It's time & yet it seems insurmountable

[skepticalbuffalo]

I don't know what to say.  Just reaching out.  I always said i'd quit by age 40.  Well, that's in 2 months.  I dont want to die a painful death.  Nevermind, i dont want to stink, i dont want to smoke outside in 2 degree weather etc etc.  I've been smoking since age 14.  I have recovered from other addictions, yet this one has been my longest standing.  I just keep praying.  That's what worked for me in the past with other addictions.  And support from others trying to stay stopped.  I pray I will be a power of example someday.  I smoked 3 cigarettes today, and been using nicotine replacement. I plan to have a completely smoke free day tomorrow.  I know i can do it!

[JonesCarpeDiem]

are you willing to quit?.

if you are willing, everything will fall into place.

please read my page. it's a timeline/road map.

[edsel1964]

Good for you it will be the best thing that you will ever do for you and your family!! Once you get past the first week it will better every day!!!!

[Strudel]

You have come to the right place! (By the way, please do not use nicotine replacement while still smoking.) The support here is great and this will not be insurmountable. Please check out the free course at http://quitsmokingonline.com/ and Carr's "Easy Way to Stop Smoking" - http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

Read! Stick around! You can do this! 

[JonesCarpeDiem]

what nrt are you using?

[joyeuxencore]

Welcome!

Most important is making a decision that no matter how you ‘feel’, no matter what ‘happens’ or what you ‘think’ that you are not going to smoke because you don’t do that anymore.

Once that decision is made we suggest a 'quit kit' composed of a list of distraction techniques and things to help you through like cinnamon sticks, crunchy things (carrots, celery, chips some hard candy, lots of water), lemons…biting into a lemon or sticking your head in the freezer and taking a deep breath gets you through.

It takes the mindset that we aren't giving up anything...we are doing it because we want to and not signing up for a lifetime of deprivation but a lifetime of freedom...that is the personal journey no one can take for us...

"YOU are worth SO MUCH MORE than a cigarette" xo

My BFF on the site write these two insighful blogs:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/SkyGirl-blog/2013/11/11/preparing-for-your-quit-two-lists-a...

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/SkyGirl-blog/2014/08/08/the-no-so-secret-formula-for-quitti...

[Junior7]

Welcome!  Congrats on your decision to quit!

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome to our community!

We are so glad you are here!

We believe there are certain things that are necessary for you to become a successful quitter. You really should do the readings recommended above to understand what nicotine does to your body and mind.  Know your enemy!

The idea is to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take slow, deep breaths, go for a walk, play a computer game, do a crossword, bite into a lemon (yup, rind and all).   Here is a link to a list of 100 things to do instead of smoke if you need 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 CANNOT be:  "I want a cigarette.  No!  But - I WANT a cigarette!”

Instead, it needs to be "I want a cigarette.  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!

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

You CAN do this.  We can help!

Nancy

[elvan]

Welcome, welcome, welcome.  I can add nothing to what has already been said, do the reading, prepare yourself.  I smoked for 47 years and it has been over 7 months since I had a cigarette.  I had many failed attempts, coming here and doing the preparation and the reading changed everything. If you want this, it is yours for the taking!

Ellen

[Thomas3.20.2010]

Welcome! Ditto!

[moody_9-18-13]

Become an EX is a wonderful site. Stay close, read, read and read some more about nicotine addiction, then you will understand WHY we became addicted. You have been given wonderful advice, LISTEN and LEARN!

These links helped me as well as all of the links posted by other EX members.

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

http://whyquit.com/joel/Joel_03_21_blood_sugar.html

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/09/19/a-repost-early-withdraw...

[Giulia]

You CAN do it.  Just rely on the Source that gives you the most power.  I quit 8 years ago.  I wish like hell I had quit  before 40.  DO IT!  It's past time.  And you know it.  We're here for you.  Pay ATTENTION!