I would also like to add why I joined this forum to quit smoking.

I had tried every possible way to quit smoking.  Hypnosis, nicotine gum and lozenges and a smoking cessation program with the famous Cleveland Clinic.  Nothing worked and I continued to smoke.  I became very ashamed, more isolated and depressed.   The day I found this forum, I was desperately searching for someway to quit.  

I started lurking and reading as much as I could.  The members here had a way of pulling you in.  They made me laugh, something I hadn't done in a long time.  They seemed to know me and my heart.  As I travelled the journey with them, they helped me peel away the layers of self hate and doubt and made sure I knew I was strong enough.  Let me tell you, I hung close and made new friendships that were all over the world.  Today, I am smoke free and so much a different person than the one that landed here two years ago.  I am strong and confident and loving life smoke free!  

I stumbled on to my first forum while googling my many quit symptoms. Each one I googled led to posts from people who had also been through it.

I lurked there for weeks before I got the courage to join and I haven't regretted it for one moment. And although that forum is long gone now, many of us made our way here and were welcomed with open arms.

Like @Mee, I've made lasting friendships, hers being one of them, with people all over the world. We've laughed, cried and supported each other as well as those that come after us.

That people who didn't know me were so open to offering me support when I needed it most and knew what I was going through at any given time that first year meant the world to me and the reason I'm still here paying it forward 😊