Find a buddy...
After 1551 days smoke free and almost $34000 saved from the ash tray, I am still mindful of how easy it might be to revert to old habits. What has helped me most, other than my initial method to stay smoke free, is the camaraderie of fellow quitters at the time. I always hope they are lasting the distance. We were so good at spurring each other on. I can only hope those embarking on this journey can relate to a group of fellow quitters. Best to share reasons for staying quit as opposed to seeking help when erring. We are all responsible for decisions we make. Better to share a positive thought than constantly waving a red flag. Challenge yourself and challenge others by inviting them to participate. Posting negative thoughts tends to inflame negative and defeatist thoughts of others. Have tried to work this one out for some years. Worst thing is that 96% of subscribers will disappear. Some will come back and confess and try again. I wonder if iCanQuit has any statistics or ideas as to what may work best when posting on this site. A mystery to me...
The statistics are dismal Lia, but surveys can be slanted to reflect the views of those needing the figures. Each one of us in an individual with different ways of thinking and needs. I've seen statistics for quitting smoking based on "class". Hogwash. Who knows how serious quitting was to someone at the time of a survey. How committed is a person joining this site on a whim? What post did the visitor read? Newbies come on moaning about there first day not realizing that they are discouraging others, without malice but unthinkingly and perhaps discouraging someone else to join or make the attempt. While we realize that that first few days are very trying, we also try to prepare and support those with positive thoughts and constructive advice.
Everyone has the ability to quit smoking. Learning how to go about it is a great first step. Staying quit is also a part of this mission and support should be available should need arise.
Beyond keeping a written note of your reasons to remain quit on you should the nicotine monster rear his ugly head why not stick around and support this wonderful forum. Great stories, real people and a sense of commaradarie. A win win.
Thanks for sticking around for 4 years with your support and advice Lia. Thanks to quite a few that pop in now and then with there cheery hellos and proof that this journey can lead to a new and better place. May we all continue with our success and willingness to help others along the way.
So true Lia. We are just a puff away from a full blown addiction. Always must be vigilant. Speaking from personal experience with my past two quits that lasted 2 years and 1 year respectively and were derailed by just one single puff. No more puffs this time. NOPE - not one puff ever.
That is so great Lia, and thank you for sending a message to us all
and to any new ones embarking on their own journey. We are all different and as Safe has mentioned you haven't discounted those thoughts that come to mind at different times even after 1551 days. I have found this forum enlightening and my confidence in contribution is growing.
What a lot of money! Good for you.
congratulations Lia it is so good to see names from the past
I often wonder how many made it
I know i don't come back on here as much as i once did
Today I reached 1275 days smoke free and it often suprises me that i still have days when i think i would like a cigarette or worst still i actually reach for them so you are right we need to be careful