Maaaan it's nice in here

[nsd_user663_40237]

I finally made it, whew! Do you know how long it takes to get here? It feels like a very very long time.

Sorry for not posting for so long, but honestly I just didn't want to think about smoking so much any more. Not that it has ever escaped me forever, as you can see I am posting about it now.

I guess I'll start with the stats:

Quit Date: July 7, 2013

Have not Smoked: 3659 cigarettes (probably more than that)

Saved: $1410.54

Some of you may know that I initially quit for my daughter who is 10 1/2 months old now. I am not the type of person who can just quit and walk away. I became obsessed with quitting information, reading everything I could get my hands on. Reading this forum, posting, and getting support. One of the most helpful pieces of information was the science behind nicotine addiction, how it works, and how to break free of that cycle. Finding that knowledge finally made me realize that I could not have any nicotine at all or my brain would just reinforce the habit and I would go back. But I'll never go back.

I wish I could say it was easy, it might be easy now, but there were some difficulties along the way. Nicotine has a funny way of sneaking up on you. It plays on all of your senses and more. I'm just glad that I was well equipped to say "no" and keep on my path to the penthouse!

For anyone reading this that hasn't made it this far: Do whatever it takes to quit smoking. Gain 20 lbs binge eating chocolate, or sign up for a marathon(probably the healthier alternative). Or reward yourself with nice expensive items with the money you save, or just watch it grow. Soon you will realize how much your life is better without smoking. I'm just another person who used to smoke, you can be too.

I think I'll end it there since I don't feel like writing a novel today, but the positives of not smoking are endless, there really is no downside.

Thank you to everyone on this forum that has made it this far and continues to post. Your trail is bright, strong, and has lead my way through this journey. Special thanks to Max, Kat, and Debbie(my quit bud for the first leg). You have always been so supportive and I'm not sure if I would have made it without you.

[hellerscatch]

Massive congratulations you should be very proud of yourself :cool: x

[nsd_user663_59644]

Just popped in to congratulate you on a massive achievement.

Always so lovely to read a success story.

Keep up the good work :)

[nsd_user663_62313]

M2tpo (any relation to C3po?)

Many congratulations on your fantastic milestone. As a newbie, your reflections made very helpful reading, as I was able to identify the whispering lies spinning around my head as I read your words. Even when I'm reading in black and white the experience of those who know that returning to smoking is a 100% no-no, there's still this whining, nagging pitiful voice saying 'oh, you're the exception. If you have one fag, you'll enjoy it and feel much better'...Oh, the lies! So thank you for taking the time to post. Really needed to hear that!

[nsd_user663_40237]

Thanks for all your responses! I'm really proud to have made it this far, it seemed so far away at times but now there is nothing left to do except live a smoke free life!

Max I'll definitely see you at the bar but I'm not about to have just one!

[nsd_user663_59305]

Congratulations, as Max said, this is massive, you have gone through some pretty tough times and come out the other side a proud, non-smoker - Keep that bar stool warm, I'm not too far behind you

[nsd_user663_56673]

Congratulations, welcome to the penthouse - isn't the view just the best :D:D: