It’s as easy as you let it be

[SecondChanceSailor]

I know I’ve been really bad about checking in here.  I’m a couple months past my 4 year anniversary and felt compelled to touch base and if I can help anyone struggling, to do so.  
 

If you told me 14 years ago, when I first quit, or any of the 10 years between then and when I actually did quit that I’d be here right now, I wouldn’t believe you.  
 

My journey started on the old message board, the one that shall not be named, and I recall reading SO much information.  Posts, celebrations, failures, advice, tricks, tips.  I remember getting compassion and tough love with every relapse.  Every relapse that I would eventually tuck my tail between my legs and come back looking for some commiseration and a new plan of attack.  
 

There were also long bouts of staying away, while I was smoking, of course.  It’s the normal cycle of a relapse.  After enough times, you sort of even stop feeling sorry for yourself.  At least I did.  At this point though, I feel that I’ve gone from “I used to smoke” to “No, I don’t smoke.”  Like, it was a part of my life for about 15 years but where I am now people are surprised to hear that I used to smoke, they would never guess if I hadn’t told them.  And for me, that’s a good feeling.  
 

The battle with nicotine was mine, and mine alone, but as far as anyone else is concerned, it makes me so happy that I have severed that connection with the cigarette.  
 

I don’t have any tips, tricks, or other advice that made this quit stick when the many, many others did not.  I just knew, my body knew, my mind knew…I was done.  It was like I had never smoked before at all.  No withdrawal, no cravings, no triggers…I was free.  And that’s where I am today.  I am as free as I will allow myself to be, which is honestly why I DO make an effort to come back.  To celebrate and to remind myself that I got lucky.  To remind myself that before this quit, I struggled countless times.  And to remind myself that I can NEVER go back, no matter what.  Because it’s easy to go back to it.  And it’s easy to stay quit for good…as long as you NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF! 
 

If you’re struggling, on the brink of relapse, don’t give up.  Speak up, reach out, don’t give in, don’t give up.  This to shall pass.  Stay the course, shipmates.  

Edited yesterday at 02:57 AM by SecondChanceSailor

[Penguin]

Congratulations on your successful quit!

 

I think you touched on a couple things that are really important. One, there's a shift in one's thinking when they reach a successful quit, from "I quit smoking" to "I don't smoke." For many of us, we need that shift in our mindset. When we no longer identify as a smoker, it doesn't erase our past, but it does set us up for success for the future. The second thing is, quitting doesn't have to be hard. Oftentimes it is, but if you can quit without cravings or irritability or fear, that's great. Some people can do that. For my part, I spent a long time being afraid of quitting, but when I finally did quit, all that fear and hesitation was gone. I think the bottom line is this: don't let the fear of what could be keep you from trying for success.

[Doreensfree]

I remember you @SecondChanceSailor

Congratulations on your 4 years smoke free 

The first time I actually said to someone 

I dont smoke anymore , gave me a huge sense of pride … I never thought I would say those words , 

Well done !!!

[jillar]

Great post @SecondChanceSailor, and congratulations on 4 years quit!