Thanks so much for posting this Mercy. It is definitely something that i will read over and over again, and if i don't remind me to!! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]1/7/2008 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] -1 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] -15 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $-5.70 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 0 [B]Seconds:[/B] -2774

Wonderful post, Mercy. Thank you. "You don't have to give up anything.....absolutely nothing...but smoking" I'd never thought of it this way before. I think this is going to be very important to me over the coming months. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]1/1/2008 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 4 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 80 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �21.20 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 18 [B]Mins:[/B] 2 [B]Seconds:[/B] 32

Thanks Mercy....great information and suggestions. Joy [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]1/2/2008 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 3 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 150 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $69.00 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 26 [B]Seconds:[/B] 12

For those browsing, you CAN do this. Mercy shared some great tips in this post! Boxerfan [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]3/28/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 282 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,640 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1,410.00 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 25 [B]Hrs:[/B] 5 [B]Mins:[/B] 45 [B]Seconds:[/B] 1

Listen up, newbies. Just because mercy is a goat doesn't mean she isn't smart. Good post, mercy! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]5/14/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 233 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,660 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $2,563.00 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 24 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 31 [B]Seconds:[/B] 52

Excellent post Mercy. All new non-smokers should read and take note. Also look at you Mercy, just 2 weeks from a year. If you don't give yourself a pat on the back I will. CONGRATULATIONS [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]9/24/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 465 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 13,950 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1,953.00 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 67 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 11 [B]Seconds:[/B] 29

Great post, Mercy! Here is some great info for newbies! Boxerfan [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]3/28/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 279 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 5,580 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1,395.00 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 24 [B]Hrs:[/B] 23 [B]Mins:[/B] 20 [B]Seconds:[/B] 8

Great way to start the New Year! Print this and post it! Lots of great knowledge and support! Josie, Support Specialist

HI everyone!! Congradulations on taking the "right" choice. I thought I would make sometime to give helpful information and facts to be aware of so that you don't get discouraged. 1)Remember....this quit is about "YOU". Sneaking smokes only hurts you. Keep in mind....."It isn't you've "got" to quit...but rather that you "get" to quit....(before it's too late) 2) expect some physical sensations. The chemical, nicotine, has paralyzing effects. As nerve endings begin to heal you will feel different things. It's your body coming alive again. Some have mentioned they feel a tightness in their chests....or feelings to cough. Things like headaces...sorethroats are mentioned. (as always....if something doesn't seem right CHECK with your DOCTOR. The chemicals in cigarettes mask health problems. 3) You will find a period where you experience lack of concentration. That is normal and will pass. Your brain is being flooded with oxygen it isn't use to. Consider it a natural high. ;) Your brain and heart is finally basking in something it has longed for. 4) Many feel periods of depression. It is normal. Due to the huge influx of serotonin from cigarettes your brain was forced to shut down your endorphine receptors (as a survival method). Those receptors don't open right away. Hence...there is a lack of serotonin for awhile. Exercise is a great way to increase your "feel good" brain chemicals till your brain adjusts. You smoked for years....don't expect to heal so fast. Slow down and be patient. 5) Many worry about weight gain. Generally people do gain weight.(sorry). But.....it doesn't have to be a huge amount. Work at not substituding food in place of your not smoking. You can burn up to 200 calories less a day when you quit. That can be countered easily by cuting back on a can of pop...candy bar and taking a walk everyday. You can lose the few pounds later. After all...if you can quit smoking....sky is the limit to what you can do after. 6)Your moods will change. That is normal too. It doesn't last forever. Give your brain chemistry a chance to settle in. In otherwards...be kind to yourself and your body while it heals. Every cigarette left you with a huge surge of adrenaline...and insulin. That effects your moods. Your organs need time to settle in. 7) You may find you sleep more or go to bed early. That's O.K. and actaully is good for you. When you have a flu the doctor says get "plenty of rest". The damage your recovering from is much worse than a flu. Be kind to your body and realize all the yuckiness you are feeling is really your body healing. IT NEEDS THE REST 8) Learn the difference between a true crave and a memory. In the beginning you will physically crave nicotine....but in a short while you are really having a memory of past association. Making a new you is essential. Your craves may be a calling out to go back to familiar ground (what you know). Work at who you want to be as a non smoker. Create that image and spend time getting familiar with your new life. Quiting isn't bad.....it's exciting!!! Eventually the "new" you will be what is familiar. 9)DON'T FORGET YOUR REWARDS. This is a must. You have spoiled your brain into expecting rewards all day long. Up to 20 times a day. Your brain still wants a reward no matter what form that comes in. It doesn't care if it is a cigarette....it just wants somekind of attention. Make your rewards small and personal. Perhaps a latte...new novel...new DVD....lotion.....tie....flowers......(the list is endless) Do this on a regular basis. You will be surprised how your crave VANISHES after you get yourself a little reward. 10) Find a few diversions that work. Some say lots of water works. I found sour things were great. Sour tangerine candies were a life saver in the beginning. I also found watching a movie gave my brain a much needed rest from thinking about not smoking. It's a good two hour diversion!! Walks always made me feel great ....as did reading Bible devotionals. Find what works for you!! THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! 11)Leave yourself no other option other than to not smoke. It has to be NO IF'S AND'S OR BUTTS!! If you leave a door open....you'll take it. This is a life style change. How many dieters have you known that lose weight only to gain it all back? It isn't just about a goal...it's about "for life". 12) Remember.... this site is blessed with many old timers that stick around. Take advantage of that. If you got questions...need encouragement...and have to vent...than come here FIRST!!!! Not after...but first. Nine times out of ten someone will answer swiftly. 13) EDUCATE YOURSELF. Do your homework and study what cigarettes are really all about. Yes....2,000 chemicals from ONE CIGARETTE...and over 500 are added by the cigarette companies. Cyaniad and jet fuel are just two of them. Type in your search engine "chemicals in cigarettes" and read what theses cigarette companies are doing to you. 14) The right attitude means success!! Make it a fun journey. It's a new road...with new opportunities and a FREE way of life. You don't have to give up anything.....absolutely nothing...but smoking. All the things you love are NOT DEPENDANT on sucking smoke into your body. Recognize that as a lie. Come here often and remember................... "quiting is easier than dying" Best to all you new quiters. Mercy [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B]1/21/2007 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 345 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 6,900 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $1,542.15 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 45 [B]Hrs:[/B] 17 [B]Mins:[/B] 54 [B]Seconds:[/B] 18