Knock, knock!

[nsd_user663_59642]

I cannot believe that I am finally here! When I look back to 12 months ago, I didn't know how I could get here, having had pathetic attempts at quitting before. But, there were people already in the Penthouse, so I knew it was possible. But of course, there were the mental obstacles which I put in my own way such as:

1) I've been smoking for over 40 years......it's going to be impossible to break this amost lifelong habit.....

2) I'm more addicted to it than anyone else, so it'll be harder for me...

3) I've had a hard life and there are so many difficult issues that my darling daughters and I are having to face......

Well:

1) My stop smoking advisor told me of a man who had smoked for over 80 years and he quit.......so if someone can kick the habit after 80 years of smoking, then I ought to be able to....

2) We are all as addicted as each other...it's the nature of nicotine...you are hooked from the very first one.......

3) Life is not a "bowl of cherries".......if I consider that life has not been fair to my daughters and I....well, fags aren't going to change that.

So, this is how I finally managed it:

Champix helped hugely, by taking away the cravings for a fag. This forum and the lovely people on it helped, by being so understanding and supportive and by sharing their experiences.....after all, we are all on the same journey!

But ultimately, it is up to us as individuals; no-one can quit for us. This lead me to making plans fo my quit. Firstly, I was not going to refer to it as "quitting", "stopping" or "giving up" as those are all negative things and sounded like I was going to be making a huge sacrifice, so I referred to it as wanting to be a non-smoker.....that made it sound like there was something wonderful ahead for me, rather than sacrifice.

The other "weapons" in my war against cigarettes were being aware and alert to situations which could get out of hand and lead to a fag, and having an alternative for dealing with these situations. If I felt such a situation arising, I would do everything possible to nip it in the bud.....this often meant having a box of Maltesers or a packet of nuts.....anything but a fag!

My main reason for wanting to be a non-smoker was financial. It had literally got to the point of fags or food. So another brilliant weapon was to remind myself that as a non-smoker, I wouldn't have to be in that awful situation.

To anyone who reads this and is just starting out or is somewhere along the Penthouse road.......you can do this. As long as you don't give in when things get tough, you will become a non-smoker. If you have a fag every time the going gets tough, well, you'll never, ever be a non-smoker and that would be a real shame.

THANK YOU TO THE BHF FOR THIS FORUM, AND THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE LOVELY PEOPLE ON IT.....I COULDN'T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU.

Lots of love,

Val

xx

[nsd_user663_61250]

Well done Val - an inspiration to us all!

[nsd_user663_60964]

Oh, Val, how perfectly lovely!! :D:D

Please accept a huge and very sincere WELL DONE from me and what a wonderful 'across the finish line' post! If that doesn't inspire someone out there to start their own journey to the Penthouse nothing will.

I shall miss you in Halfway House- it was a privilege to share space with you.

Many, many congratulations to you.

[nsd_user663_59642]

Oh no.......I've just written a huge post, straight from the heart, and it's gone! I went to preview it and I'd been logged out. That has happened before and I think it's because I was taking such a long time over it.

Try again.

Thank you, lovely peeps, for such kind words......some have brought tears to my eyes.

I also wrote about how clearly I remember those first few minutes, hours, days and weeks of quitting and how that drove me on, in that there was no way that I was ever going through that again. So that was yet another weapon in my armoury in the war against cigarettes.

Plus, this war will always be throwing hurdles in our paths and we have to get over these hurdles if we are to win the war. Take them one at a time; they will get fewer and further apart. Try and take something from every hurdle that you overcome and apply what you have learned the next time you are facing one. These are more things that helped me and if any of them are of any help to anyone, then I shall be totally delighted.

By the way....the Penthouse is beyond my wildest imaginings! There is currently a lovely party going on and I shall shortly take to the dancefloor with my Judy Murray-esque dancing and, ladies, there are some seriously gorgeous men in here....they do the dishes, the vacuuming, the ironing.....it's great!

love

Val

xxx

[NicFirth 10 Years Smoke Free]

Welcome to the penthouse

[nsd_user663_59644]

Just stopped by, I,m in awe of you, one maahoosive achievement, you did it just brilliant.

I do hope you are celebrating in style, fantastic

[NicFirth 10 Years Smoke Free]

Val,NicFirth is doing a turn at your party as a stripping Firefighter at 11pm,if you are feeling especially masochistic he has an impressive hose I am told

You sir owe me a new monitor, and a full glass of wine

[NicFirth 10 Years Smoke Free]

I thought you were strictly an ale man?

Not wanting to derail the thread but I have no ale left as I stopped brewing to prepare for the bike ride, both in training time and because if I have it I will drink it which isn't great for the weight. I'm glad to say that as of this afternoon about 6 gallons of real ale is now fermenting away.

[nsd_user663_40405]

i62.tinypic.com/29w8lg9.gif

i59.tinypic.com/98zxnl.jpg

[nsd_user663_18145]

CONGRATULATIONS VAL

:D:D

Welcone to the Penthouse

sorry im not able to post any extras to this post but my computer isn't working so abit restricted in what I can do

sounds like you had a grand party

hope no one is suffering too much this morning :eek: x

[nsd_user663_62294]

Well done Val from another desperate to make it to the penthouse. Lovely inspirational post :)

[nsd_user663_62023]

Congratulations Val, lovely to see people making it who I remember from the early days of my quit when I clung to this forum.

See you soon

:D:D:D:D

[nsd_user663_59305]

pic4ever.com/images/19.gifh... CONGRATULATIONS pic4ever.com/images/19.gifh.... I have never doubted you would waltz through these hallowed halls - you are an amazing woman who's determination shines through in your kind, encouraging words. This place is so much richer for you presence and I am soooo pleased for you xxxpic4ever.com/images/toyou.gif

[nsd_user663_59642]

Thank you so much for the kind words and congratulations fellow quitters!

The party was great and the fireman stripper was well worth a year's abstinence of fags! :eek:

Val

xxx

[nsd_user663_40405]

Did he use one of his hose's to cool you down? lol

[nsd_user663_60964]

Never mind that- did he have an enormous helmet??

[nsd_user663_54554]

A bit late from me but hey, that's a great penthouse post Val, hearty congratulations, you must be pleased as punch. And rightly so, great stuff!