Hello

[Elsie]

Hello.  I'm new here.  I smoked my last cigarette earlier today.  I don't want to smoke anymore and I really need some support.  I have given up before, once for nearly four years, but silly stressful times in my life got me started again.  I have a real hard time forgiving myself for this awful habit I picked up, I feel so ashamed - I am a secret smoker too (although my partner does know).  Each time I have stopped I find the first three days the worse, and then I'm usually ok.  It just takes something stressful to happen and I pick it up again.

 

I also suffer from anxiety and depression -  a lot of my anxiety focuses around my health.  Every time there is something wrong with me I think the worst.  I have a hard time convincing myself that it isn't already too late.

 

Anyway, thats me in a nutshell.  I look forward to getting to know you all.

 

xx

[Doreensfree]

Hi and welcome Elsie..

Don't beat yourself up over smoking.. I smoked 52 years..the only way now is forward..

Read all you can here..so its fresh in your mind..why quitting the best thing you can ever do for yourself..

Stay close to the board..

Post on our daily pledge...we will support you on your journey..

[Elsie]

Thank you.  :)  

[Sunnyside]

Hi Elsie, welcome aboard the train ;)

 

Stick close to the board and post if you need some support. We are here for you.

 

Well done in your quit so far.

[Elsie]

its only been two hours, but thank you!

[Nancy]

Welcome, Elsie!   There is a lot of wonderful information, here, and even more wonderful quitters who are anxious to help in anyway we can!  Congratulations on your decision to quit!

[Boo]

Welcome aboard Elsie.  You will find plenty of support and information here to make this quit the successful one.  As for shame and guilt...those emotions are very common when smokers remove the facade and recognize our addiction for what it really is.  The one surefire remedy to all the negatives of smoking is to quit.  Start anew and move on with a new way of living.

 

Congratulations.  You took the first step today and will reap many rewards along the way.  Proceed.

[Abby]

Hi Ellsie . Glad your here . 

I am pretty new here to . Have a look around , there is lots to do here ; and lots to do helps us stay away from smoking . 

You can do this .  Don't doubt that . One day at a time , or even an hour will do . Just don't smoke no matter what .

Congratulations on such a great decision . 

[joe]

Welcome, Elsie...

 

You have found a great bunch of people to support you in your quit.

 

They are always willing to help, and have provided many resources to help understand the addiction side of smoking.

 

Log in and check in often....read everything you can...take it a day at a time...before you know it, you will no longer be thinking about smoking.....

[Petra]

Hello and Welcome!!! 

 

I too was a secret smoker - only those close to me knew.  It was exhausting!!!  Once I quit for a period of time, then re-started.  I hid my smoking from everyone!  It was such a drag!  Hiding to smoke, covering the smell, having to wait til I got home, then be angry that I couldn't sneak away for my fix because my kids needed me or something.  Ugh!  It was awful!  

 

I had the guilt & shame too, so I understand about that.  

 

The absolute best thing about quitting is all the freedom we get back in life!  It is so refreshing and relieving, so very worth any of those tough moments when I wanted to cave.   

 

During previous quit attempts when I failed, I found myself getting into those arguments with myself - I want/I don't want, etc.  When I became successful is when I wouldn't allow myself to have those inner arguments.  I'm not smoking anymore.  Period.  End of discussion.  I can get angry, cry, punch a pillow, tell the dog to screw off, whatever, but I was not going to smoke.  

 

When I felt the urge creeping up, I would distract myself - come here and play a game or start a new thread, shower, pet the dog, eat some peanuts.  

 

You can do it! :)

[BAT]

Welcome Elsie

[Elsie]

Thank you for all your welcomes, its really kind of you.  Onwards and upwards.  :)

[Elsie]

So today is my first real day of non-smoking.  So far so good.  Was tempted after a visit to see my doctor (been diagnosed with kidney stones) but instead  drove straight home.  The bad news is chocolate and all things naughty are off the list of things I can eat now.....and even almonds which I eat a lot of.

[Doreensfree]

Hi Elsie..

Sorry to hear about your health issue...

I'm sure quitting will be a huge benieft to you too..it's only when we quit.,we reolize just how much smoking effected our health..

Keep busy... Idol minds and all that..so find hobbies.jigsaw,crossword,etc..

Read here..watch the nkn smoking animals..always good for a laugh..

Most of all...stay in touch...have you pledged today ?...great place to start...

You can do it..x

[MarylandQuitter]

Welcome, Elsie!  I used to be the the best hypochondriac and always had one foot in the grave.  Not anymore as I also kicked that habit decades ago.  ;)

[Jenny]

Welcome aboard Elsie!  I used to smoke as a way to calm my nerves.  I told myself that it helped but it didn't really.  In fact, smoking makes your life more stressful!   Always planning your life around when you can smoke again and how you can keep it from those who don't know is so stressful and exhausting!  You'll see what I mean when you've been quit a while.  The freedom is incredible.  I cannot imagine going back to that old addict life.  

 

You're in the right place.  Please let us know what we can do to help.

[Doreensfree]

Hi Elsie..you OK...how you feeling ..

[jimmy]

welcome aboard    .

[Runfree]

How are you?