I see that there are quite a few struggling right now, and I wanted to offer my perspective for what it’s worth. I was visiting with my mother today, who is a smoker, and I found myself trying to think of the right words to help her see that she could quit smoking if she wants to. I think many of the veteran ash kickers will know what I’m talking about when I say that I wish I had the words to express the depth, the magnitude, of freedom from nicotine. I also wish there was some kind of pill that the newly quit could take to fast forward 6 months or so to a time when nicotine recovery is much more manageable.
We have a lot of fun here sometimes, but those who have significant smober time do not forget what this forum is all about. I see that some are concerned about how much time they spend here, and I want to say, DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT! Every post you read, and every post you write is an investment in your future. If your loved ones are missing you and letting you know it, please tell them that you love them enough to devote everything you have to make sure that you can spend as much time as possible with them. This is your life you are saving, and it’s not easy.
So, it’s true that people quit smoking every day without the benefit of this forum. I believe, though, and I can’t imagine who would disagree, that support is vital to smoke-freedom for most. The articles that you can access from the site home and the posts here will reinforce your resolve. Education is key and essential for long-term success.
I’ll say it again…quitting smoking is not easy. It’s exhausting at times, and there are mood swings and minds games, and it is all part of the process of becoming someone who is not a slave to cigarettes. Quitting smoking is not easy, but is it easier that living with or dying from a smoking-related illness. It can be tiring, but not as tiring as chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It takes some effort, but not as much effort as it takes some to try to take their next breath. If you are in your 20’s or 30’s and think you have decades to smoke before you do any real damage, please think again. It is about perspective, and as you progress through this process, your perspective will change. Mine has…for the better and forever.
We have become a society who demands instant gratification, and patience has gone by the wayside. I believe some things are still worth waiting for, and I KNOW that smoke-freedom is one of them. The veterans who stick around here do so because we know how great it feels to be smoke-free. It does get better, and it does get easier, and you owe it to yourselves to give yourselves however long it takes to feel good about being smoke-free.
So…rant, whine, scream…whatever it takes to get you from where you are to where you want to be, but PLEASE DON’T SMOKE! I promise that quitting smoking will not kill you, and if you let it, it can even be one of the most amazing experiences of your life.
~Michelle~ (QuitWit)
Michelle's Quit Story
Michelle's 1 Year Milestone
Michelle's 2 Year Milestone
Michelle's 3 Year Milestone
Michelle's 4 Year Milestone
Michelle's 5 Year Milestone
Patience With the Process
A Perspective on Using NRT's
Depression When You Quit Smoking
Smoking and Degenerative Disc Disease
