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Myself and my fellow Quit Train Buddies are in our Decade Year We have a few who have more years smoke free . So i am throwing a Big Party for us all... Oldies come and tell you how you are doing ..would love to hear from you Doreensfree xx

To all the newbies who are active or lurking, I can tell you that quitting smoking is definitely something you can do and it is worth the early struggles. I quit after roughly 20 years as a smoker, and the last few years of my smoking life was spent struggling with short quits, trying to cut down, relapsing, etc. What helped me was joining a site like this and reaching out for support and reading about others' experiences in their quits. I also tried to take it one week, day, hour, minute at a time.....whatever it took. Don't worry about craves that might happen a day or two from now. Just focus on pushing through and defeating any craves that you may be currently experiencing.. Each crave you fight through makes your quit stronger. Quitting smoking is very doable and I encourage anyone who wants to quit to take the leap. It is worth it.

It just doesn't seem real that I am coming up on 10 years quit! To all who are considering quitting...you CAN do it...and it is so worth the discomfort (and yes, some times misery) you have to go through. I smoked for 40 years, and I know if I can quit, anyone can!! Happy 10th to us!!

You know today I was reflecting on smoking and quitting and it dawned on me that 7 years ago today I could not imagine not lighting up upon awakening in the morning, after a meal or after finishing any task yet today, after 7 years being smoke free I can not for the life of me fathom why I ever smoked those damn things. They did absolutely nothing positive for me! Quitting brings about a complete metamorphosis in your life! You come out the other side as a completely different person free from the chains of addiction and able to live your life to the fullest.

Me too?

Severe engine issues revealed today and I was having trouble coping. Out of nowhere or maybe that somewhere in the mind that tells you that you can’t cope, that there is some nameless something you need to get through this and then just as quickly it’s gone and your left thinking or maybe yelling it aloud in a rage, “I KNOW WHAT I NEEDED!” The addict is always there. It’ll show up when you least expect it to. It enrages me. Leaving me feeling weak and less than. But I am NOT! I’ve been kicking nicotine to the curb for almost three years and I will not release it from the chains that had me bound. The chains that I worked so hard to bind it with. I can’t and I will not. It’s why I still hang around here. Y’all helped me so much and still do. Almost everyday I get some kind of help here. Oh, well after some deep breathing and grounding myself I have gone on about my day. Without that crutch I used to have to carry around with me. It’s good to breathe freely!

I got locked out- couldn’t remember my password etc. So- I updated my name from Lust4Life to Lust4Life2016 and I’m back on the train! My quit year- 2016!!! Thrilled to say still smoke free. No relapses. No close calls. Easy because non-smokers don’t smoke. Ever! I look forward to poking around the site and catching up! L4L

Congratulations @DenaliBlues on your second year quit! You've helped so many members and probably some lurkers too with your insightful posts so thank you and I hope you stay on for many years and members to come....

NOPE Gabriela's first time in the living room after being adopted from the shelter. She made the mistake of getting into Sofia's chair. NOPE, she won't do THAT again!

Thanks everyone! I appreciate the acknowledgement. I can hardly believe it!!!!!!!!!!!! There were so many failed starts. But, that old Covid threat -- in my mind, I was sure I'd die if I got it and I was still a smoker -- got me to quit and stay quit. And I finally did get Covid, a couple of months ago, and breezed through it. No lung issues. Because I am saving money by not buying cigarettes, I can afford a 2nd dog to keep dog #1 company while I am at work. Gabriela joined us two months ago from a Humane Society shelter. She is reportedly 8 years old, but I suspect she is a bit younger - 5 or 6. She is so playful and frisky. She loves her stuffed squirrel (not a real one!) So much more we can do when we aren't spending our money on poison. Thanks, all.

NOPE!

Hi everyone! I was looking back at my original post from May of last year, and it's really amazing how far I have come since that first post that I made, where I was still smoking 2 cigs a day using the weaning method. OMG, I remember how horrible I felt, in a constant state of perpetual withdrawal all day and night! It was so horrible. Finally after a couple days several of you told me to give it up, I just let go and went cold turkey, I think 2 days later. Plus, all the meltdowns I had where I really couldn't handle it anymore and I was treating my family like crap. You all helped me so much!!! Wow, it all seems like ages ago!! I really have come a long way, thanks to all of you!!! The friendship and support you all gave ME, a total stranger, was mind boggling! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! I truly couldn't have made it without all of you! I was reading a post that I made from very early in my quit and I wrote how one of the withdrawal symptoms was like a feeling on my tongue...LOL!! It wasn't a pain, just an annoying feeling. I can look back now and laugh at that, but at the time it was just horrible, plus I had a horrible sense of doom. I definitely will not go back to smoking, not only because is it bad for us, BUT, who the hell wants to get those withdrawal symptoms again!! Not me!! I have enough aches and pains in my life...LOL!!! Anyway, thank you all so much again for being here for me! Love, Sandi

G’day NOPE .....Not One Puff Ever.... (replace Ever with Min,Hour, Day as required).

NOPE…

Yup! 7 years today. I remember that day like it was yesterday. So glad I managed to make it through the quit process and prevent further damage to my health. When people ask me how if feels to be a non-smoker, I say this: Then I do my Happy Quitter's dance:

G’day NOPE .....Not One Puff Ever.... (replace Ever with Min,Hour, Day as required).

NOPE! Smoking stinks.

Geeze... I would join ya but in comparison I will just light a candle. : ) Those fires look nice and warm... just don't think I want a smore that taste like burned butt's. GOOD NIGHT ALL.

I got the balloons

Thanks again to all! I am with my 98 year old Mom who is not doing very well. I appreciate all the congratulations, and I know one thing for sure...I smoked a pack and a half a day for 40 years, and if I can quit, anyone can! And you will not believe how much better your life will be...you can beat this!!

I see lots of long term quits of people whom I remember from the early days of my quit,...... Congratulations! To all the newbies, whether you are brand new to your quit or you have already crossed many milestones.......... 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, a holiday, an anniversary, that 1st cigarette of the day, the one before bed, after eating, a stressful situation, an excuse that you powered through.....whatever it may be....I hope that you are proud.....i hope that you are so excited about the strength that you possess...I hope you know what a rock star you are for committing to your quit and making it a top priority. The only way over it is through it.....you are doing it. Congratulations!!! I may not visit the board often, but I do think of the folks here (and my former board) that were such a huge part of my success. When people ask how I finally achieved my sticky quit, I always talk about how this online group educated me and supported me. Absolutely picked me up, held me up and never gave up on me. CONGRATULATIONS TO ONE AND ALL

Congratulations Nancy .. For those who have followed us . Nancy was the member who took me by the hand when i arrived at the forum I will always be grateful...

Thanks everyone. I had a quiet reflective day. Within the past several weeks I found myself apologizing to my kids, grands, and those that I am closest to for having subjected them to my smelly and filthy habit. For not always being there or not being there 100% because I lived my life around my habit, not them. So many opportunities to live, love, and laugh missed and gone forever. But I can be here, now. I can help others gain and keep their freedom from smoking. Although we can’t regain the time we’ve lost, we most assuredly can ensure living without regard to nicotine’s demands on our time, mindset, health, and finances. I appreciate everyone here so very much. Thank you all again.

You know the old saying "What a difference a day makes", well, for ex-smokers it's "what a difference several months makes", and it's so true! All of you helped me so much to get to this point, and I am so thankful and grateful. Only ex smokers know what a newly quit smoker is going through. Today I was in a shopping center and there was a woman outside of a store smoking a cigarette, I thought to myself wow, that used to be me. Anytime I could grab a smoke, I would be out there, always looking for a place to smoke, and when I couldn't find a place I started to panic. Did any of you feel that way and panic? Back when I smoked and my husband and I would go on vacation, I would always look for a hotel that had a balcony, because it would be easier to smoke than having to go down the elevator and out into the street. I do love balconies, but for different reasons now. Also, since most of my friends don't smoke, when I would see them, I would load up on the breath mints/gum and perfume because I wouldn't want them to tell me that I smelled from smoke and offend them. Although, I tried very hard not to. Did all of you go through this when you smoked? As I mentioned in my previous post, I do get the urge once in a while and I do miss it, but it only lasts a few seconds and it's gone. I am looking forward to the day where I get no urges and don't miss it at all!! Anyway, thanks again friends!!! Now, girls, let's go beat the guys in Chicks and Sticks!! LOL!!!

NOPE!

NOPE…

Big congrats to you today @Brioski!! Hope you enjoy this day & relish in the pride of accomplishment that you do rightly deserve

One year ago, you made a great decision, today you get to celebrate it! Congratulations!

G’day NOPE .....Not One Puff Ever.... (replace Ever with Min,Hour, Day as required).

G’day NOPE .....Not One Puff Ever.... (replace Ever with Min,Hour, Day as required).

Nope!

Wowie!!!! 2 years is amazing!! Congratulations Denali that is wonderful! All the best to you!! And thanks for all your help that you have given me!!

Congratulations on 2 years smoke free @DenaliBlues Great job!

G’day NOPE .....Not One Puff Ever.... (replace Ever with Min,Hour, Day as required).

Congratulations @catlover on your awesome quit! And thank you for sticking around all these years to support those coming behind you

NOPE!

Congratulations on 6 years smoke free, Catlover. Great job!

NOPE…… a pinch and punch for the first of the month

NOPE!

Beginning the new month with a big ol' NOPE!

NOPE…

Nope; Never on Friday!

It was definitely less crav-y than I anticipated. My stepdad who we typically bumps heads and fight lol made a speech about how I overcame addiction and was congratulatory that I was free, first year they didn’t have to put ashtrays out on the back deck etc. It was surprising, he used to smoke too, and my mom used to too. It was very stressful today w a bunch of stuff but it wasn’t crazy w craves. I did yell out in my car once that I wanted an effing cigarette but it went as quickly as it frustratingly came on so. Happy Thanksgiving friends

Hi, friends. I'm back online now, after a much needed stretch of being unplugged. My time away was wonderful. There were definitely many moments of temptation... I still associate "relishing the moment" with smoking, and I still want to pickle my feelings with smoke when I feel sad or mad. But I was able to "NOPE" my way through those times. Evoking all of you in my mind really helped... as did the idea that I've worked really hard for this quit, and I don't want to throw it away and have to start all over again. So I'm back - still on the Train - still gratefully smoke free. Thanks again for helping me stay on track!

Wow…… it’s like having a second birthday really. One is actually pretty young! And really looks foward to getting older! Im looking forward to being a teenager again known what I know now. Chris

Thank you friends!!! It’s crazy that it’s been 7 months wow. I wanted one a few times today, was wondering why (both why did it happen and why can’t I have one lol), probably my subconscious brain knew but I consciously didn’t lol and tried to F w me

Thank you!! There are some rough patches, but I am hanging in there. My breathing is better, it feels good not to smell like smoke and my skin looks more glowy! Hoping I can do this forever... Hope everyone is doing well!

I’ll bring the tunes!

Great to see you Bakon .. Have you any wise words for our Newbies .