JimHannoonen

I hope I'm not jinxing myself, but since I quit 3.5 years ago, I haven't been sick once. Not even a light cold. Nothing. I used to get sick at least twice a year and usually the cough would linger for months after I got better (because of course, I smoked while I was sick). Additionally, my allergies are all but non-existent anymore. I used to have to take Claratin D daily and use nose spray. I haven't used either in years. Given how things are with COVID nowadays, this couldn't make me happier. Do you still get sick? If so, do you get as sick as you used to when you smoked?

Well, if you don't know how you're going to get through it, chanced are, you won't. You wouldn't go on a road trip to a far away destination without a map would you? If you did, you'de never get there. Same rule applies with quitting smoking. You need a plan. You can't just wing it or you'll be setting yourself up for failure. Live and breathe on this board. Read, read and then read some more. Post a LOT. Post every day. Post 20 times a day. Whatever you have to do to learn how to quit successfully. You can do this. Believe me, if I can quit, you can too!

It's hard to say what "normal" is, since I started smoking when I was 15 and quit when I was 47. Last time I was nicotine free, I was a teenager, so I don't really know what normal is as an adult. That said, after being quit for almost 3.5 years, I think I feel pretty normal. lol

Here's 23,640 (give or take) for you.

Glad to see you made it through. A true testament to how important it is to quit NOW! Thanks for posting

Are you kidding me with this? Toss them. To keep them around is basically admitting you can't quit. Come on, now!

Glad to read this! This makes me think of this song. One day I'll wake up new and knowing The sun will shine And the day will be mine You'll look at me and how I'm glowing You'll see my light And you'll know I'm all right Just some time Is all I need to turn it around A link to the song if you're interested.

The best method for quitting is to commit to yourself to not put something in your mouth and light it on fire. Ever again. Then repeat that every day. Every day, don't put something in your mouth and light it on fine. Sounds stupud, but it really is that simple. Once you commit to that -and I mean REALLY commit- everything else is just fluff. The cravings and withdraws don't matter, because you're committed to never smoking again. Yes, it'll suck for a while, but you can't poison your body for 15+ years and expect to just be fine overnight.

Three years yesterday. Crazy how quickly the time flies.

And by "celebrated" I mean I basically said "Huh, it's been three years since I quit smoking. Weird. Doesn't seem like it" and then continued to go about my day. It really does feel like I never smoked at all. It's such a distant memory anymore. Of course, I'm well aware that just one would send me back to smoking a pack a day within a week, but I'm not concerned about that. I don't crave them. Ever. For those of you struggling with a new (or old) quit, stick with it. If I can quit after 30 years, anyone can. I promise it'll be worth it! NOPE!

When I was a smoker, I would get sick a couple times a year, so sick that anything more than just a shallow breath would cause a coughing fit that was honestly terrifying. The kind of sick that would have a lingering cough that would last for months. Saddest thing is that no matter how sick I was, I would still smoke a pack a day. In the (almost) three years I've been quit, I've been sick exactly ZERO times. Additionally, my allergies are all but gone.

Those "amazing" cigarettes were the ones that got you addicted. That's how it works. You shouldn't romanticize them. You need to recognize them for what they were. This post reminds me of an abused spouse reminiscing over how their lover was so amazing when they first met them. There is NOTHING good about smoking. Nothing fond to remember. Just stink, filth and wasted time and money. Now cut it out and go be a non smoker!

@HeatherDianne, firstly, good job not caving to the craves. That's a HUGE step. Secondly, sure, everything is all sunshine and rainbows for me now, but 2 months in -where you are now- I was a disaster. Most everything you were/are feeling I (and most everyone else here) felt. You're not alone and you know that. The important thing is that you didn't smoke when the pressure was on. YOU KNOW where you are and you also know where you want to be. Don't lose that vision of being a happy quitter. Stick with it and you'll be there before you know it. I promise you this.

I remember how on Christmas I would have to sneak out periodically throughout the day/evening to have a quick smoke. I was the only smoker in the family, so I would walk a few houses down so nobody would see me. Even though they all knew I smoked, I was still ashamed. When I was done, I would walk in the front door, hope that no one would see me and then quickly scurry upstairs so I could wash up and use mouthwash. Of course, now that I'm a non-smoker, I know that the hand washing and mouthwash/gum/whatever never got rid of the stink that came along with smoking and when I eventually rejoined the family, I'm sure they could all smell it. I can't tell you how happy I am that that is no longer a part of my holiday ritual. If you're stressing out about dealing with your quit over the holidays, don't! Relish in the fact that you don't have to go through all your old rituals. Appreciate that you are NO LONGER A SLAVE. Enjoy your time with your family and friends and know that you'll soon be starting a new year smoke free. Quitting is the best present you can give yourself and everyone around you. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone!

During a normal work-day, probably 45 minutes to an hour. Sometimes less, depending on the situation.