Joined: This month
Posts: 1385
Ex Smokers
12/31/2009 at 12:30 PM
I know when I smoked New Years was always the time of year that I would consider quitting.I think the best I ever did on one of them resolutions was three days.Thankfully I have given up the habit and as inspiration for the ones that are trying to give it up I thought I would start this thread inviting other ex smokers to share there story and hopefully one more smoker will read the stories and be inspired to quit.
My story:Smoked Players Lite most of the 22 years that I smoked.Almost a pack a day 20 cigs on average.I was finally able to kick the habit in Sept/Oct 2006 almost.The reason why was because in 2006 that was the third year in a row that I came down with the flu and unless I went and saw a doctor and got some meds prescribe I was not able to shake the flu or just quit smoking till I did shake it.
So after the third year when the flu bout set in I said this was it I was bound and determined to give up smoking.So for the next three months every time I wanted a smoke I would have a Oh Henry chocalate bar.Seeing as the store was only a block away I would walk and buy my bar and eat it on the walk back and by the time I got home the craving was done.Now I say almost.Well as it turns out it was Dec24/2006 and the piping in our kitchen drain that is in the basement floor plugged solid.After 4 hrs of frustration and not seeming like I was getting anywhere for the last hour with the crank router that I rented from Home Depot it was time to take a much needed break and unwind some ,some how.So off to the store I went but instead of getting the chocalte bar I bought a pack of players lite again.Had a smoke on the way home and another outside when I did get home then I went back to work unplugging the drain.Another half hour went by and seeming like I wasn't advancing much at all I took another break and had another smoke.Went back to work and lo and behold I got through to the main drain FINALLY.So along comes Dec25/2006 My brother in law came over we went outside so he could have his smoke while outside I pulled one smoke out of the pack and handed him the rest.I smoked it told him I couldn't remember the day that I quit three months back so I made Dec 25 my official day that I have give up smoking.
Now there has been endless benefits since quitting,taste of food not having to work as much but the one I am most proud of is that I actually can participate in sports for more the 15 minutes without having to quit.Like yesterday went and played some ball hockey with Adam and company yesterday for almost 2hrs.When I came home I had one finger darn near frozen I was winded but I felt great and I would do all over again today if I could find a challenger.lol Heres hoping that someone will be inspired from this thread and be able to give it up and succeed in the coming year.
22years as a smoker-3years now as an ex smoker
Good Luck and Happy New Years