So my best friend and I decided to quit smoking on November 1, 1999. I smoked my last cigarette on my way to work on Halloween night 1999. I had been planning this for a few months. I weaned myself down. I had a plan. And I also was equipped with Zyban (an antidepressant used in smoking cessation) and nicotine patches. My first step in quitting was I quit smoking in my car. We had just gotten a new car so that was easy to decide that I wasn't going to smoke in it. And that cigarette was the hardest one to give up. Because I got into the car, put the key in the ignition, started the car and lit a cigarette. Everyday since the day I learned to drive. Hard, hard, hard habit to break.
I was so determined to be successful with quitting that I even had a plan how I was not going to put on the 'normal' 30-50 pound weight gain that most people do when they quit. Every time I craved a cigarette in those weeks leading up to quitting, I made a pact with myself, to walk down to the corner and back before I lit up. Heck, I couldn't breathe by the time I got back so often I didn't want that cigarette.
Anyway my plan was successful.(My plan to quit smoking that is, I still ended up gaining 40 pounds). It was NOT easy. It was horrible. There are still days that I wished I smoked. There are still times that I want to go right back to it. Do you want to know why I don't? Nope, it's not because my family would disown me (and they would). It's not because it has gotten so much more expensive (and it has). The one and ONLY reason I have not started smoking again is because it STINKS. Like B.A.D. Why didn't anyone ever tell me I smelled like an ashtray? Why didn't anyone ever tell me my kids and all their belongings stunk? Once I quit smoking, I was astounded by how horrible it smelled.
So that is my story on how and why I quit smoking.
Happy 'no smoking' anniversary to me!
I am extremely proud of you. My mom have it up 14 years ago too. She knew that she would never get to watch my kid in her house as long as she smoked. She went with Wellbutrin to help her. My dad quit 8 or 9 years ago after smoking since he was 9. He now has long term lung issues. He has to sleep with oxygen at night. I am thankful neither me or my husband ever had that habit. My dad says his hardest cigarette to give up was the one with his morning coffee. That first one of the day.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the smell. You can smell a smoker within 20 feet of you. Especially if they smoke a ton. My neighbor across the street (who I can't stand for a variety of reasons) always has a cigarette hanging out of his mouth...ALWAYS! I can smell his children from my front door if they are in the street.
Happy anniversary of no longer poisoning your lungs!!!! Such a great accomplishment!!
Thank you for your kind words Cristy. But I would smoke again tomorrow if I could
DeleteYour recollections mean lots to me, as I "just" started the long road. I think it's been 43 years now, I've smoked -- remembering when it was the "cool" thing to do ..... and I never really, deep-down wanted to give it up -- before my hubby was diagnosed. I started Chantix two weeks ago and have to admit. it's helped. Still, when things grow tense at my workplace (that's normal), I'd just as soon claw my eyeballs out. Hoping n' praying I can continue, but it's SO damn hard. :( Your post was encouraging ... thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard Myra. Work on it one minute at a time and you will be successful.
DeleteHappy Smoke-free anniversary! My date was December 27, 1998.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. You have an anniversary coming up, then. The big 15!
DeleteYay you! I quit about 6 weeks ago, and I can't believe how easy it was. I had weaned myself down to 3 cigarettes a week, so quitting was pretty easy. My reason for giving it up? In 2014 my employer is going to charge smokers an additional $40/pay period for health insurance if you smoke. If you don't? $9/pay period. Money definitely is a good motivator! Now that I don't smoke, I can't believe how nasty the smell of others smoking is. You are a role model for me--thanks for the support!!
ReplyDeleteYay for you! I am so proud of you. It was hard, hard, hard for me. Still is!
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