Hello...

[bluecanary]

Hi! Today is my first day to get on this board. It's nice to meet you all!

I quit smoking a few days ago. Although I am proud of myself for having quit, I am feeling a little lamentul about choosing to do so while I am on vacation. I really would have enjoyed a few drinks and a few cigs. I am trying to remind myself that part of this vacation is to rest and rejuvenate myself, so I can be healthier and that quitting smoking is part of that journey. 

I joined this website because I have been in the closet about smoking for many years. I hide my smoking-never smoke in front of anyone, I average a few a night (2-3), and make sure not to smoke in enclosed places or with clothing on that I wear out. No one ever asks if I smoke and I am really cognizant about what my hair, clothing, breath, etc smell like.

Although this has worked well in keeping the ire of non-smokers away, it has left me lonely in my quitting. There isn't anyone to tell or celebrate successes with. I have not felt truly motivated by shame or health...well, until now. I lost a tooth and I am having it replaced with an implant. I cannot smoke because it will probably not be successful if I do and those things are expensive and not covered by insurance.  So, now I have motivation but no support. 

I am hoping to find that missing piece of support here and to support anyone who also needs it. 

I hope all are well. And congratulations on quitting!
BC

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to our community!

Congratulations on your decision to quit.  ANY time is the right time to quit.  That voice telling you to just quit tomorrow is the addict within.  Pay it no mind.

The most important thing you can do right now is to educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind. To that end, I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.” This is an easy and entertaining read. Here is a link to a free PDF version of it:

http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

As well, read the sections on this site, and read the blogs, responses and pages of folks you think might be helpful. You might visit whyquit.com and quitsmokingonline.com for the good information contained there.

.

The idea is to change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced.  Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand. If you always had that first smoke 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 smoke so the view is different.

You need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), put your head in the freezer and take a deep breath of cold air, do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game.  Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. Sometimes you need to quit a minute or an hour at a time.  You will need to be disciplined in the early days to distract yourself when a crave hits.  Don't let that smoking thought rattle around your head alone.  Get busy!  Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of smoke if you need some fresh ideas:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/02/25/100-things-to-do-instea...

The conversation in your head in response to the "I want a cigarette" 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

[shashort]

Welcome to the community. Congratulations on quitting. You came to the right place lots of support and great people to cheer you on.

[Daniela2016]

Welcome, and congratulations on making such a great decision for your health!

Please let yourself guided by our elders (they have quit 1 year or more), come here often, read and speak with us.  This is a great place for support, learning, sharing experiences.

Again Congratulations on your awesome decision!

[bluecanary]

Thanks! That means a lot to me!!! You have no idea!! 

[Sootie]

Hello and welcome. No matter why you joined this site....you have come to the absolute best place for support! This community will help you quit smoking and will be there whenever you need assistance.

Please do the readings that were suggested.....they are KEY to success. Stop in to the site often......blog as you have already done,read others blogs and comment. Being an active member of the community is important and we are all here for each other.

Stay Strong

[Dotgirl_1-28-16]

Welcome! Congrats on your awesome few days of freedom! WOOHOO YOU DID IT!!! WTG

[PennyLynn7407]

Welcome and congrats on your new quit! If you are looking for support, you've come to the right place! The love and support you will find here to continue your quit cannot be matched. Read, read, read, and continue to blog for support, for starters. You're on your way! Take it one day at a time!

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Welcome to EX.

 Glad to know that you are taking steps to be smoke-free.  You have come to the right place if you are willing to commit to quitting smoking. This is all about you and what you are willing to do to be a nonsmoker.

Education is the key to success even in quitting smoking. 

You may already have some of this information but here are few pointers to help you get started on your journey. 

1.  At EX our resolve is to never smoke again.  NOPE “Not one puff ever I suggest that you follow the steps on the website pages along with reading, writing, studying, researching and blogging if you like.

2. Here is a link to Allen Carr’s book, “Easy Way to Quit Smoking”. an easy read suggested by the “Elders” (those with 1+ yrs. quit).

 http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

3.  Also, check out www.whyquit.com. For additional info.  Look for Freedom from Nicotine My Journey Home and Nicotine Addiction 101               

 http://whyquit.com/whyquit/LinksAAddiction.html

 http://whyquit.com/ffn/

4.  Stay close to the site, learn, and ask questions

5.  If you should need something to do for craves, here is a link that will help until you develop your own.   https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/JACKIE1-25-15-blog/2015/07/09/what-is-your-crave-buster

  If you take the time to do the work you will have success. Read, Study, Blog, Research Comment, Make friends, Hang Tough, Stay Close and most of all enjoy your commitment to quit smoking.

We are here to support you.

. 

[bluecanary]

Thank you all. The pointers are great!