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Smoking & How to Quit

Share Your Story

Smoking & How to Quit Home > Tools > Share Your Story

Have a helpful hint or motivating thought to share? Tell us your story. Encourage others. Share strategies for quitting smoking. This area is for you.

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I gave up smoking fifteen days ago. The first week didn't seem that difficult. I felt better so quickly and started playing squash and going to the gym again. I felt so healthy and happy I couldn't imagine ever wanting to smoke again. The second week was really difficult however. I started feeling tense and stressed and then so depressed all I wanted to do was lie on my bed and cry. Day 10 was like that and today has been like that. At times like this I just want something to end the misery. But I know that I'm winning and it will get better.

Kady

I am 44 years old; I smoked for 30 years and have been smoke free for 4 months today. My non smoking friends would always say what a disgusting habit smoking is and why would anyone want to die from lung cancer. They’re right but it doesn’t always make it easier to quit. A person is ready when they’re ready, simply put. Those same friends are again calling me crazy because I’m training for a 1/2 marathon. "It can be done it will be done."

Anonymous from Arizona

I've been a week smoke-free and my nicotine fits are coming hard, but few. I really want to quit and its driving me crazy that all I can think about is how come I can hear myself devising a plan to smoke again and make it ok. When in reality I can't. I was asked once to be honest with myself and when I answered honestly I realized that I still want to smoke, and I wish they weren't harmful and who cares it’s my body. But when reality kicks in and all of a sudden I can't sing, and my money is gone and I'm slowly dying, I know I'm doing the right thing taking it day by day. Please write more, it helps to know that we're kind of all in this together. Thank you!!!

Molly from Alaska

I am 24 years old and I started smoking when I was 18. It has been 12 days since I had my last cigarette and it feels good. The mood swings are worse then the cravings, but I have stuck with it and I am not going to fail, it has always been easier for me to fail then to succeed, but I am determined to succeed in everything that I put my mind to. We all can do it; we just have to try. I wish you all the best.

Anonymous

I am 52 years old and smoke free for 91 days. I have smoked for over 30 years and quitting has been a revelation to me. I used to think I couldn't quit because of the stress but since quitting I have never been as calm as I am now. I feel free and love everyday smoke free. I wish the best of luck to all of you. We are in a fight for our lives.

Anonymous

I am a 40 year old woman who has been smoking for over 20 years. I am trying to quit and as I read the stories, I go through my own struggle. I realize how very hard it is to quit. Hang in there and don't give up. I believe we can all rid ourselves from this terrible curse. Keep strong, keep faith, and keep your goals ever before you. I believe in you and I know we can do it!

Kate from New Jersey

I'm 43 years old and have been smoking for 30 years now. I quit two weeks ago. I can go for three of four days without anything, then that's all I can think about and I break down and need that puff. I just did it again today. I so want to get over this anxiety and panicky feeling that I have. I’m starting again tonight and hopefully I'll make it past the fourth day! I know it's all in my head, but it's been part of my life for so long now and sometimes I think I'll never be able to do it. But you know what, I'm not going to listen to my brain anymore when it comes to smoking and I'm going to just do it!

Anonymous

I have smoked cigarettes for over 30 years. It is the hardest thing I ever did and the best thing I ever did for myself was to quit smoking. It has been over 3 months now. I still have urges but I try to focus on something different when it hits. Just keeping trying and take it day by day.

Linda from South Carolina

This is my 6th day of not smoking. It's really hard. I don't want a cigarette so much as I think about them, you know, when I smoked I would be lighting up about now. I went on a bike ride this weekend and was amazed at how much of a difference only one week of not smoking had made on my endurance. Instead of 15 miles I went 21. It was great. I was a total "witch" the first few days, and still now and then get a major mood swing, but my husband is really understanding and my kids are like way to go mom! To anyone reading this, you can quit smoking. You just have to want to and you need to get rid of everything cigarette related. Don't have any empty packs, lighters, ashtrays. Clean out you car and your house if you smoke inside. The fresh clean smell will amaze you and will make it so much easier. I won't wish you good luck, because it takes control not luck. But just do it. You will feel great!

Rebecca from Federated States of Micronesia

Hi I’m 20 years old and I started smoking when I was 15 and I feel as if I can’t stop smoking. I don’t know why I do smoke or why I can’t kick the hobbit. My mother and brother both smoke, so it’s hard to quit. I don’t want to die and I know with every cigarette I smoke, it’s taking years off my life and that scares me. I want to quit and I want to quit now. I realize that I need help and to help myself. Every smoker says this is my last one than I’m quitting, but then the next day you light up again. I want to break the cycle. I am going to die if I don’t stop. I’m killing myself and I’m paying to kill myself. I keep getting sore throats and my throat is so swollen. It’s been like this for months and it’s my own fault. I have to stop and just by writing this it’s helping. So if anyone reads this I hope that they will break the cycle and choose to live and not have a smoke with your cup of coffee in the morning. Good luck to everyone and I guess wish me luck. Thank you to anyone who reads this.

Ashley from New Jersey

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Content last updated August 14, 2006.

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