Yeeeeesssss!! I did it!!!.....

[Zolat]

I'm now in the Penthouse after quitting smoking a year ago today.

For me, I knew I would do it. No ifs or buts. It had to be done. There was no choice. I had to quit smoking.

So, I made the decision about 2 months before I finally quit. This preparation stage enabled me to join an NHS smoking cessation group, read a lot of relevant information and become even more bloody-minded in my determination. I used patches when I quit and joined this forum. I embraced every nugget of advice which included having quit buddy/buddies from the smoking cessation group.

On Friday I'm going out for a celebratory meal with my quit buddy from the group. So, not only am I a reformed smoker, but I have gained a good friend. You would never guess when you see us pounding away in the gym twice weekly, how unfit we were last year!!

This forum was very much a main contributor to my success. Reading many posts was instrumental in maintaining my non-smoking psyche.

Also, not attending many social events in the early weeks and months contributed to my success. For example, a very close friend of mine smokes VERY heavily. We always have a wee Christmas knees-up. Just the two of us. It's been a special ritual for 21 years. I cancelled this year even though I'd been quit for over 5 months. She understood. This, I remember well, was my "final test" and even though I was 95% sure I'd be fine, my determination would not allow the slightest risk. I can happily report that we had our knees-up just four weeks later and I have now passed every "test". This, for me, was important.

I can't remember when I last really craved a fag. Months ago? I do remember a few weeks ago thinking that I "wouldn't mind" one. The feeling is very different. I can't imagine why or how I'd ever want to smoke again, especially as I've passed all the "tests". Unfortunately (or fortunately ??), in the past year, these have included illness, bereavement and HUGE stresses.

May the fag-free force be with you tremendous lot. Peace and thanks to you all.

Zolat x

p.s. Would perhaps have posted more. Could never understand why my fingers and arm were painful and typing or texting was a no-go for months. Doctor just told me a couple of days ago that I have advanced Carpal Tunnel Syndrome! Oh well, having an op soon and I can say I'm a non-smoker.

[nsd_user663_10279]

OMG...well done to you...that is fantastic!!! You are so right to be feeling so proud of yourself...what an achievement...and passing all those little "tests" along the way.

I have to say I did the same as you by avoiding all those trigger moments in the early days... I'm sure it must help in the long run.

Your post it truly inspirational for me and I can't wait to get to 1 year.

EXCELLENT!!!!

[nsd_user663_4625]

Well done to you Zolat & thanks for a positive post

Hope your get surgery for your carpal tunnel syndrome soon

Gaynor xx

[nsd_user663_10813]

fantastic . just fantastic.:)

and hope for us all . lovely post thank you.

this is why this forum should be on the nhs quit programme.

[nsd_user663_3282]

Hey, hey,hey...that's outstanding Zolat,

You've posted a VERY fine result there with loads of fantistic information indicating the personal cost you were willing to invest in getting to this your special day.

Congrats to you...have a great night out with your QB. QBs are speshul as most of us have realised

[nsd_user663_5028]

Hey Zolat

many many congratulations ....superb quit all the way, hope you are so proud of yourself as you shouild be

[nsd_user663_4786]

FANTASTIC, AMAZING, WONDERFUL, none of these words seem right but they all are.

Hope you have a great meal on Friday with your QB and of course the food will taste fantastic, it is amazing how you kept your non smoking psyche in tact and how wonderful is it to be in that hot tub in the Penthouse?

I trust your op will go well and then you can come back here and post some more positive happy thread to keep us all following in your footsteps.

[nsd_user663_8876]

Congratulations upon reaching 1 year! onwards & upwards for you!

[nsd_user663_1658]

zolat

That is amazing..well done to you on your 1 year, after all your stresses you stayed quit, must feel good, I am inspired by you

[nsd_user663_5920]

Excellent post, huge CONGRATS to you for one year smokefree.

Have a great meal out and all the best with the op .......... and of course your second year quit :cool:

[nsd_user663_5034]

Great post Zolat......WELL DONE on making it to the penthouse....how happy and Proud you sound and you have every right to be....CONGRATS

[nsd_user663_4121]

CONGRATULATIONS Zolat!!!! Penthouse status for you, too! Well done!

[nsd_user663_10532]

well done Zolat and what a great post. I'll read that one if I ever a really strong urge again...enjoy the Penthouse you deserve it

[nsd_user663_4847]

Congrats Zolat

Well done and excellent one year post.

Help keep all those coming up behind motivated and those walking along with you remembering just what they've achieved.

M

[nsd_user663_4680]

Congratulations and there is some great advice in your post for new quitters

[nsd_user663_4026]

A large round of applause!! Well done you!!!

I too have made some very special quit buddies. Its made the whole journey even more special.

[jackieinv]

Big Well Done give yourself something special because you are very special having completed a whole year.

Jackie