3 Years ago today!

[Richt]

I gave up smoking, and I have stuck to it. I hope it inspires other people to do the same

I always vowed that I would give up smoking when I got to 30! I never believed that I would do it, but it was always good to put it off (in my own little mind anyway).

Anyway, on my 30th birthday, (before atkins), I was going out on the town that night for an alcohol filled evening. Before going out I bought 3 packs of 20 cigarettes. Two days later, I had 15 left and vowed that that night would be the end of smoking for me. I smoked those 15 and made a point of lighting up my last on at 2 minutes to midnight. I was going to make that my last cigarette ever, and start afresh the next day.

Somehow I stuck to it. and have not really looked back. I do still have the occasional craving, but thats always going to be the same for an ex smoker, but I will never go back to it now. I am so much healthier and fitter than I was.

The trick with cravings, is to find something to do with your hands, instead of playing with a cigarette. IMHO.

Anyway, I hope this helps somebody. If not, its enjoyable for me to type anyway, as its reminded me what I have accomplished.

Rich

[2big4mysize]

Great Job

[ladyinred]

Thanks Rich. I quit 4 weeks ago yesterday for the 3rd time in as many years. I only ever last until we start going to the cottage. I'm planning on this being my last time. Enough is enough! I will think of you when those cravings hit and know that other people live through them and I will too.

[Laurenfra]

Great job you both. Quiting is always something to be proud of.

[changing]

Yay, you guys! And happy quitting anniversary, Rich!

I quit in late July '05... I gained about 50 lbs from it. Yep, 50 lbs in 4.5 months. I just ate the most wretched stuff to get through my cigarette cravings. It was awful at the time, but now I'm really glad I quit.

It is really strange now to exercise every day and not end up panting, hacking, or wheezing for an eternity afterward.

[slimndown]

Congrats! I've never been a smoker but I've heard that it is the hardest thing you will ever do! Hats off to you!

[bluemoon]

It's been over 7mths for me now! My best friends are going to quit on Monday. I still get cravings every once in a while as well, yet they are easy to pass. I remember what it was like to "NEED" a cigarette, and I never EVER want that feeling again. The only way to keep that feeling away is to "Never Take Another Puff!" http://www.whyquit.com

[RationalBeing]

Thats awesome rich. Truely great man. I also made the same plan, but belive it or not I was smoking a pack a day at the tender age of 13 years old! I had to quit, made the choice to do so. I also had a lot of external pressure at the time though, as my football coach was about to murder me when he found out!

But, 12 years later I don't smoke. I smoke cigars on occasion but certainly not a 1 pack a day habbit

[Richt]

Thats great news Rational, the first time I gave up smoking cigarettes, I went to smoking cigars 3 months after and this became a bigger habit where I was smoking and inhaling upto 10 cigars a day. So eventually went back to the cigarettes quite quickly. This time its been nothign at all, as I wouldnt trust myself not to go back to smoking again.

I am glad that you have cracked it.

12 years is a long time to have smoked for, i only smoked for 9.

Rich

[RationalBeing]

Originally Posted by Richt

Thats great news Rational, the first time I gave up smoking cigarettes, I went to smoking cigars 3 months after and this became a bigger habit where I was smoking and inhaling upto 10 cigars a day. So eventually went back to the cigarettes quite quickly. This time its been nothign at all, as I wouldnt trust myself not to go back to smoking again.

I am glad that you have cracked it.

12 years is a long time to have smoked for, i only smoked for 9.

Rich

Oh my bad, I only smoked for about a year. I guess that helps as the habits didn't kick into my subconscious too deeply. Nicotine addiction is one thing, but in my view the hardest part was kicking the "habit of smoking" - the twitches, the mental need to go from hand to mouth. 9 years of doing that would be far harder to kick than 1 year. So your story is definitely more hardcore!