Quit Smoking Today
November 15, 2007 by Tracee Sioux
Filed under Parenting
I am super-proud of myself for quitting smoking this year.
About 10 years ago I was teaching English at a Lithuanian Teachers University. My students were all studying to be English teachers.
One day I showed up to class and they pulled out a newspaper. There I was right on the front page, above the fold, a big ugly picture of me smoking.
It was considered unseemly and improper for women to be smoking on the street. Women smoked, but it was appropriate for them to smoke in a park, in a restaurant or coffee house or at home.
Of course, I smoked on the street all the time.
A photographer had caught me smoking on the street during the International Smoke Out.
Due to the language barrier, I hadn’t a clue about the International Smoke Out – but that didn’t stop them from putting me on the front page as the epitome of bad taste and stupidity.
To make it worse – I had burned my bangs off by trying to light my cigarette on a gas stove the week before. They were singed and sticking straight up.
This year I’ll celebrate the International Smoke Out by encouraging other smokers to stop the self-defeating behavior of smoking.
I’ll pat myself on the back and tell you that I’ve encouraged thousands of people to quit with my Chantix post right here on BlogFabulous, which has over 950 comments.
I’ll pat you on the back and tell you – you deserve to be a non-smoker.
The air is great over here. Visit my new website Quit Coping to find out about the emotional tole smoking is having on your self esteem and confidence.
Thank you for sharing that embarrassing moment. Once I stopped laughing, I was very grateful that I haven’t been caught in the national press with bad bangs and a smoke.
You’re welcome. I’ll do just about anything for a laugh.
I’m so proud of you!
It’s stories like yours that give me hope that this time I will quit smoking for good.
Thanks!
Are you taking Chantix Ima? I totally believe this time you can quit.
I am. I started taking it Tuesday and, despite being a smoker for over 25 years, already believe it will work. I’m smoking MUCH less.
Good for you. It won’t be perfect, but it will be worth it. It’s hard with the Chantix, but not nearly as hard as without the Chantix.
So wonderful to hear of others who have kicked the habit.
Recently I suffered a heart attack, and was rushed to hospital by ambulance, had an angiogram and two stents placed in my right artery due to a 95% and 70% blockage. I have been a smoker for 21 years and so it was time to get rid of the fags!
I have set up a blog http://can-stop-smoking.com/ so we have a central place to hold articles of interest about smoking… and show that we CAN STOP SMOKING.
I am happy to chat and would love you to comment or put forward your thoughts. There is no turning back now! I look forward to feeling healthier and having more energy.
Well, its nice to hear about your experience and your goodness, i can remember this saying ‘Resolve to be a master of change rather than a victim of change’….
Hi Smokers,
The key to quit smoking is RESEARCHING yourself. Just try to quit everyday and dont give up trying, you’ll succeed.
You CAN stop smoking and the key is hidden in you… maybe you should digg very deep… but it’s there.
http://smokerness.com
Best regards,
Nenad
in 45 minutes, it will have been 24 hours since i have had a cigarette, on Chantix, quit day ( I hope ) day 10. I have been living on line and want to thank anyone and everyone who has posted. Although you are complete strangers I couldn’t have done this without you. I smoked 2 packs a day for 23 years, call me self destructive. I have had bad luck, rough obstacles, and smokes were a crutch. All of your input is valuable, and I just want to say THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wish me luck, Petra
hi all i gave up smoking on the 15th november 2008 with the help of Champix and local stop smoking clinic i have to say have had a tough few days been a bit of a rollercoaster ride really but hey i got my chin up now and proud to not be smoking good luck to all you others that are quitting
regards
wayne
Essex, UK