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Thank you! I wish that I was around to offer support more than I am. I do want to say this to newbies and others who are perusing the boards and considering quitting. Four years ago, I was a 3 pack a day smoker, I was in and out of the hospital. I couldn't walk down a flight steps without being severely winded. I wanted desperately to quit smoking but didn't know where to begin, or how to make it stick (I had many failed attempts under my belt). I started reading a quit smoking board and admired all of the quitters who had months, weeks, and even days under their belts. I happened upon a thread of a member whose wrote so eloquently, only to find out that he had just passed away (the day before) from lung cancer. The members of the board were mourning and genuinely cared about this person who they have never even met. That spoke to me. I created a membership and set my quit date to be January 1st. Well, I had finished the pack that was supposed to last until the new year and decided NOT to go to the store but to start early. I made my first post and that is where my journey began. It wasn't easy, there were rough spots, and times I questioned my decision. Every time I thought that I was going to fail I came to the board and leaned on the members, they held me up and supported me. They are the key to this success. People who have been where I was, and who are where I was at the moment. This place is the key to success. Fast forward to now --Four years later I lost a hundred pounds, I run races, I am in nursing school, and I have genuine friends here. This one decision has made such a positive impact on my life. I urge that if you are thinking about quitting, do it, take the plunge, it is worth it! The Quit Train has so many members who are here for you and want you to succeed.

Video explaining how I am joining up at Quittrain and will occasionally participate at the site. Related resources: Is cold turkey the only way to quit? Sharing our materials at other quit sites I realize I forgot that some of my relapse prevention materials can also cause a bit of controversy. I will avoid ever posting or engaging in any of the slip/relapse discussions that may happen at the site. I do feel that the “Why people smoke” materials and the “Why people should quit smoking” materials can help all people no matter what approaches they are choosing to use to quit. Most of the relapse materials too will be good for all members and readers but some people may want to steer clear of the resources touching on the slip vs relapse issue. About Joel Spitzer Link to the new index page

There ... fixed it for ya

Have fun tonight ...and keep the NOPE !!!!

well hell no, not ever, coming up on three years,,, smokers stink sooo bad cant believe I smoked for 30 years,, I love you all, safe an happy new years, hope you all get "lucky" too ,,,,lol RC

Nope and a happy, healthy new year to you all

0 Oh Joe......

Hey DD! Congrats on your 4 year quit anniversary. That's an amazing accomplishment I wasn't around back when you started but I can tell from your old posts I have read and just from the comments here from the people who were around, you were and still are a solid contributor here and have helped so many while you battled this addiction for yourself. That's something to be really proud of ..... well done! Be sure to celebrate!!

Congrats Jen... you are one that I have never doubted would succeed ! You had your mind made up from day one, and that's the key... You had to beat that into my head, but once I grasped it, I "got it" .. I owe you.... your the best, Jen......way to go!

I thought dd was a computer. She posted so fast and so often a normal person (she is not normal) would not be able to pee. She was a relentless cheater and a midnight poster. Never a doubt she would make the quit. Don't remember much complaining out of her oversized mouth.(She is tiny but just like Rachel Ray her chompers are enormous) Got to see her in person this year. Said she would swing by on way home from a kids day at the pool and please ignore my appearance...... Well she is Hot stuff. If I wasn't married I would have stuffed her in my pocket and kept her.... Congrats and I hope you get another horse for your reward so I have a reason to stop again.

NOPE.

Nope, Nope, Nope!!!

Or pick my picture

Congratulations sweetheart...I'm so happy to share this fabulous day with you... It's great to see you here..the four year gang is solid....xxx

Thanks i appreciate your anaylis of the smoking timetable. It all makes sense, the way you broke it down like that. I guess I'm gonna have to be patient and keep on noping.

Not One Puff Ever again...... Happy New Year to you all...

Joel, I am delighted to see you have joined QTrain. You were instrumental in helping me quit smoking and deal honestly with my nicotine addiction. For this, I cannot thank you enough, Joel. Along with you, the truth, affection and camaraderie I found on QTrain has been essential in protecting my quit these last four years of freedom. Thank you, S

Hello Jon, Welcome to QuitTrain !!! When you threw your quits away, you did this because you believed that smoking still offered to you some benefits. You may think that smoking would help with your work stress, but the reality of this is that it is simply a lie that nicotine addiction generates in your brain. After we quit, we need to understand that we will be facing situation triggers in which our brain tell us that we should smoke. When we experience these triggers, we learn to recognize them for what they are (false mental reminder signals to smoke), and wait until they pass (they always do). Then, next time you experience the same situation that was a trigger, often the trigger is very weak or simply does not happen again. Understanding these events, are why education about the process of quitting smoking is so important. This forum can help you with this education. This video helps explain, why smoking makes us believe that it helps us with stress.....and more importantly, why in reality, it does not. Cristóbal

I am glad that you have found my materials helpful reciprocity. Congratulations on what looks like your 11 months quit.

There are many people out there right now who are mulling over whether 2018 is the year they should finally quit. The question is: Am I going to sabotage my own health by grasping at every excuse under the sun not to quit? Or, am I going to bite the bullet, do some research, and finally make the choice that I know is right? Those of us who have ultimately succeeded in beating back this addiction are not special snowflakes. We’re just like everyone else. For most of us, quitting smoking was not just a whim that we easily attained in a day or two. We had to commit ourselves 100%. But once the decision is made, the recovery process grows a little stronger every day. There finally comes a point where you’ll feel amazing….like a whole new person. I encourage you with all of my heart to look deep inside and do what you’ve been telling yourself to do for many years. You have the ability. Jump on the train!

If you have just quit or plan on quitting soon, be sure to watch Joel Spitzer´s video for 2018 New Years Quitters, and then check the resources link for additional support. JOEL SPITZER - Resources Link Cristóbal

Some people are amazed that even though they may have several weeks or months quit, that they still do not feel completely "normal", and continue to miss smoking. When this happens, figure your "Quit Days %" and then you will see why. The way to calculate this is: Number of Years Smoked x 365 = Smoke Days. Number of Days Not Smoked = Quit Days. Then, Quit Days ÷ Smoke Days = "Quit Days %". -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I will go first, to be the first example. I smoked for about 30 years. 30 years x 365 = 10,950 Smoke Days. As of today, I have not smoked for 5 years, 2 months, 7 days. This period of times = 1904 Quit Days. Then, 1904 Quit Days ÷ 10,950 Smoke Days = 17.388%. This is my "Quit Days %". In other words, even at more than 5 years since my last cigarette, as of today I have been quit for only 17.388% of the total time I smoked. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Now, let us take as the second example a smoker who smoked for 30 years, and has been quit for just 4 months. These 4 months might seem like a very long time to the ex-smoker, but it is nothing when compared to 30 years. This smoker who smoked for 30 years, has 30 years x 365 = 10,950 Smoke Days. Quit time of 4 months = 120 Quit Days. 120 Quit Days ÷ 10,950 Smoke Days = Quit Days % of just 1.096%, of the total time the smoker smoked. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Smoking had a deep impact on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. A lot of the physical damage can be repaired in a time period of about 10 years, but some of it can never be repaired - the damage is done !!! The mental, emotional, and spiritual damage can be repaired much quicker, since all of us at one time were never smokers. None of us started life with a cigarette in the mouth !!! We all know how to live life as non-smokers, we just need to remember how to do it again. And time is what is needed for that to happen. It is my experience working with others, that how quickly one becomes very comfortable in these 3 areas depends on the person and also their understanding of nicotine addiction. The more a person understands the process of separation from the active addiction, it seems to me the quicker the good comfort levels of being a non-smoker return. What is important to understand, is that the first year as a non-smoker will be spent confronting triggers, many of them that are seasonal. Once you arrive at your first year anniversary, most people can say that they are making very good progress adjusting to life as a non-smoker. Cristóbal

Hi Joel! Thanks for registering and for all of your help over the past years. That video index is an amazing tool!!

Congrats DD

Dd. Fixed mine. Ducking spelcek.

I reported the Doctor at the hospital. I was really upset this morning, but Im ready to refocus. I have another mental health appointment in a few days. If I end up not being able to go to residential treatment, I formulated another plan this morning. A friend of mine quit smoking recently, he is also a veteran. I'm going to tell him all the trouble Im having and see if he will let me stay at his house for a week. I would have constant support, no access to nicotine, peace and quiet in the yard...I dont know why I didnt think of it sooner. Not gonna give up no matter what. I will be back on the forum when I quit.

NOPE

Last one of 2017 NOPE!!

Big Congrats, Jen! Home truth - I remember 3 years ago, you were my "I want to be just like her!!" person. You were celebrating your one year and so happy/positive, you were a perfect example of success for the newcomer to see and you were always ALWAYS so helpful. You have 4 years, which calls for celebration, but you also helped many others along the way and that too is a big Win. Enjoy your day not thinking about smoking. And thank you!

NOPE!

Is there anywhere else you can go. Perhaps another Dr. who has treated you in the past?

I am the original government approved meat.

Good job Doll!

00000....Look what we have here..I'm so happy...well done ladies !!!!!....chicks rule...xx

You mean no one loved sizzlean?

DD...will have 4 years !!!!!

Following along with Joe. This is a big deal.

I will be there...wouldn't miss this ones party!

What's not to love.....

Did someone say "Bakon"?

NOPE

Excellent points!

Who doesnt love bacon? Or Bakon for that matter?

They spelled it wrong Why are we made to choose? Why can't we celebrate bakon every day? Too much of a good thing?

I just noticed the new "popular contributors" feature on the upgraded website. It looks like there is a points system in place to see who the big kahuna is here on the Train. It's not a competition, but...I want to win! I'm going to be out of touch for the next few days, so I just wanted to take this opportunity to say: Quit Train members are awesome! Bunch of good looking, delightful smelling, non-smokers. I like what y'all have done with your hair. Dare I say, this is the sexiest collection of members in the whole wide world of the interwebs. And now I shamelessly ask that you smash that "like" button And before I go, here is a picture of a little baby surrounded by puppies. You'd have to be a monster to not "like" this.

Yup! It was certainly on my radar. I'm off to get supplies now

Newbies...and those lovely non smoking people ,who have not reached the Lido Deck just yet... Don't be sucked in with all the Xmas hype... Guard your quits well...it's only one week...don't lose that precious quit ,you have fought hard to maintain... Enjoy the festive