Updated September 04, 2014.

 I'd like to introduce you to Sally (forum ID: Besdais).  At a year smoke-free, she looks back with the realization that as big a task as quitting smoking is, it wasn't as tough as she'd always imagined, especially when compared to the freedom she now enjoys.

Thanks for sharing your story Sally, and congratulations!

From Sally:

365 Days.  I never believed this moment would happen, but, here it is.   

When I decided (yet AGAIN) to quit, I thought I’d write a list of reasons to quit smoking.  I was sick of smoking.  I hated it, and I felt like I was done.  I finally had the correct mind-set, and was willing to give the quit some time, not just fall back when things got a bit bumpy.

After writing said list, I Googled “benefits of quitting smoking,” and found this forum, which has made all the difference.   Without all of you, “my village,” I would never have made it to where I am today. 

My key choice is a set of keys - to show that this quit is due to a village of people who helped me along.   For that, I thank every single one of you.  With every post I read and every post I answer, I learn something about my quit, and it helps keep it fresh today.

I seriously thought I was the only smoker in the world who loved smoking like I did.  How ridiculous that seems now. The first couple of months, when life was uncomfortable, I would come to the forum and read everything I could, especially the milestone posts of those who had made it a year or more, and it was those posts that made me realize I could do this.

Millions of others have quit, so I can, too.  Learning that I was an addict was one of the biggest incentives to propel me through this quit.    I am also fully aware of the fact that I’m one puff away from a pack, and that I can NEVER have another cigarette, but I am okay with that. I came to terms with it as I smoked my last cigarette a year ago.  

Becoming a non-smoker changes your life in a million ways, ways that you never have any idea even exist when you start this journey. As a smoker, you spend your life hiding behind the cigarette, not knowing who you really are or what goals you are able to achieve.  As you start to peel away the hazy layers of smoking, you begin to find the real you.  The person you were truly meant to be.   It’s like a “re-birth.”

You will be amazed how your self-esteem soars as you accomplish things you have just thought about for many years, things you’d never imagined you would be doing.  Quitting smoking seems to be a catalyst to start down other healthy roads in our lives. 

These days I am eating healthier, exercising, I no longer need my anti-depressants, and I want to take better care of ME.  I stay busy, I get things done, and I am trying new things (I just started quilting.)  This would never have happened when I was smoking, because I was too busy...smoking.  I can tell you that there is not ONE bad thing about quitting.  Without a doubt, this is the smartest thing I’ve ever done.  Life “on the other side” is so amazing and empowering.

Remember, smoking cessation is a journey - one that takes time, and the best journey you will ever, ever take.

Suggestions?   

• Always look at the positives of what you are doing, and keep reminding yourself of them.  The joy of quitting has to outweigh what you think is the joy of smoking.
• Change how you view cigarettes, and never look at smoking as an option.  
• Also - don’t dwell on the craving, immediately think of something else.  Pretty soon your brain will get used to doing that.

I'd like to share some quotes I’ve read on the forum board - some of these are mine, but most are from others.  I have so many good ones saved, it is hard to choose.  If any of these help someone out, my rambling has been worth it:

**Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.  So if you’re feeling uncomfortable right now, know that the change taking place in your life is a beginning, not an ending.**

**It’s all about positive thinking - once you concentrate on the positives of the quit as opposed to what you think you’re missing, the quit becomes so much easier.**

**The only way you will ever stop smoking is if you stop smoking.**

**If you smoke today, you just have two choices: either you smoke until it kills you or until you quit again. Either way, you end up not smoking.**

**Don't worry about forever - worry about today. If you focus on not smoking today, you'll enjoy your day and your subconscious mind will start learning how enjoyable not smoking is.**

**I have quit smoking - that is a very difficult thing to do.  I am now a member of society that is not looked down upon - I can't tell you how freeing that feels.  I am no longer embarrassed to be me.**

**Sometimes the anticipation of the quit is harder than the  actual quit-- we get all freaked out and hype ourselves up until the thought of it overwhelms us.  Sit back and breathe, let that fear out of yourself.  Get psyched up, get excited, go for it!**

**No one is ever sad that they quit, and no one is ever happy that they relapsed.**

**I changed my thinking from one of desperation, fear and panic to that of desire, freedom and excitement.** 

**You can make excuses or you can make advances.**

**If the dreams you have don’t scare you a little bit, they’re probably not big enough.**

Sally is so right - the positive changes that are set in motion when we quit smoking far outweigh the work it takes to overcome nicotine addiction.  Don't let smoking cessation scare you - jump in now and start changing your life for the better today.