Calling all Quitters

[CornField]

Let's have a list of everyone who has quit smoking in the past year.

I'm not the newest quitter among us, but I'll go first. Yesterday was the first time I did not have *any* physical cravings for a ciggy. Yeah for me!

Sign in, ya quitters!!! (and congratulations!)

[Dora]

1. I quit in July 2004

And aside from some bummed cigs and a phase of smoking while my dad was visitng (he and my stepma both smoke), I'm totally tobacco free! And I really do feel like a non-smoker now, rather than someone who quit smoking - there is a difference.

I've never tooted my own horn until now.

For you new quitters, my advice to you is: Don't let guilt over having bummed a cigarette cause you to slide back into the habit. Don't feel any guilt if you have a smoke. Just accept that you did it, and tell yourself that you won't do it again.

[Vincardog]

2. I became smoke free in 1999. I will never chose to be a smoker again.

[CO Liberal]

3. I Quit in February of 1993

The Princess and I were just dating at that time. I had been smoking on and off for over 25 years. She asked me if I would think about quitting - three days later, I smoked my last Doral Menthol Light.

Ever.

The first few days are the hardest, but if you're in a place in your life where you're ready to quit, you can do it.

[tk2kewl]

4. 3 WEEKS TODAY!

And I am beginning to feel moderately sane again. Thanks for letting me sound off. And keep rooting for me.

[CornField]

10. Hey - we're about at the same place.

I'll keep rooting for you! :) It's tough but we can do it.

[tk2kewl]

14. good luck

20 yrs was too long

[billyskank]

5. March 2003

was my last smoke.

[Semi_subversive]

6. Christmas Eve 1998

[frictionlessO]

7. congrats cornfield! Ill be joining you in a few weeks, dont look back!!

[BurtWorm]

8. Feb. 14, 2004

I quit for my wife, my daughter, and our two cats on Valentine's Day.

[arwalden]

9. June 2002... Our First Year's Savings PAID FOR Our Pop-Up Camper RV!!

That was one of the best things I've ever done for myself!! It was difficult, and I really didn't WANT to quit... I liked my cigarettes (despite all the risks)... the only reason I decided to quit was because they had just gotten so damn expensive!! Between the two of us, we were spending over $90.00 a week on smokes.

That's $360 every four weeks.

That's $4680.00 a year!!

I'd rather have a new camper, thanks!

[prolesunited]

11. May 2002

Remember? We quit around the same time. The support I got at DU really helpd.

The rest of you can do it as well. Congrats and keep up the good work.

[arwalden]

12. Yep! I Remember...

And as recently as last month, I've had the psychological urge to smoke. Totally stress-related... I wanted a cigarette because I remembered its calming effect.

But, those urges don't come around as often. I know that if I fight it for one or two minutes, it will go away.

I won't even have "just one" because then I can't brag on being smoke-free for two and a half years! I'll have to start all over from zero again. NO WAY!

NEW QUITTERS!!! Here's a helpful tip... BRAG ON YOURSELF to ANYONE who will listen and encourage you! Trust me... the encouragement from friends and family is TRULY motivating and helpful. (Also, not wanting to disappoint them with 'failure' is a big motivator too.)

YOU CAN DO IT!!! I smoked for 24 years... I was up to a carton a week... and I QUIT (using the patch... but I still quit).

DO IT!

[prolesunited]

13. I really haven't had any cravings

but the fact that I've since developed asthma probably seals it on me never smoking again. I

n fact, I've been in really smokey bars and if there's not enough ventilation, I've ended up with asthma attacks after a couple of hours. :-(

[arwalden]

15. I Know!!! I Can Now Smell That HORRID Odor That Hangs On Smokers...

... I'll brush past them on the Metro or in the grocery store, and I can smell them from 5 paces away. Ugh. --- Was *I* that bad?? I'm retroactively embarrassed for myself.

I also see poor schmucks standing outside in the rain and cold and snow trying to 'hotbox' their cigarettes and finish them up before their break is over... and I remember how I used to do the same thing.

I recall landing in DFW and rushing outside just to have a smoke between flights. Then we spent nearly $200 just to join the American Airlines Admiral's Club where smoking is permitted INSIDE the terminal.

Just like you, smokey bars and restaurants bother me as well. I never thought it would... but it does.

[gottalickbush]

18. Its just awful isn't it? n/t

[sniffa]

16. i'LL quit one day

when i'm dead

[prolesunited]

19. Well, you're in luck

It will probably be sooner if you keep smoking. Just sayin'.

[gottalickbush]

17. good for you

3 months ago. Haven't looked back since. I get cravings, but they go away. Had to change habits. Didn't want to gain weight, so I started working out harder. Haven't gained, lost 10 lbs. At 115lbs right now. Trying to tone up some more.