Hi From South Africa.
I am 32 years old, started smoking from the age of 16 = 16 years of smoking, = half my entire life, ( all of my adult life) :). For most of that time I was doing a pack a day. From Jan 2012 i dropped it to 8-10 a day, Then later on the year dropped it to a constant 8 a day, sometimes 7 a day. The hardest part for me was the habit. I just enjoyed going outside, away from everything and lighting one up. I am usually a strong willed person, was heavy into drugs in my teens and early 20s, from XTC, Rock (coke), Buttons (occasionally) and obviously Weed. I stopped all hard drugs early on, and eventually stopped weed about 4 years ago. But smoking cigarettes is my nemesis. I have tried quitting about 10 years ago, went for about 3 days and was back on it.
I am a very fit person, and don't really suffer from much smoking caused problems, such as coughing, chest pains and short of breath. I play indoor football twice a week, (and for those who have tried indoor it is an extremely taxing sport and you have to be fit) thats 1 -1 1/2 hours of hard running.
My last Cigarette was on the 3rd of April 2013 and now on my 7th day. I am using Nicorettes to help beat the habit. I started with 3 nicorettes a day, now I am down to 2 already :). This time though it is different I have a reason to, The birth of my 1st child, a handsome baby boy. I look at him and he gives me the strength and purpose in life, to do better and be better. I want to live a long healthy life for my boy, I want to be able to play football with him even when I hit 50 :D.
I have been reading the posts on this forum from my day 2, and it has helped me immensely. To know that I am not alone in this, and other people are going through the exact same things as me, reassures me and makes this alot easier. I have been having a bit of mood swings, but not too bad, I am irritable at times and snap at people. But on day seven I am feeling much better. So thanks to you all for unknowingly helping me quit the terrible and disgusting habit. I feel like a new person. I don't smell bad all the time. I dont need to pause a movie to go get a puff. My sense of smell is great and I have more time for my son already, instead of running outside to smoke every couple of hours. My apologies for the very long story, I find it easier to speak about it when I am having a craving, and also I want to thank you all for the support. Great forum people, and keep up the good work.