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Share your quitting journey

2 Year Anniversary!!!!!

smorgy8513
Member
2 34 269
‎08-05-2015 07:36 AM

In 2009 I came to this site because I was going to quit.     Just signed up …. And left.

In July of 2013 I came here and set my quit date for the very next day…..I got a message back from Admin to delay my quit date until I had read everything and followed the steps.          “Ha” I said to myself…..I don’t need to do that.      But then decided that my way of quitting hadn’t worked for 40+ years so maybe I should try something different.

I learned.      A lot!

I learned that I am an addict.     I learned that I can’t do “a little” smoking….It was going to be stopping totally OR continue and probably die from smoking like my dad.

I have learned so much.    I have met so many fantastic people.

When my 1st year anniversary was coming up I helped to form the “3rd Quarter 2013 Winners Circle”.      There were 24 people on that list!     Heard some of the older Elders say that was one of the biggest groups in a quarter they had seen.    All 24 of us made our 1 year anniversary!    

I just looked and there are still 16 of us that come on here (some more than others) and are still learning and supporting others.      

I’m proud of that number!

And I’m proud of myself……because here it is….my 2 year anniversary!!!

I never thought it would happen.

And do you know why it happened?    Because I came on here and followed a plan:     Read/Blog/Listen to the Elders and the Wise Ones.

I want to thank each and every one of you here on the EX who have helped me reach today.    I appreciate the “atta girl” and the “hang in sweetie” and who can forget the laughing and the “hanging out” down in Orlando.     I missed the Nashville but you can “bet your booty” that I will be in Las Vegas.

Every single one of you can make the 1 year, 2 year, etc….etc…..

My next goal:     THE    QUAD     SQUAD!!!

Let's share a treat!

image

Love to all!

Sharon

34 Comments
JonesCarpeDiem
Member
‎08-05-2015 07:54 AM

WOO HOO!

Congratulations!

0 Kudos
linda258
Member
‎08-05-2015 07:58 AM

Fantastic!   That is great news ... celebrate!

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Storm.3.1.14
Member
‎08-05-2015 08:02 AM

Oooooh, wow, today is going to be among the most special celebrations yet! You, dear Sharon, are one of THE MOST BELOVED Elders in this whole village, so the entire tribe will be thrilled to honor YOU today. Your unfaltering commitment to kindness and thoughtful support is a blessing to us all. I know you sure have brought much sweetness and fun to my days here! And, for that, I thank you.

HAPPY 2-YEAR ANNIVERSARY, SHARON!!!!

Barbara145
Member
‎08-05-2015 08:06 AM

Wow, Sharon, look at you!  Two years, it looks good on you!  You have helped so many of us with your dedication to this site and your wisdom.  Celebrate yourself today, maybe another bouquet of flowers?  (((Hugs))),    Barbara

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Brenda_M
Member
‎08-05-2015 08:10 AM

Happy anniversary!!!! Gosh, I can't believe how much time has passed. Isn't it cool???

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MarilynH
Member
‎08-05-2015 08:14 AM

Congratulations my friend on your precious, stupendous, splendiferous, fantastic, fabulous, amazing, delightful, beautiful, ginormous and wonderful 2 years of freedom from smoking and counting WTG Sharon whoo Hoo, yay and yay again. 

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marilyn_marmac
Member
‎08-05-2015 08:21 AM

Happy 2nd Anniversary my dear Sista from another Mista!

You soooo deserve this day to celebrate and rejoice in all that you have accomplished. Not only did you quit smoking, you have been there to help many others down that treacherous road to freedom. I'm proud of you and happy to have found as both a quit partner and friend. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-GLuydiMe4

BecomeAnEX.org Online Quit Smoking Support Network: Mrs. Rum's ...

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Magstoyou
Member
‎08-05-2015 08:29 AM

WAAAAA WHOOOOOOOOOOO Sharon. What a great milestone!!

2 years!!  So Happy for you and glad t have walked this walk with you.

You are such an iinspiration to me.

Do something to celebrate!!

Thanks for all you have done on this site. 

Love Ya Mag750DOF

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cyn9
Member
‎08-05-2015 08:45 AM

Woohoo Sharon! Its going to be a party train! Congrats on 2 years! So glad your here!!!!

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Mike.n.Atlanta
Member
‎08-05-2015 08:55 AM

ATTAGIRL SHARON...HUZZAH!!!

So for the first year quit there is the 6% club. I read a statistic that 80% of those who make it to two years remain smoke free for life. Welcome to the 80% Club.

I'm so proud of you for all the kicking & screaming & doing what HAD to be done to maintain this healthy quit. You are an inspiration for all of your support & kind words to so many here including myself.

Keep on keepin on my friend!

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djmurray
Member
‎08-05-2015 08:59 AM

Congratulations on your wonderful quit, my friend -- two years is seriously impressive.  Thank you for everything you bring to this site and to all the people who have come up behind you.  And Oh, Boy -- I can't wait to meet you in Las Vegas!!

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Jennifer-Quit
Member
‎08-05-2015 09:16 AM

 

Thank you wonderful lady for all you do!  Congratulations!

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bonniebee
Member
‎08-05-2015 09:56 AM

WOW 2 years !!!!!!!! Awesome lady !!!!! I hope I can follow in your footsteps !  YOU  Rock Girl ! !

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stmand92
Member
‎08-05-2015 10:48 AM

Congrats

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elvan
Member
‎08-05-2015 10:51 AM

CONGRATULATIONS, what an inspiring blog, two years is AWESOME. I am so happy for you and for US that you are here!

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Thomas3.20.2010
Member
‎08-05-2015 11:02 AM

image

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LouiseR
Member
‎08-05-2015 12:34 PM

Congrats Sharon on 2 years.  I am following behind you and will have 2 years on 9/11!  Thanks so much for all of your support and encouragement not only to me but to everyone on this site.  YOU ROCK!

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sparky26
Member
‎08-05-2015 12:48 PM

Congratulations on two years Sharon , thank you for all you do here on the EX site and for being your wonderful self !

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cpsono
Member
‎08-05-2015 12:49 PM

Congratulations and thanks for all of your support and advice to the newbies!

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jeanne-06.03.13
Member
‎08-05-2015 03:44 PM

Congrats Sharon - fellow Minnesotan!  Enjoy our nice sunny days.

 

Great job.  What an accomplishment! 

 

Jeanne 06.03.13

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Giulia
Member
‎08-05-2015 03:49 PM

Thank you for staying true blue and doing all that you do! 

 

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YoungAtHeart
Member
‎08-05-2015 03:51 PM

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TerrieQuit
Member
‎08-05-2015 05:10 PM

WTG Sharon! 2 years is gigantic!! Congratulations! And thanks for all the support you give to this newbie and all the newbies and everybody!!

Terrie  30  DOF

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Hopeful36
Member
‎08-05-2015 05:15 PM

Huge congratulations on 2 years! You make me stronger and more committed with each successful DOF you rack up. Wonderful, marvelous, stupendous, and accomplished you;) Wowweeeeeeeeee!!

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JRC
Member
‎08-05-2015 05:55 PM

True inspiration you are!!! Thank you for what you give to all of us and a big congratulations on 2 years!!!

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Summer-Rain
Member
‎08-05-2015 06:23 PM

CONGRATS!!!

The journey continues

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Rick_M
Member
‎08-05-2015 06:55 PM

WTG Sharon....just gets better....

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Terri103
Member
‎08-05-2015 08:16 PM

Standing ovation!!!   clap clap clap clapclapclap!!!!

You have done a Great thing!!  and you give and give to us!  

what a start to your story....signed up and.....left.   So glad for your sake and selfishly for my sake...that you came back!  You have a strong quit and a great big heart!!  I hope I will be able to do Las Vegas, would love to meet you and get/give some hugs!

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Strudel
Member
‎08-05-2015 08:34 PM

Sharon - Huge CONGRATS on two years!! You are such a delight! Thank you for all you do here! Celebrate this very major accomplishment! 

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freeneasy
Member
‎08-06-2015 11:40 AM

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joyeuxencore
Member
‎08-06-2015 11:57 AM

Sharon what a fantastic blog. Reading it and all the comments just brings happy tears to my eyes. I feel so much gratitude for being a part of this community!

You are one of the warmest ladies I have ever met. Congratulations on your continued success!! All 24 still here!!!! Who are they can you tell me??!! I know about the bond with your quit buddies I have Skygirl & Jordan but holy cow 24!!!!

I always enjoy reading your posts. You are an amazing asset to this community! xo

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joyeuxencore
Member
‎08-06-2015 11:58 AM

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bonniebee
Member
‎08-06-2015 05:57 PM

I wish I could post something really cool or funny or inspiring maybe someday I will learn how to upload onto this site  ! Hope you had a very Happy Day Sharon !

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OxfordComa
Member
‎08-14-2015 05:41 PM

Way to go!!!!

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About the Author
Gone but Not Forgotten. RIP I've thought so many times about quitting, done a few quits with the longest being 9 months. Blamed that relapse on my sister because she broke her hip. This time I feel different 8/5/13:The first day of my forever quit. About me? Well, I'm old enough that I am going to semi-retire (work 2 days per week) starting in October, 2013. I have 2 grown sons, 2 older sisters, 2 cats. I'm passionate about my work, love mystery books. I give all the glory for my work, any successes I may have to God and prayer. I have a lot of people praying for me right now and that is where I feel the strength. I also am finding strength, information and support from this site. I hope I can offer some of that to others when I get past the newbie stage. 9/4/13 30 days today!! I've learned so much since I've been coming here each morning (and sometimes at night). Words: choose, not try-----decision----not giving anything up, but gaining---I'm worth so much more than a cigarette. These are only a few of the pearls of wisdom that I've taken to heart. So many great people. I learn something each and every time I come on here. I'm learning about myself too. I teach clients everyday that feelings are feelings and ok to have, but I've always fought that concept myself. I heard when I was little "what have you got to cry about?" so I learned not to cry. If anger was shown it meant going back and shutting the door 10 times quietly or maybe getting the wrath of my parent. So, I learned not to cry, not to feel anger. I'm learning now that I have those feelings and that smoking pushed them aside and down. They are there and real. Now I'm trying to learn how to show and express them instead of going off by myself for a smoke. I have supporters. The biggest pride is what I feel in myself. With each day I wake up I can say "Today is day ____" and I feel proud. Not the kind of pride like I could never fail. That is a realization and why I need to be aware and conscious each moment. No, smoking doesn't solve anything. And today I am proof that I can go on without the crutch of a cigarette! 8/5/17 4 Years Quit!!! Who would have "thunk" it? I never took responsibility for my relapses, always blamed whatever it was that occurred. So, when I quit on 8/5/13 I knew I REALLY wanted it to work, knew that I needed as much support as I could get but I think deep down I was afraid this one wouldn't take either. So, I did as much positive as I could: Chantix, prayer, atomic fire balls, telling friends AND coming to the EX many times throughout the day. The people here became my friends as well as my family. I could share when I was struggling and get encouragement. Have there been struggles in my life since then that would have "caused" me to smoke in the past? Of course! Life goes on and troubles happen even when you don't smoke. I lost my sister who was also my best friend, my diagnosis of lung cancer and the treatment that has gone on since then (dr tells me "not curable, but treatable"). Would smoking make any of those things better? OF COURSE NOT! But when you're an addict the brain tells tons of lies to you..... Newbies: use the resources that the EX provides to you and you will have major milestones too. I thank my family here and love each and every one of you that have helped me! Too many names to mention.