Quit Date...
I notice some people visiting this site have set a quit date. That is great for those who will adhere to their plan. I tried that a few times and always came up with an excuse on the day. I would continue to light up and pretend that date did not exist. So, in fact, I "stood myself up". I was putting off the time when I would be able to breathe and not worry about developing emphysema. Breathing was difficult. I ignored the fact that these days smoking is socially unacceptable. Burning $22 a day was also met with pathetic excuses.
Finally on the 30th May, 2015 I simply smoked the last cigarette as I poured over the stories on this site. I decided then and there, if others could do it, so could I. I ended a 45 year habit then and there. No planning. I did not have to panic about the last cigarette to be smoked. There is no last cigarette... That left over half carton is still in the cupboard. For me it was a case of "just do it". Would like to hear from anyone who has planned a quit date and stuck to it.
Also wondering what ever happened to hundreds of visitors to this site who have not returned. I can name maybe 8 who regularly / occasionally return. Is it true that only 6% of those giving up smoking succeed?
I thought about quitting for years, maybe that was part of quitting, I do know that I always said to myself one day I will stop and no I didn't set a quit date I just stopped, hope to stay that way one day at time.
IC
I started Champix about 6 weeks ago and set a quit date which I didn't stick too - well I made it a day and a half without a smoke. After 30 years of smoking I was really resistant to letting it go completely and I had allot stress going on at work. Yep it was an excuse but I did only go back to 3-4 per day which was a huge reduction from 15-20. Last Saturday night I finished my last packet and decided that I just wasn't prepared to spend another $30+ on another packet. I'm now 6 days smoke free and although I still think about it this is the longest I've ever been and I'm determined to never smoke again.
and that's it we and I say we as in anyone who wants to quit has to be 100% and to do what ever it takes.
looks like I have some "stuff" I have to deal with after stopping and guess I am not alone in that area :)
well done on the 6 days its not so easy but its doable I smoked for 30+ started young amazing I am still alive really.
so if we don't take that 1st puff we cant set off the physical craving but I think from what I am seeing I am going to have to deal with the sh$t or it might be no fun being smoke free.
IC
Yes Lia, it is true, only 3 to 6% of people who stop smoking today will still be non smokers 1 year from today. The reason you see so few visitors from your time era of quitting is that most have started again. Proof of that low percentage is on this website. Just have a look at the 1 year anniversary page. There is only 2 or 3 people there every day. This is out of the hundreds that quit each day. Sad, but this the true reality.
Hi Lia I am still going strong at 168 days and was planning to post at the 6 month mark. You are nearly at the year mark - good for you and keep up the good work. I did set a stop date as I was going away for the weekend with people who did not smoke and they did not know I smoked as I kept it a secret. It actually helped me as I was not around any smokers and no one in my life smokes. I did not post on this site until after I quit and I agree with you that us smokers will always find an excuse - just do it! It will be hard but the benefits are so worth it. Good luck to all
You are so right, Lia. Quit dates don't work. They give excuses, like it is not the right day etc, Not the way to do this properly. Nor is having "the last cigarette". Too scary. Nor is having another crutch as NRT or Champix. Just something else to have to deal with.
Doing this now one day at a time. That is the best way for me. Thanks for keeping on posting. You are an inspiration.
When I quit on March 30th, it was done with
Great to see your constant presence on this site. I, too, miss our cohort from the beginning. I think those we no longer see are divided into those who have no wish to return but who have successfully quit and those who started again. Either way, they have all given it a shot and we know this site is the best support we will get.
I have a slightly different view about quit dates. I set my quit date four months in advance. I didn't cut down in the lead-up (smoked just over a packet the last day I smoked) but I did quite a lot of reading and a lot of thinking. I told my closest people and I also said that I might fail. Somehow, for me, I was able to honour my smoking 'career' in those last four months and then say good-bye to it. I still miss it a lot but only momentarily and that way worked for me. However, I know, from this site, that there are as many ways that work as there are personalities. Can't wait to congratulate you on your one year anniversary.