The Terrific Twos!

[nsd_user663_26699]

Time has come once again to mark a major milestone; another year has passed and I'm feeling better than I have in many years, despite having gained a lot of weight.

I don't want to go into preaching, although I do enjoy that at times too.

I just want to say that I'm not sure that if I hadn't had that health mishap, I might not have had the will to stay quit. I know I have said it before, but I do believe you not only need to want to stop, but also have a trigger to get started, the motivation to get going and something longer term to believe in in order to continue the quit. Sometimes these are intertwined, such as when your child says "I don't want to smell bad like you when I grow up". That might be a trigger, give you the motivation, and help you to focus on the longer term.

I "wanted" to stop, but there was nothing compelling enough to get me going and keep me going. This is what happened (which I have copied from one of my old threads):

---

I quit accidentally, by being hospitalized with a deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Sitting there in the hospital, I contemplated asking the nurse if I could go for a smoke, but realized I would look pretty stupid in doing so, seeing as smoking is known to constrict the blood flow!

After the third day I started getting desperate about my non-smoking future and how I could possibly live without cigarettes. I was deeply ashamed of what I had brought upon myself, and yet I couldn't imagine what quality of life I could have without cigarettes. I wouldn't go as far as to say suicide was on my mind, but I was at an all-time low...

That is, until I started thinking of what life would be like for a non-smoker, and after much contemplation realized that my whole "smoking self" was a fabrication, and that non-smokers don't go through any of the silly thought processes we smokers do. Non-smokers don't have any of the obligations that we do; they don't have the expenses; they don't have the inconvenience of "needing a smoke" where and when it's not possible; they don't feel ashamed about stinking up the place; they don't.... etc. So, I decided that I needed to become a non-smoker (or as near to it as I possibly could).

After 10 days I quit the hospital, went home and had a cigarette. Then I had another packet, and another packet, for about 3 or 4 days. Each one I smoked made me think about what I had promised myself in hospital. I felt ashamed of myself. I even crushed a packet and the next day fished it out of the bin to smoke the ones that hadn't broken!

A couple of days later, I realized that I had bullshitted myself in hospital, at least in the current smoking condition I was in. I felt I had betrayed my conviction. That day I decided smoking was all finished for me.

Alex.

[nsd_user663_52535]

Alex

Brilliant post, 2 years quit, you must be very, very proud

"You really did want to quit, you really had dogged determination, you really made it happen."

There are a few may posts on this forum that have given me inspiration, and the words above are from one of your early posts and Ive reflected on them many times.

Thank you for that.

Fi x

[nsd_user663_20558]

Chuffed to bits for you, Alex. Well done!!!

[nsd_user663_16968]

Oh Alex CONGRATULATIONS M8 2 Years Whoo hoo.

So so happy for you this is brilliant. Heres to the next 2 my friend i never doubted you could do this. Well done

[nsd_user663_53202]

Alex,

Two years quit - terrific !!!

[nsd_user663_45204]

Some of your posts Alex are good enough for you to become an author old bean. I can honestly say there's a couple of posters on here(you are one) that if they write an essay you just know it will be popcorn time and feet up.

Congrats on your new milestone chap and long may you breath easy.

Your good friend

Rogue

[nsd_user663_53212]

Alex I agree with everything you said especially the bit saying about the reason to quit, mine was being told I had start of COPD that really kicked me up the arse. Don't know if I have or not as not gone back to have tests done

Thanks for coming back and letting us all c there is a light at the end of the tunnel

I hope that I can make 2yrs so I can also inspire new quitters

Sian x

[Hidden]

Well done old boy, keep it up!

[Unah]

Fantastic post. I will read it often. Many congratulations on 2 years.:D:D

[nsd_user663_48461]

Hey Alex

Massive congrats on 2 years smoke free (not that you're 'counting' of course ;)). And another brilliant post - inspiration for us all.

BLOODY WELL DONE

[nsd_user663_1658]

So nice to read your at 2 years Alex, never doubted you would be, but even so just like to say a big well done, sorry a little late, but hope you celebrated in style!

7107

[nsd_user663_18145]

BRAVO ALEX BRAVO

Not that i every doubted you would join the rest of us that celebrated 2 years recently

[nsd_user663_46317]

Aw Alex I am soooo pleased for you. You are an inspiration to us all, especially me. You have brought me through many a tough time.

MASSIVE WELL DONE SIR XXXXXXX

[nsd_user663_42390]

fantastic well done

Can I add my congratulations on 2 years quit that is fantastic Alex xx

[nsd_user663_52535]

Alex

I have loved reading about your journey, your posts have been very helpful.

2 years, great achievement. Well done

Fi x

[nsd_user663_41061]

2 Years! Wonderful!

I will see the Penthouse on Jan 11 2013! I cannot wait! I hardly

ever think of it...the smoking...I come here to cheer on new ppl!

The support here is outstanding!

[nsd_user663_25112]

Excellent news Alex your an inspiration and a breath of fresh air. Oh yes im back day 6. Things are looking up for me now will be moving so long ive waited. But this had made me so determined now at least i will be smokefree in my place.

[nsd_user663_26699]

Thanks so much to everybody for all your congratulations and kind words!

Alex.

[nsd_user663_7469]

Just seen your great 2 years quit, sorry I missed it on the day, how good does it feel to be a no smoker, I am sure you have probably saved your life by quitting.

Keep up the good work