Actually, that’s not true. It’s been seven years. On December 31st 2005, my ex wife and I made the decision that would give up smoking. So we went through the chemist and talked about how we could go about this.
We took the program seriously (or I did) and the date we set was 31st January 2006. And I haven’t smoked since. Seven years. I still smell smoke and occasionally think “I could murder a cigarette right now” but it is gone in a few seconds. I was talking to my sister about this as she gave up smoking later that same year. She has the same, and the same with me, hers goes almost as fast as it arrives.
Giving up smoking is not an easy task. You will be tempted to give in, but think … before you do give in to your cravings, think … think about how that cigarette smoke will go into your lungs and the pain that will wrack your body as you take something unnatural into your chest. The feeling of having a steel rod thumped into your chest. (Yes I did give in and had a couple of cigarettes – two or three and the pain was too much)
Patches, gum, tabs – they all work in helping you give up. The main one you need though is willpower.
If you have given up smoking – well done. If you are going to give up smoking – good luck.
A Mixed Bag 
In September it will be 5 years. There have been times that I gave into those cravings. Once at my daughters’ house, I took a long butt out of the ashtray. It was horrible. One night I was out drinking I went outside with the usual smokers and had a cigarette. I smoked half before tossing it. I got my hands on a cigarette last summer. I made some coffee and sat on the steps out side to smoke and drink coffee. Just for old time sakes not because I wanted to smoke. I took one drag and damn near brought my lungs up. I still have the urge but I don’t give in. I had to quit when I did because of lung issues. I did enjoy smoking and wish I could.
But like you say we can’t give into the urge. And you are also right you have to want to give up smoking. Or like in my case. I smoked my last whole cigarette on August 26, 2008 just minutes before I walked into the hospital gasping for breath and they pushed me to the front of the waiting list and stuck oxygen on my face. I didn’t want to smoke after being discharged or for almost two years later.
Today I no longer need oxygen and still I am smoke free. I love telling this story because I smoked for 40 years. I’m a testimony if i can quit anyone can.
That is a bloody awesome story, and well done. The fact that you no longer need oxygen is brilliant. It has to be the hardest thing I have ever done, and I had only been smoking for 28 years, then taking a couple off for the give up here and there. But after 40 years, that is incredible. You and your family must be so proud of you.
Yes I am. And those who never smoked are proud. Those who once smoked are like you should of stopped a long time ago. Those who still smoke they say, good for you. I wish I could stop. ll But like you said they have to want to.
Some ex-smokers I find are hypocritical. They saw “you want to give up” or “you need to give up” I alwys used to answer with “No, I’m not a quitter” But in the last 20 years, I have given up smoking, drugs and alcohol. 🙂 The drugs was the easy one. I was only smoking pot and as soon as I heard my ex was pregnant, I quit 🙂
Good on you to give up the habit. I know it took tough willpower. Proud for you!
Thank you. I do still have the occasion where I think “I could do with a cigarette right now” and chatting to my sister, so does she. Not going to happen though.
Well done, Alastair. You’ll never regret giving up, but you will regret starting smoking again. My brother-in-law gave up for 4 months after a medical scare which landed him in ICU, and now he’s back to smoking a pack a day. 😦
I’m so glad I gave up. Plus it helps deter the kids from smoking if they aren’t available at home
CONGRATULATIONS! Good for you.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Thank you. Have a great day
will power–so true. You are so better off not smoking.
Yep. I’m better off financially and physically 🙂
Yeah i’ll need some willpowrer to give up smoking. 🙂
🙂 You also need to WANT to give up. If you don’t want to, you won’t be able to.