Today I stand in my commitment to become a non smoker, an ex smoker. What do I need to do to be able to live in that commitment, to give myself a new life, a life as a person who does not smoke? Well, at the top of the list, hard and dilegent work. Constanly monitoring my mind-set, my mood, my sense of self and my desire to quit and stay quit. As I monitor all of this, and more, I have to take advantage of my strong desire to live and most importantly to live a life of health and happiness. All of this takes constant work. I have to constantly work to maintain the edge and keep the wheel turning. I have posted here in the past about how hard this journey out of the addiction and into freedom has been. I have posted that I feel depressed and that I lack courage and that I lack faith in myself. Well when I look at myself and my actions I can say that I have always gone back to my commitment to quit and if I am willing or not to break that commitment. Most times I have been able to come to the quit side on my own. Sometimes I have needed a firm nudge in the correct direction and I have to thank my fellow quitters for that nudge. I have always got it whenever I have needed. Fact still remains that it has been within me and directly in my control to find the strength to do the work required to remain quit. I have gotten so much fortitude and strength from hearing the stories of others who have been able to start, maintain and get firmly into their quits. Being led by example has helped me to no end. I read the "hall of fame" bios I look at the anniversary celebration and I look at the hundreds and hundreds of public pledges. All of this takes work, the work to read, educate and find my power within and when I have found that power to switch it on and utilise every ounce of strength that innner power gives. The act of quitting is constant work to use my power for good and constructive life, giving health for myself. I hope that this post might help someone in need of help, inspiration or just plain motivation. If I can do this and remain quit then any one of you can do the same. Thanks for reading, glad to have you along the journey. Peace Out Phillip [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 2/17/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 155 [B]Cigarettes

Phillip, You do inspire and motivate. You are a great quitter and you have helped me in my quit. I have watched you since you first came to this site and I have seen parts of my own struggle in you as you struggle with the same issues. You are so right when you say it takes strength and courage to win this battle. This road is not an easy one to travel. We stumble along the way but what is important is that we keep putting one foot in front of the other. You are a perfect example of how that is done. Keep up the good work friend. You are doing great! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 7/1/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 386 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 7,721 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1351 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 34 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 30 [B]Seconds:[/B] 27

Phillip, I've always been in awe of your attitude and commitment. And I echo what Lady and Rusty have said. Your work is paying off, every day you remain quit. You are constantly moving toward your goal and I have no doubt you will make the transistion from quitter to ex-smoker. Keep up the good quit. Shevie [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/23/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 425 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 8,508 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1615 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 79 [B]Hrs:[/B] 7 [B]Mins:[/B] 19 [B]Seconds:[/B] 54

Phillip, you are such a shining star. Like Lady, I believe that your humility and honesty have captivated all of us from the day you joined. I'm happy to know you and always happy to learn from your learning. Thanks, Phillip! Rusty :) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 12/13/2004 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 586 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 16,417 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $2051 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 80 [B]Hrs:[/B] 15 [B]Mins:[/B] 44 [B]Seconds:[/B] 33