To Quit Or Not To Quit?

To quit or not to quit? That was always the question. I had asked myself that, unbeknownst to others in my life, for a very long time. I hinted at it, poked fun at it and even tried it once or twice. Think my best stint was about 3 days. There was always an excuse to keep going, a fabricated reason to remain a slave to the can. One more round of golf, work is just so stressful, life has this curve and that curve. Those are only the excuses that made the short list. All of that to maintain an addiction I hoped I would NEVER have. I grew up in the fog, around smokers and snuffers alike for every one of my 34 years on this earth. I would never do that stuff I said. Then around the age of 18, this old country boy started dippin and a spittin as redneck as he knew how. For the next 15 or so years I cultivated all those excuses to keep a pinch between my lip and gums. Fifteen years I thought I was the big dog because of a shitty habit. No dentist, doctor, parent, or woman could tell me any different either. I was white, free and over 21 I said, I will do whatever in the hell I want to do. It was all about ME!

You see that is what I have learned in the last 100 days. From day one until today I learned that it was all about me. Only I kept myself slave to the can, and only I could make myself give it up. I remember thinking for a long time that I didn’t enjoy it anymore. It was nasty, and distasteful, but there is no way I could quit. A little help from Google helped me find 2 things, courage, and KTC. So on November 10, 2014 I told my new bride I was done, and posted roll for the first time. The fog has been thick, the moods have swung back and forth, and I have fought off temptation at every corner. This has been the hardest 100 days of my life, all because that is the what it takes to fight off an addiction. My wife and my son have been my rock supporting me through every day of this first 100. I quit tobacco for me, because it had to be about me if I wanted to win; but without them, there is no way I could have stayed the course. I thank them for seeing me to this point. My wife especially, she never doubted me, and always kept me going. She had me posting when I would forget, and checking on me to make sure I was here at KTC staying true.

I could not conclude without thanking those here at KTC that has supported me and my brothers in February Fog Fighters on this journey. Through agreements and disagreements this group still stood tall for each other, and I am damn proud to be a part of it. To those reading this that may have not made the tough decision just yet, do not fear it. Embrace the opportunity to do something life altering. If you have found this place, it is because you need a push. That is what we are here for. We have walked the mile in your shoes, treaded the same water you are in now. Through the fog is a clearing where the horizon is clear and the possibilities endless. If I can do this, anyone can. So to answer the question, QUIT, it is the only true option.

NOTE: This piece written by KillTheCan.org forum member BamaTL479