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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 have been smoke free for 11 days. I began smoking cigarettes 20 years ago. I cannot believe the amount of time that has passed with me smoking. I have felt the effects of smoking for the last 4 or 5 years. Upper respiratory issues, shortness of breath, etc., I promised myself every year that I would quit on my birthday. For the last three birthdays, I disappointed myself. On this last birthday, I decided on the spot to not smoke another cigarette. The next day I decided to see what 24 hours would feel like and keep going like that. The cravings are difficult but pass quickly especially if you occupy yourself otherwise. Thanks for listening. Good luck to all.

Anonymous from Maryland

Today is my 4th smoke free day. It is bizarre really. I mean that I just up and quit, no planning, just ran out of cigarettes and decided I might as well start this now. It was scary, but I made it through. I am very tired, and I find myself thinking of cigarettes often, although that is only when I engage in something that I used to smoke after, like eating, shopping, etc. These urges last between 2 and 5 minutes, like the things I’ve read, and I am praying I am able to continue being a non-smoker. I can't wait for the little smokers cough to go away, and for me to not feel like I need one anymore. Good luck to all of you who are trying to kick this bad habit.

Julie from New York

I started smoking when I turned 18; a friend said, "Hey you're 18, you can buy smokes," yeah, what a friend. I am now 26 and I quit a month ago. It takes some patients the first few days, but after that things get much easier. Sometimes when I have the urge to smoke, I help lower the stress by having silent conversations with myself about how bad cigarettes are. It’s not about luck...It’s about self-control. Best wishes to all!

Anonymous from Michigan

I started smoking in college "only when I drank" and this habit continued for the next twenty years. At 43, I am finally feeling the effects of this "social" smoking. I love to exercise, but am starting to notice trouble with even climbing up stairs. I used to enjoy the smoke with the glass of wine at the end of the day. I got very sick with bronchitis recently and it scared me enough to finally quit. I have been smoke free for almost three weeks now. My husband is thrilled and is very supportive. However, this try I am doing it for me, which is the right reason. I will succeed.

LJ from Florida

Finally, I realized: why am I buying these contraptions that only hurt me? As a smoker, you know what to expect -- you light a cig in the car, after you eat, etc. This is my 6th smoke-free day. The first two days were rough, and I tried to alert everyone to my potential mood swings and snapping. Now, 6 days later, I don't physically crave a cigarette, but I do remember how it felt to hold and such. I feel as though a relapse could potentially come on & I don't want to smoke! Things seem scary as a non-smoker. I don't want to start again. My husband and I are trying to have a baby in the near future and cigarettes don't fit into my life anymore.

Toni from Illinois

My fiance and I quit the day we found out we were pregnant. I have never felt better and after the first 2 weeks it just gets easier and easier each day; so hang in there. We have both smoked for approximately 7 years. I am so glad not to do it anymore, I can't stand the way it smells or anything now, I generally just feel better, and know that I am giving my unborn child a good start to a healthy life. By the way it has been almost 7 months since we quit!

Shannon from South Carolina

Today is my 5th day smoke free, and I have a great tip to share. I made flash cards for myself, each one states a different affirmation, such as "My will to quit is stronger than my craving," "I am proud of myself for quitting," etc. They are small enough to fit in my purse, and when an urge strikes I can pull them out and read either all of them or just a few. I made mine out of some blank card stock, but just plain paper would work just as well.

Tina from Pennsylvania

Today is my second day smoke free. My sole reason for quitting is that if I can quit smoking, I can do anything. So can anybody else.

Anonymous

It has been 11 days since I had a cigarette. I have to say I do feel a lot better. I smoked 1 1/2 packs a day for 20 years. It's not easy but I want to see my grandchildren grow into adults. I just say every day I will not smoke today.

Lynn from Florida

Hi, I gave up smoking 5 days ago. Its hard, but getting better. My collegues don't think I can do it, after smoking 20 a DAY FOR 19 YEARS, but I have the will power and stubborness to do it. It helps to read all your messages, thank you all!!!!!

Natasha

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Content last updated February 7, 2006.

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