Goodbye letter

[Alexandraa99]

Dear nicotine,

the first time I really tried you was when I was 18, it was in the form of a cig.. those eventually made me sick. So I moved onto vaping, which grabbed a hold of me. I tried and tried and tried to quit and it was the hardest thing ever. Made me realize how much anxiety I truly had at 19 when I ended up in the hospital because I couldn’t breathe between the vaping and the anxiety attack.. yet I still continued to vape. Then I quit, it was the longest 2 weeks of my life but then I felt better. And some how after an abusive relationship I started partying again and there you were and you took me away AGAIN and I haven’t been able to get free since. Not even before  and after my shoulder surgery. But now I AM DONE. I am so beyond tired of wasting my time and money on you.. I will fight with everything I have to make sure I never pick up another vape again. No matter how many times I tell myself just one puff to subside the cravings you’ll be fine, I refuse. I will do anything and everything to be better. I’m ready to feel better, breathe better, and have a healthier life. You do not control me anymore vape. You are less than the floor that I walk on. You will never have control of me again. 

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to our community!

GREAT, well thought out good-bye.  Now, let me help you get ready to be successful this time!

Congratulations on your decision to quit vaping! It's common sense that anything you put in your lungs that isn't clean air can't be good for you! You will need to substitute “vape” or “device” as you do the reading I will recommend. Research suggests nicotine may be as addictive as heroin and cocaine. Because vaping is available to you most anywhere, anytime, I believe it might be more difficult from which to break free than regular tobacco products - but it CAN be done! There is a blog written by one of our success stories that you might find informative: I Quit Smoking and Vaping - EX Community . If you would like to use a quit aid and would like information on the various ones, let me know.

I recommend that you educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind To that end, I suggest Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.”, which can be purchased online or borrowed from your local library. Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction : Nicotine and Your Brain.

The idea is to change up your routines so the vaping associations are reduced. Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand in a place different from where you vaped. Maybe switch to tea for a bit. If you always had that first puff with your coffee, try putting your tennies on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN your coffee! Rearrange the furniture in the areas you used to vape so the view is different. Take a different route when you are out and about so you aren't driving by your vaping supply shop. Take the Daily Pledge each day, Just look for it on the home page. It helps to hold yourself accountable to your quit and the community..

You need to distract yourself through any craves. You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game. Keep a cold bottle of water with you from which to sip. Don't let that vaping thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. You will need to be disciplined in the early days to distract yourself when a crave hits. Get busy! Here is a list of things to do instead of vape if you need some fresh ideas:

101 Things to Do Instead of Smoke - EX Community

The conversation in your head in response to the "I want to vape" thought needs to be, "Well, since I have decided not to do that anymore, what shall I do instead for the three minutes this crave will last?" Then DO it. You will need to put some effort into this in the early days, but it gets easier and easier to do.

Stay close to us here and ask questions when you have them and for support when you need it. We will be with you every step of the way!

Nancy

[CommunityAdmin]

Welcome @Alexandraa99! Thank you for the good-bye letter! My name is Quiana, and I am a part of the EX Team. Congratulations on your decision to quit! I wanted to reach out and personally welcome you to the EX Community! We are so excited you have joined us. This is a very supportive community so feel free to keep us all posted on your quit journey reach out and let us know if you need anything.

Here are some articles that might be helpful as you prepare for your quit date: 

https://www.becomeanex.org/ex-resources/about-quitting/get-ready-to-quit/right-before-you-quit/

https://www.becomeanex.org/ex-resources/about-quitting/get-ready-to-quit/3-ways-to-get-your-support-...

Quiana, EX Team

[Barbscloud]

@Alexandraa99 Welcome to the Ex and congrats on your quit day.  A good-bye letter is a great way to begin your journey.   Glad you found us. There is great information, advice and support available on the site.

Reinforce your quit by joining many of us on the Daily Pledge.

Stay busy and stay close.

Barb

[ReallyReal]

@Alexandraa99 Welcome to the community here at Ex and congratulations on making the decision to be free of vaping and nicotine.  Research shows that people who plan ahead and who have a strong support network when quitting are more successful in their quits than those who don't have those things. You are going about this quit in a good way.  Read all you can here on Ex, have your plan include things you will do when you have a nicotine craving that will distance you and distract you from the urge  so that you don't vape.  I had several different tools I used when cravings came up including keeping my hands busy with crochet, twirling or tapping a pen, etc.  You CAN find freedom and you are taking positive steps in that direction.  Please post here often to get support or just to vent.  All of us here want to see you through your quit and celebrate your successes with you. The first days can be rough, but it is so worth it and you will experience the benefits of quitting very quickly.  Wishing you the very best as you walk toward freedom one day at a time.