Hi Everyone, Just wanted to introduce myself. Had my last cigarette Monday morning, and in search of support I came accross this website on Tuesday. I have to say, it really helps a lot to sign on every day, and see how many cigarettes I haven't smoked since Monday, and how much money I saved which already is a lot. (A pack of American Spirits cost $7.75 where I live). It also is so encouraging to see for how long so many of you have been smokefree. This is my eleventh time, and I really hope I will succeed this time for good. I already noticed somewhat of a difference where my sense of smell is concerned (can that be possible), and also didn't feel like collapsing on the treadmill yesterday. Wow! Though, I have to say I thought the worst cigarette to give up would be the one in the morning, but I have found out that it actually is the one in the evening. You know, the one after the kids are tucked in bed, kitchen is cleaned, and it finally is time to relax after a long day, and have a few minuted to yourself. So, I guess I will have to change my workout routine, instead of going in the morning, I have to make an effort to go in the evening. Sometimes, though, it kind of is a scary thought to be smokefree for the rest of my life. But then I try to remind myself that it is much scarier to get cancer. Like I said, this is my eleventh time. Two times I quit right away when I was pregnant, and while I was nursing. (Total of 2 1/2 years) However, I am from Europe, and every time I went home, I would pick it up again. One time I quit but wasn't really in to it. And after 6 weeks or so, I picked it up again after I had come accross a "healthy" cigarette (I had actually searched the internet for this, how silly is this). So I tried to make myself feel better since I was smoking "all natural" cigarettes without any additives. Even smoked the organic brand. However, deep down I knew that those cigarettes caused as much harm as the regular ones. So here I am, once again, determined as hard as it might be. Good luck to all of you, [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/17/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 2 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 51 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $15.5 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:

Also have not smoked since Monday. I am having a better mind set with "I haven't smoked for..." rather than "I quit smoking..." Seems less daunting to me. I have smoked for 26 years (depressing/embarrassing to say that)and this is the only habit/mistake I have yet to turn in my favor. I am a Wound/Ostomy nurse, and I see many times a day the detrimental effects that smoking causes. My husband does not smoke and he has rarely criticized me; however, he is certainly proud of this attempt.Feel better being able to visit this board and speak freely. Thank you all.

Congrats on your decision, and determination to win over this addiction! I too "delayed" my quit because I would see the years stretching out into an infinite number of "never to smoke again" moments. And then promptly light up! It was only after seeing the effects of 40+ years of smoking on my mother.....she is in pretty rough shape (has had strokes due to high blood pressure, has COPD, and is OBSESSED with smoking, to this day). I spent 6 weeks w. her and my father in November, and when I finally came home, stopped. You have to think of the good things, like NOT smelling like an ashtray (that always embarassed me) white teeth (finally, that darn toothpaste is working :) and no wheezing or shortness of breath. And I can cut the lawn now without feeling like I am going to die. I live in FL by the way......) Anyway......you get the picture. Stay positive. You have to really WANT this to happen. And it sounds like you do. Keep reading and keep posting. It helps a lot. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/19/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 31 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 477 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $209.25 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 2 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 56 [B]Seconds:[/B] 29

The first few days of a quit can be a very positive and exciting time. They must be because we committed smokers have quit so many times! Seriously though, take a lot of time to review the benefits of why you're quitting. I quit coughing immediately. I know I smell a lot better because I can sure smell smokers. I don't miss worrying about getting my next fix. There are challenges to quitting but enjoy the benefits of quitting right from the beginning. I did and I'm still quit. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/3/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 47 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 958 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $235 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 8 [B]Hrs:[/B] 22 [B]Mins:[/B] 25 [B]Seconds:[/B] 50

Welcome and way to go! keep posting and letting us know how you are doing.....and post when you need support. Brent

Welcome and congrats on your decision to quit. You will find a lot of support here so come in often and keep us posted on how you are. Keep your quit. vicki just 1 puff away from 2 packs a day [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 10/17/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 94 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 3,790 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $658 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 12 [B]Hrs:[/B] 21 [B]Mins:[/B] 19 [B]Seconds:[/B] 2

It is possible that you are seeing benefits already. The healing process begins immediately and continues for the rest of your life. Studies have shown that if you can maintain for 1 year, you will have set aside one half of the damage already done. Then, 50% the next year and so on. Thus, if you could maintain just 3 years, you would have reversed the damage by 87.5%. That should be encouraging indeed. I must tell you that I wonder if you have considered the damage to the children with second handed smoke. While they sleep peacefully, you are exposing them to a killer as surely as if it were a gun. Congrats' and lets do this this time. Lindsey [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/10/2001 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 1592 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 95,555 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $15920 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 328 [B]Hrs:[/B] 14 [B]Mins:[/B] 42 [B]Seconds:[/B] 22

Blythe, Welcome as well! Please take the time to look around and be proud of your choice to quit. You are on the right road and we can help. Take the time to prepare and see the difference it can make, post often as we are always here to help, Josie ______________________ The SSC Support Team.

11th time, Welcome to our support community and please take the time to prepare. If you look to the left you will notice the program and tools at your disposal. This will help you make this your final quit. Focus on why you started up again the other times and really prepare for those situations. Preparation is a key element to a successful quit. Please post often with your quit meter and let us know how you are doing, we are always here. Josie ______________________ The SSC Support Team.