A Lasting Quit

My 100 days is March 21, and I thank God that I’ve found this place and am finally committed to a lasting quit. In reading through a lot of your stories, I find a lot of similarities in my own. I started smoking when I was 13, and I started chewing when I was 18 and a freshman in college. For the next several years, I smoked and chewed interchangeably, occasionally both at the same time. Before I got engaged to my wife at age 27, I quit everything because I knew that she wouldn’t like my habits. I stopped for nearly two-and-a-half years, but I made a fatal mistake and thought that I could have a cigar at a cigar bar with my brother and it wouldn’t matter. That was a complete lie to myself because I’ve spent the next 16 years battling the demon again. It just goes to show that you are NEVER free. Since that time I’ve quit and failed many times. I’ve made it to 8 months nicotine-free three times and gone back like I’ve never stopped. This time is different. There will never be another time where I am nervous for days before my 6 month dental checkup. I am done showing failed quits to my family and friends.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but when I’ve been off the wagon and endulging my nicotine addiction, I don’t care about living. I know I’m putting a “chew” gun to my head, so I let other things slide. I don’t eat right or exercise, and I drink too much. A couple times that I stopped chewing for a couple of months, I started to gain a lot of weight, and I went back to chewing for the lame reason that I needed to lose weight. This time around, I’m not letting myself be a victim of circumstances. I decided to get serious about weight loss and exercise. I’ve lost over thirty pounds since I quit and I exercise every day.

I’m extremely excited to celebrate 100 days because I feel like I’ve been given a new chance at life. I feel more healthy and in shape than I have in 20 years. A big thank you to all of at KTC and the encouragement that you bring.

GFG

NOTE: This piece written by KillTheCan.org forum member mrgfg73