I've used every excuse I can think of to not quit.

"It's not the right time... I am so stressed! You have no idea."

"I like smoking. Why would I give that up? I'm never going to quit!"

"When I'm stressed, I NEED a cigarette. It really does help calm my nerves."

I'm glad I smartened the heck up after only smoking for about 5 or 6 years; I am so glad I quit while I was young.

Funnily enough, I was very much against smoking growing up. Both of my parents smoked (heavily) and I hated how the smoke always loomed in the air. Every day, all day. I'm asthmatic as well, so the smoke really took my breath away sometimes.

Why I started, I don't know. I think I did it mostly to make friends. I know that sounds lame, but it's true. Where I used to work (back in 2006/2007), everyone smoked. I started wandering out into the smoking pit to join them. Then I started dating this guy from work and decided to "try a few" with him.

Fast forward to 2010 and I was smoking a pack a day, sometimes more. When I visited my mom and dad, I smoked at least a pack and a half a day. I calmed down a bit when I moved to Ottawa in August 2011 with my cousin and her roommates because none of them smoked, so I had to take my addiction outside.

I met my boyfriend/fiance in October 2011 (online, of all places). I was in a relationship before where the guy I was with told me every day how I'd get cancer if I didn't stop. He was one of those crazy ex-smokers who was always on me about how I was going to die, which actually made me smoke even more because I was "stressed" and trying desperately to get rid of that stress. Thankfully I got out of there, met my boyfriend who has ALWAYS been extremely supported, and quit completely in August 2012.

I haven't smoked since. 3 years ago, I never would have thought this was possible. I thought I was too weak to quit and stay quit. I was sure I was a forever-smoker.

Guess what? Clearly, I was wrong! I am nearing my two-year anniversary as we speak. I feel amazing, and more importantly, I find smoking to be repulsive. I'm a new person, all because of you guys and the support I receive at home.

I live with my boyfriend who has never smoked, so staying quit has been fairly easy. The only time it's a struggle is when I visit my dad and little brother. The only thing I struggle with is the disgusting smell. I don't want to be anywhere near it. My little brother thinks I'm a "quit Nazi" because I beg him to stop, but he will only do so when/if he wants to. No nagging from me is going to convince him and I understand that. However, that doesn't stop me from telling him how I quit, how thousands of others have quit, and how much better I feel without it. Hopefully this will eventually sink in for him and he will quit for good. He's only 18.

So that's my story. I quit cold turkey and never looked back. Of course I had rough days... everyone has them. But ultimately, this is what I wanted and needed. I wasn't going to let a bad day ruin all the hard work I've put in. Cravings only last a maximum of three minutes (or so I'm told)! If you make it through Hell Week, that's 168 HOURS. There is no way I'd throw that away because of a temporary crave.

Quitting is definitely doable. Have some faith in yourself. If you want to quit, you will. It's all about commitment and attitude. If you are SURE you're going to relapse, you probably will. You are setting yourself up to relapse. Mind over matter.

Always remind yourself of the reasons you want (or have) to quit for.

Your kids?

Your health?

Money?

Make a mental note of these reasons or write them down. Carry them with you at all times. Understanding why you want this is very important.

Change your routine if you can. As smokers, we associated everything with smoking. Try to break some of those patterns. For example, if you like to take a walk down a certain path and smoke, pick a different path. Go at a different time. Adjust/change your day-to-day patterns.

For the first little while, keep yourself distracted! Don't let yourself mope around your house/apartment/whatever. Do something. Go for a walk, draw, play a game, watch a video. Anything to keep your mind distracted. Distractions are very important and were the key to my success. Also remember that smoking is an oral fixation, so try to keep your mouth busy. Maybe chew gum/hard candies/lollipops or chew on a straw. Whatever. Keeping your hands/mouth/mind busy will help though! You can't smoke if you're not thinking about it, right?