This time a year ago...

On March 12, 2012, I was trying to figure out how to push myself over the edge and actually make a serious attempt at quitting smoking.

I was convinced I would fail. Been there and done that several times.

I remember wondering if I should buy just one more pack, even though I had enough cigarettes to get through the day had it been a normal day. I wanted to make sure I had plenty.

I remember smoking a LOT that day. One after another.

I remember searching Google for something - anything - that might help. Maybe a smart phone app that could help me keep track of my quit? Maybe a stop smoking forum I could join?

My ashtray was overflowing, and for the first time in a long time I wasn't worried about stinking up the house. I was going to quit so what did it matter?

I remember being nervous, worried, doubtful, and scared. I remember pangs of nostalgia as I thought about abandoning my "friend" (the cigarette). I remember wondering how the heck was I going to get through meals, anxious times, relaxing times, alone times, up times, down times, travel times, reading a book times, browsing the computer times, cooking times, wine times, walking to the store times, and all the other times I had linked to smoking.

I remember wanting to quit THAT day - March 12, 2012.

Then I found WeQuit, and the incredible coincidence that March 14th was No Smoking Day. I didn't realize this was a British site, but that didn't matter.

There was an official No Smoking Day! Who knew!

So I decided then and there that I would quit on March 14th. I was so excited - in part because that meant I could smoke for another full day! Woohoo!

As it turns out, that extra day was helpful in terms of wrapping my brain around the idea that I was actually, really, completely, totally, and once-and-for-all quitting.

I signed up, came back on the 14th, and the rest is history.

Yeah, I remember this time a year ago...and so to all of you newbies who are signing up for THIS year's No Smoking Day - welcome! You've come to the right place. Good luck, post often, and enjoy the ride!

[nonico 7 Years Smoke Free]

Like waiting for Santa!

Hi DeeGee

We're waiting for you in the penthouse - it's Penthouse Eve.

How exciting. We'll have to get some bagels in especially for you. At least that's the impression I get from TV. Americans always seem to be buying bagels. Oh, some Jim Beam too.

Congratulations on your magnificent achievement.

[nsd_user663_56214]

its easy

if we want to stop we can stop. and you have done that, well done.

[nsd_user663_54554]

That's inspiration, right there. Honest, enlightening, heartfelt appraisal of the run-up to a year smoke-free. I've read a shedload of posts in the last few weeks, that's one of my favourites.

Massive respect DGee - congratulations. Phew! Love it.

[nsd_user663_52535]

DGee

What Kat said!

Fi x

[Hidden]

Is it the 14th yet where you are DGee? Waiting to celebrate your victory!

It will be in about 15 hours! Woohoo!!!

[nsd_user663_42390]

Can't wait to congratulate you!

[nsd_user663_52535]

What Haze just said

Fi x

[Hidden]

The date must now be right so.......WAY TO GO DGEE, WELL DONE THAT MAN!!!!! Woohoo!!!:D:D

Really happy for you bud, hope you're incredibly proud of yourself and are planning on doing something to mark this auspicious occasion because it definitely deserves a celebration! And thanks for popping back every so often to post, you guys that are further down the road really do help to keep us back at the beginning of the journey on track. Have a fabulous day

Thank you SO much! I can't tell you how much I appreciate the kind words and all the support I've gotten from this board over the past year.

I'm a very lucky fellow!

[nsd_user663_54938]

big big well done you , can't wait to be in your shoes. and lovely to read what you write x