New to the Quit Train

[Rooster]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm new to QT and wanted to introduce myself. I stopped smoking on the first and have been looking around for a support community for a few days before finding this one. After reading a few posts I decided that this seems like the place for me to find the people I want to surround myself with.

 

I'm 23 years old and have had a relatively light smoking habit compared to most, hovering at about a pack a week averaged over 5 years (with heavier smoking on the weekends than during the week). I have tapered a bit more recently to less than that in the last six months, but it has been those last few that have been the most insidious. To hear how some of you have quit multiple pack a day habits is inspiring. 

 

I recently lost my grandmother, my third grandparent in 18 months to have had their life compromised and ultimately ended early due to near lifelong smoking habits. I don't want that end for me so I'm making a commitment to get out ahead of this thing before it goes on any longer.

 

I am greatly excited for this journey and will aim to post something, however small, every day to support this effort. Any tips for a new quitter? In the past my largest slip up points have been after a few drinks or when I'm hanging out with friends of mine who smoke and that I have shared a cigarette with in the past. Any insight from down the road is appreciated. Looking forward to getting to know you all and continuing on the path towards better health!

 

[Colleen]

The QT is a great place to be to support your quit.  The best tip I could give you is NOPE (Not One Puff Ever) and pledge daily.  Something about waking up and making the pledge Here really helps keep yourself accountable.  If for any reason at all, you think you might smoke, post an SOS and we will talk you through it.  We have members from all over the world, so even if it's the middle of your night, it's somebody else's morning...somebody is always here.  

[Doreensfree]

Hi and welcome....I wish I had quit at your age...what a clever person you are....

We have a daily nope....it's a promise to yourself ..that you won't smoke that day.....

Those of us who have smoked a long time...this is how we did it....promising one day at a time....

Alcohol ....many of us stayed away from it ...until we felt stronger....it can make you lose your guard....

Try and keep busy....above all...stay close to the board.....your more likely to succeed if you have support....

So glad your here....well done....

[sharonsiff]

Lovely to meet you Rooster :)

 

I think that's a marvellous idea, to post something daily, keeps you focused and on the right track. I agree with Colleen in pledging NOPE each day is a great mantra to have.

 

Really looking forward to getting to know you and am so sorry to hear about your grandparents passing away. Grandparents are very special people... So sorry xx

[Jclarke241]

I'm somewhat new here as well but in the time that I've been here, I've found this site to be invaluable in getting through the hard times. A couple SOS's and one relapse later and the folks here are supportive as ever.

 

Good luck and welcome to QT,

[Jenny]

Welcome to the QT Rooster.  For the moment I would not drink if it's caused you issues in the past.   As you get stronger in your quit you can add those triggers back slowly and you'll be better equipped to deal with them.  Be wary of friends or even family who smoke as they may interfere in your quit.  When an addict sees someone quit they get nervous, really nervous.  It forces them to think about what they're doing to themselves so they will attempt to ruin your quit rather than deal with that dose of reality.  

 

The first few weeks are the hardest and then it slowly gets easier.   The more time you put between you and your last cigarette the easier it gets.  Time is your friend and so is the QT :).  The most important thing to remember however is NOPE (Not one puff ever). 

 

Lovely to have you here!  You can do this!  If it wasn't doable I would not have made it at all!  I'm the biggest wimp ever!

[El Bandito]

Hey Rooster.

 

Welcome aboard. I told my friends I was quit and not to help me relapse and kept focused on those 'risky' moments...

 

Working so far ;-)

[MarylandQuitter]

Welcome, Rooster!  Many congrats on your decision to quit, especially at such a young age.  Please see the thread below as it's probably right where you need to be.  :)

 

http://www.quittrain.com/topic/3963-new-year-so-you-want-to-quit-smoking-but-have-questions-welcome-to-quittrain-climb-aboard-see-just-how-doable-quitting-really-is/

[Runfree]

Welcome Rooster!

 

I'm a newbie too and I found the info and support here to be invaluable to my staying the course.  There is SO much information here so just dig in and start reading.  At first, I had a hard time concentrating but I'd read and post when I could manage it.  The NOPE commitment is important...seems awkward at first but you'll quickly  learn its worth.

 

Trust that you have the capacity to endure and conquer the rough spots.  They can be strong but they're short lived...honest!  Hang on tight to the reasons why you want to be a Non-Smoker...they will pull you through.  You've got this Rooster!

[Tink]

Hi rooster, what a great name :) welcome to the train, read and post let us know the good and bad bits and we can support you

 

A great start to the year looking forward to sharing your journey

[BAT]

What's flickin chicken :P Welcome to the QT Rooster :)

[Nicole Diver]

Welcome! 

My best tip would to be to read Allen Carr's "Easy Way" or listen to the audible.  It was so comforting to me in the early days.

Well done on a great decision :)

[Fay]

Welcome Rooster!  Congrats on your quit! 

[Evelyn]

Welcome this is a great community to find support!

[Devil Doll]

Welcome to the QT Rooster!

[action]

Hi Rooster!

 

Nice to meet you, and congratulations on your quit!

[sherry]

Hi Rooster, .. I'm sorry for the loss of your grandparents,.. but I am really happy for you that at 23 you have the good sense to quit smoking,..I wish I had been that smart at 23 - 33-  or even 43... so kudos to you!!, Congratulations on your quit, and welcome to the QT family! :D

[Rooster]

Thanks all, reading your posts have made me feel tremendous. I feel so welcome, excited and encouraged. I've bookmarked this page to find strength in when things get tough. Looking forward to seeing you all around!

[bakon]

Stay away from my eggs

[Doreensfree]

L.O.L......

Are we in for a **** fight....so to speak......

[Still winning]

Hi Rooster,

 

I'm pretty excited to read your intro. Great words!!

 

I look forward to sharing advice!!  Genuinely :)

 

How you quitting??  Nicotine replacement or cold turkey?  If cold turkey get fruit juice and take sips as your blood sugar levels were compromised by smoking and will make you feel grumpy and lethargic...some how (bless science!) the fruit juice helps off set that.

 

Welcome!!

[Tink]

 

how you doing today rooster?

[Rooster]

Doing wonderful Tracey, thanks! About to make my daily Nope pledge. Thanks for the tip Marti, I'll definitely be swinging through the juice aisle later today

[DCCXXVII]

Hi Rooster... it is great to hear you are doing so well with your quit :)

[Jclarke241]

How wonderful it is that your quit is going well!