Camels. Moms; was Marlboro Red no filter then as she got older she changed to Benson and hedges Menthol lights with filter.
My choice was Camels then Marlboro, then Menthol for about 15 years then changing back to non menthol because I hated the cough I got with Menthol. Yes, I confess. I was a heavy smoker, in fact, looking back at most of my pictures, I had a cigarette in my mouth or hand and a beer in the other.
I always considered cigarettes as my best friend, something I could rely on and find comfort in completely. It was my excuse for everything, and my alibi.
I woke up smoking and couldn’t go to bed without having that last one before I brushed my teeth to go to bed. Now mind you, every so often I would mention to Doll that I really need to quit, but really never foreseen that happening, just bull shytin myself.
Last year. Doll quit, she always suffered from asthma and just got tired. And strong minded and willed as she is. She cold turkey-ed. Maybe one day she will share her story. I was amazed and yet scahred because I knew I soon may have to face my demon too, so I, reminded her that I loved smoking and to bad, so sad, deal with it. (yes, I was nasty, and rude).
Well I had just celebrated my 50th Birthday, and being that I suffer from Celiac and Chrones disease. Doll just watched patiently. As I continued my same old routine, and habits. Then one day, I woke up, I't was 2 months after Doll quit. I lit my cigarette, drew in a deep puff and killed it. Killed off the thought of my best friend that I always depended on, that made me feel relaxed and comforted. I grabbed the full pack, crushed it, threw it in the trash and grabbed the other packs that I had just purchased that night and tossed them into the trash also.
Doll was completely shocked. She never believed that I would actually quit, I didn't want to deceive her, so I never told her my intentions of quitting. And every day she would post a sticky note saying I’m am so proud of you, keep it up. Being so self consumed I never verbally congratulated her on her accomplishment. So I started giving the extra hug, and took her out to dinner for 6 months of being smoke free. Only now do I realize that best buddy, protector perhaps died from congestive heart failure because that poor dog had to be the recipient of second hand smoke. Not only I, but everyone that came around smoked, so this poor dog was en caged with toxins that she didn't have a choice to say Heyyyyyyy Stop, your killing me. ~Sigh~ I regret not thinking about the animals that are like family to me, and putting them in my own hell because all I cared about was the light up!
Now. Being a proud Non-Smoker, just short of a Year... I don't judge, but I do share my thoughts on those who smoke around there animals, and tell them my story, and hope that someday they too will realize that second hand smoke kills...

Blaze,

Really great, fantasic story. I could see myself in it...espcially the best friend part of it. Keep it up!

I am 2.5 years clean and always conscious of being one moment away from screwing up. It is still "one day at a time", for me!

[Blaze]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

Blaze,

Really great, fantasic story. I could see myself in it...espcially the best friend part of it. Keep it up!

I am 2.5 years clean and always conscious of being one moment away from screwing up. It is still "one day at a time", for me!

Thank you Dapper. Yes, the truth sometimes kicks one in the butt.. But I totally agree. It is a "One day at a time" ... And Congratulations on your accomplishment. That's well worth celebrating my friend!!!

[StillettoDoll]

Originally Posted by Blaze

Wow, I can't believe I just sat here and began reading from page 1 to the end. Everyone story is absolutely amazing. I am proud of all of you! And for those who keep slipping, don't give up.
My story. Both parents smoked, even through the birth of me. Heavy smokers may I add was my family. Mother 2 pack, Father 5 packs.~ Truth ~.
Cigarettes were every where in the house, car, garage, open packs everywhere. So as a youngster I was able to sneak a few here and there. Being the cool one that could get the so called “Your hip if you got a smoke. Dads favorites; Lucky Strike, or Camels. Moms; was Marlboro Red no filter then as she got older she changed to Benson and hedges Menthol lights with filter.
My choice was Camels then Marlboro, then Menthol for about 15 years then changing back to non menthol because I hated the cough I got with Menthol. Yes, I confess. I was a heavy smoker, in fact, looking back at most of my pictures, I had a cigarette in my mouth or hand and a beer in the other.
I always considered cigarettes as my best friend, something I could rely on and find comfort in completely. It was my excuse for everything, and my alibi.
I woke up smoking and couldn’t go to bed without having that last one before I brushed my teeth to go to bed. Now mind you, every so often I would mention to Doll that I really need to quit, but really never foreseen that happening, just bull shytin myself.
Last year. Doll quit, she always suffered from asthma and just got tired. And strong minded and willed as she is. She cold turkey-ed. Maybe one day she will share her story. I was amazed and yet scared because I knew I soon may have to face my demon too, so I, reminded her that I loved smoking and to bad, so sad, deal with it. (yes, I was nasty, and rude).
Well I had just celebrated my 50th Birthday, and being that I suffer from Celiac and Chrones disease. Doll just watched patiently. As I continued my same old routine, and habits. Then one day, I woke up, I't was 2 months after Doll quit. I lit my cigarette, drew in a deep puff and killed it. Killed off the thought of my best friend that I always depended on, that made me feel relaxed and comforted. I grabbed the full pack, crushed it, threw it in the trash and grabbed the other packs that I had just purchased that night and tossed them into the trash also.
Doll was completely shocked. She never believed that I would actually quit, I didn't want to deceive her, so I never told her my intentions of quitting. And every day she would post a sticky note saying I’m am so proud of you, keep it up. Being so self consumed I never verbally congratulated her on her accomplishment. So I started giving the extra hug, and took her out to dinner for 6 months of being smoke free. Only now do I realize that best buddy, protector perhaps died from congestive heart failure because that poor dog had to be the recipient of second hand smoke. Not only I, but everyone that came around smoked, so this poor dog was en caged with toxins that she didn't have a choice to say Heyyyyyyy Stop, your killing me. ~Sigh~ I regret not thinking about the animals that are like family to me, and putting them in my own hell because all I cared about was the light up!
Now. Being a proud Non-Smoker, just short of a Year... I don't judge, but I do share my thoughts on those who smoke around there animals, and tell them my story, and hope that someday they too will realize that second hand smoke kills...

Ohhh Blaze , I'm so proud of you , proud of us . It's great to have you as my quit smoking buddy.... its nice to have someone to give and get support from. We have achieved so much this past year. We both got rid of a lot of bad habits. it has been really so SWEET!

[not2shygrrl]

So happy and proud of all you quitters !! Keep it up, and know that there are peeps here who want you all to be successful in having a healthier you!

If there has been a set back or a cheat, DO NOT beat yourself up over it. Accept it, and continue toward your goal. Truly it is a mind f**k emotionally to even think of quitting. Those of you who are in the midst of doing so have surpassed that first emotional hurdle. I vividly remember how the mind starts messing with you even just thinking about quitting. More than 3 years now for me and I have never looked back.

You have the strength, you hold the power, you are so worth it! Know that you have my admiration for wanting to do this. It is not easy but so worth it!

[Lady Pamela]

Originally Posted by not2shygrrl

So happy and proud of all you quitters !! Keep it up, and know that there are peeps here who want you all to be successful in having a healthier you!

If there has been a set back or a cheat, DO NOT beat yourself up over it. Accept it, and continue toward your goal. Truly it is a mind f**k emotionally to even think of quitting. Those of you who are in the midst of doing so have surpassed that first emotional hurdle. I vividly remember how the mind starts messing with you even just thinking about quitting. More than 3 years now for me and I have never looked back.

You have the strength, you hold the power, you are so worth it! Know that you have my admiration for wanting to do this. It is not easy but so worth it!

Just wanted to say this thread has really helped me.
And Thank you for your support as well...smiles

Not quite there yet but on the 4th will be 4 months.

.Keep it up everyone!

[LadyRieinAL]

May 25, 2006, I became a non smoker -
I picked the date - May, being my mother's birthday month and the 25th, being the date of christmas -
My mother was laying in the hospital dying of cancer/COPD, and she begged me and my two younger sisters to stop smoking.
I loved my cigarettes!! But, I decided this was so important to her, I was going to do it - and I didn't tell a soul, I just picked the date & did it.
I gained 80 lbs in the process, but I certainly smell better.
Good luck to all of you!!