GloryB

N. O. P. E. for 8+ years. A QSMB Avenger checking in, happy to see so many familiar faces still helping others. Newbies, if you've made it this far, you've got it. Help others, help yourself. It's worth it.

Greetings All and Thank You for your warm comments! I did not want to lose track of the QSMB folks who helped me so much during my quit and want to commend QuitTrain community for providing such a warm and caring welcome for all. I really have not found much to add to the wonderful advice given here but perhaps I should throw out a few crumbs regarding my particular quit. Though I probably will be repeating what everyone else has already said. Know your enemy. Knowledge is everything. Nicotine addiction, poisons in cigarette smoke, withdrawal symptoms . Keep your guard up. Reasons for quitting or keeping a quit may change as you progress. I started my quit to prove a doctor wrong; I kept my quit by realizing I was a drug addict and that cigarettes were changing my DNA and destroying my body and life. Support, gotta have it on those days/hours when you don't know what to do with yourself. I looked at hundred of pictures and comments regarding smoke free cats, posted to other struggling addicts, and through continuous reading and education. This board has it all. You are never alone. Ask and you will get an answer. Keep your guard up. I do not consider myself a Nonsmoker--I am an Ex-Smoker, meaning the nicotine pathways in my brain are forever engraved and just ONE puff of ONE cigarette will wake the demon. NOPE. Do NOT romanticize cigarettes. They are nicotine delivery systems with the added boost of thousands of poisonous chemicals equal to the smoke from a house fire or plane crash. Never wish for one, never remember the rush or comfort they gave, cause they didn't. Find a replacement. I was once asked the question: If you were facing a firing squad and had one last request, would you wish for a cigarette? Many said yes, as I first did. But I changed my request to a big chocolate bar and imagined the enjoyment of eating that versus puffing a nicotine delivery system--the chocolate was definitely better! Whenever I now get a rare craving or thought, I immediately think of my chocolate bar! Life is really wonderful when you find you have beaten a horrible addiction and I believe it will give you the strength to continue to take control of other aspects of your life. I will now jump down from my soap box, wave fondly at Johnny5 and my fellow quitters and wish you all the very best of luck and happiness in your new addiction-free life. Susan