Wow, one year already! I finally quit the nasty habit on Oct. 15, 2007. I was taking Chantix. During "hell week" I was on the computer searching for support when I came across this web site. I worked the program here and read the forums every day. What a huge help it was! Several of us October quitters formed a group and called ourselves "Octobreathers". I see that Goofy is still around offering support and encouragement. What an awesome guy he is!
I am a 42 year old wife and mother of three girls. I started smoking when I was a teenager. I hated how cigs were controlling my life. I was embarrassed to be a smoker. I did not want people to see me smoking. Whenever I was at a school activity, or anywhere, I would always be thinking about when and where I would be able to have a smoke. It was like a ball and chain. Now I can go on an all day field trip with my kids and never think about smoking at all! I am free!!
Quitting was certainly not easy, but it was very doable and very, very worth it. I wish I had done it a long time ago. I never thought I was strong enough to quit, so I never really tried. This web site and Chantix helped tremendously! Some of the things I would do when I was having major cravings is I would log on to SSC, read, eat (a lot), drink water, do deep breathing exercises, take a nap, go to bed early (I slept a lot), review my list of reasons to quit or call a friend. I rewarded myself on the 15th of every month with a fresh bouquet of seasonal flowers!
I didn't worry about weight at first. I knew that it was more important to have my quit under control. After about 3 months and a 15 pound gain, I started focusing on my weight. I joined a gym and started counting calories. After all, if I quit smoking I could do anything, right?! Within 4 months I lost 20 pounds. I am 5'7" and weigh 130 lbs. I work out 5 days a week either at the gym or at home and I love it! Kick boxing is my new passion and I enjoy weightlifting!
I am healthier and in the best shape of my life! Why didn't I do this sooner?! At least I did do it while my kids are still at home and before I developed lung disease or something horrible like that.
I hope that my quit story will help and inspire someone else. Please do not say that you will TRY to quit. Instead say that you WILL quit, and then just do it! Believe me, you will be much happier and healthier. You are worth it!
Thank you so much SSC, members and moderators for being here!!!
Jodi
My Milage:My Quit Date: 10/15/2007
Smoke-Free Days: 366
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 7,320
Amount Saved: $1,830.00
Life Gained:Days: 35
Hrs: 17
Mins: 21
Seconds: 2
