I've been trying to think of something profound to write for my one year anniversary. Everytime I tried to compose something, it seemed trite, or corny or just not enough. So I'm just going to keep it simple. Here I am at one year--an official elder. I'm 100% sure that, if left to my own devices, without this site and the wonderful people on this site, I would absolutely not have made it this far. I had never been on a support group site before, had never written a blog, and until fairly recently I had not even been on Facebook. By joining EX and being active on EX, I have learned, and am still learning how to be free one day at a time. It's because of the support, understanding and tough love that I get here and because I have to be diligent about my quit daily. When it comes down to it, each person has to commit to their own quit and has to be responsible for their own quit. So what advice do I have for "newbies"? Keep it simple...Don't keep cigarettes around your house, stay away from any form of temptation early in your quits, and visit this site at least once daily. This is the best decision I've ever made for myself and for my life. There is NO down side to quitting and the sense of freedom and accomplishment is AMAZING!!!! Thank you everyone, for your messages and your well wishes. And I want to give a special shout out to Terrie, my fellow 2015 spring/summer quitter--you say you have been riding my coattail, but I think we have been pulling each other along together. You have been a great inspiration to me and to many others here. I will be the first one waiting at the 6% door for you, my friend! I have rewarded myself by taking next week off from work, planting flowers and enjoying my home and my family...Best wishes, everyone!!!! CP
