Hey Everyone!
I have decided that today is the day I start my journey towards not smoking. I have never been a person who was a full-time smoker until about 2 years ago. Prior to that I would pick the habit up for a few months at a time and then stop completely for long periods of time. Or I would grab a couple packs of smokes if I knew I had a special occasion planned like a weekend away or something and then wouldn't think about smoking once the weekend was over. Then I went through a difficult time in my life that caused a lot of stress and depression. At first the smoking just started as a way to get me out when my mind was negatively racing, then it became a complete retreat from everything that was going on. Of course, it didn't help that my close friends all smoked so being around them only further encouraged the habit. So, for the last couple years I have been a smoker with no significant times of not smoking.
I had recently realized that I had slipped into this position and noticed that it could become even more of a problem as time goes on. So I figured today would be as good a day as any other to just up and quit the habit. I have told everyone around me of my plans and they said they will support me, some even want to join me in my pursuit of quitting. I think that will really be helpful in the long run and offer support from all angles. Looking at the week ahead I know it is going to be a difficult one as July 4th is this week and my friend's birthday party but I also figure those are good challenges and if I can overcome them without smoking I can probably count on overcoming many other challenges along the way.
I realize it is going to be a struggle no matter how good I feel about it right now and that is why I signed up for this site, as another way to find support and tips to fight through this journey. I am always open to advice or any other comments that will prove to be helpful in the long run and I am also willing to offer my best suggestions in return.
Thanks in advance for any assistance, we are all in this together one way or another.
