Its been 457 days since I quit smoking. When I first quit, I spent a lot of time in the library and at the book store just reading, copying down recipes, poems, whatever, just to waste time. I was on this site every day, reading all I could and learning from the elders....they are the reason I am quit. I rode my bike alot. I always had my music in my ears whether I was walking on the treadmill, going for a walk, working in the yard, cleaning house, or whatever. I still do that alot....I love my music. I surrounded myself with good smells, candles, lotion, air freshners. I went places where there was no smoking. I spent time at my son and daughters houses, none of them smoke, and I watched them to see how they lived without smoking. What did they do with their hands while just sitting around etc. At times I thought I wanted a smoke so bad, but when I thought about having to start all over again at day 1....it was easy to say no.It was the hardest thing I have ever done,. but the thing that Im most proud of myself for doing. Now I can go visit a friend at the hospital for as long as I want to without rushing through it to get outside to smoke. I always smell good. I am not ashamed or guilty or feeling nasty anymore...I feel good!I dont come here everyday anymore, it just naturally seems Im being weened off slowly...but I owe it to others to be of help if I can just like so many did for me, so I come sometimes and try to encourage someone. So I say to all those who are new in their quit... it can be done...the longer you stay quit...the easier it gets and the less you think about it. You have made the best decision of your life. Always a friend......Mary
