Community Forum

I would like to give you some motivations to consider for ending your addiction to nicotine and become smoke-free during this holiday season. There are endless reasons to say goodbye to your relationship with cigarettes at any time, but the holiday season may seem to hit different for everyone for many reasons.

Let me give you some of the motivations to consider for your Quit Journey beginning during this holiday season. First, who doesn't want to start a fresh New Year with a fresh new chapter being smoke-free. Also, most of us as smokers either choose to go outdoors to light up or are forced to go outdoors due to laws, and other people's boundaries around smoking. This is the season where everything indoors is feeling warm, welcoming, and cozy. Opposing that warm feeling indoors the weather outdoors is getting colder, stormier and darker. Why do we want to continue to bundle up for the sole purpose of having a smoke, and furthermore the lingering smell of cigarette clings tightly to our hair, skin, and clothing while smoking outdoors and we then bring that back indoors for everyone to experience.

Another wonderful thing about this season is we often have the opportunity to visit with many people that we only see throughout the holiday season. As we embrace these celebrations, and moments to share time with people we hold dear do you feel like you are robbing yourself of some of those special moments to steal away time outside to have a smoke? Do you think some of those opportunities are lost when you isolate yourself to go have a cigarette? On the other hand do you wonder if others possibly feel less important if you would break away from some of these interactions and prioritize our smoking addiction. Wouldn't it be so special to simply embrace, and enjoy these special interactions without the distraction of our addiction.

During the holiday season we hustle around hunting for the perfect gift to give to those we love. Why not consider giving yourself the best gift you possibly could and go into the New Year smoke-free!

Today is my Quit day, I am craving all of a sudden Big time, Uggh!!! '
I always used the excuse that i am to far in to quit. I am 63 years old and have smoked for 40 yrs.. Think it is time. Yikkes.

Hello to all the QuitNow Online Community! A great way to encourage continued motivation is to stay connected with this amazing community that shared your goal to become, and remain smoke-free. One way to stay connected to the community, and your own Quit Journey is to attend the Group sessions we offer. This coming Monday, December 4th, at 7pm is our next session.

Relapse Prevention

Monday, December 4th, 2023
7:00 pm

In this helpful session, we’ll learn about relapses and the difference between a slip and a relapse.

We’ll increase your awareness of the common situations that can lead to returns to smoking and discuss some of the theories behind them. We’ll share some strategies on what to do if a relapse happens to you, and how to cope to avoid further relapses.

Come prepared to have a good conversation, or just listen and learn!

Call 1-877-385-4099
Enter Participant Access Code: 4356609#

Finding motivation in difficult times is not an easy task. However, it is exactly during these challenging moments that discovering inner strength and resilience becomes crucial. Here are some insights on finding motivation in difficult times during our quit journey:

- Accept and acknowledge the challenges we are facing. Understand that quitting smoking is a process that may take time and require hard work, patience and persistence.
- Focus on what we can control and concentrate on aspects of our quit that we can influence, and work towards positive changes.
- Take one day at a time and break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable goals.
- Create a daily routine that will benefit our quit process and bring structure and stability to our everyday life. This will provide a sense of normalcy and can be a great tool for maintaining motivation during challenging times.
- Learn from our past quit attempts and achievements. Our quit experience can serve as a source of inspiration and provide valuable insights into how to deal effectively with challenges.
- Surround ourselves with a supportive network can provide encouragement and different perspectives.
- Practice mindfulness daily to stay grounded in the present moment and helps us reduce anxiety and stress. This practice helps cultivate a sense of clarity and calm.
- View difficult times as opportunities to learn something new. Challenges often come with valuable lessons that can help us become stronger and more resilient.
- Use visualization can help us stay motivated and focused on our goals and reinforce our belief in our ability to overcome challenges.
- Celebrate progress and small victories along the way can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate us to tackle bigger challenges.

Finding motivation in difficult times is a process, and it’s okay to take baby steps. Take one moment at a time, take one day at a time and keep going strong. You can do it!

Dealing with loss
In the last week n a half 5 people have passed away
It’s overwhelming watching others go outside to have a smoke is really trying on my urges
So I sit here alone in my tears it’s unreal how you now notice how many people smoke
I’m trying to stay strong my new goal is to reach 5 months
I know that if I slip or relapse it will put my health in jeopardy my fear of this happening is strong enough to keep me from reaching for a smoke
I know that if I wanted one bad enough someone would give me one or bring me to a store
There are still alot of people who don’t know I quit
I think it’s better that way
My doctor informed me that because of my copd and the cold weather it will be harder for me to breathe wish I could’ve run away to warmer places for the winter
Where ever you are on your quit journey you can do it it’s your choice no one else’s
Eight more days till 5 months quit
Sighh

2 months today since I quit smoking. So grateful I finally took the plunge to stop this disgusting addiction

Hi. I'm finding all the things to do for support can be overwhelming. But it keeps a person going . I've had bad bouts of anger that deep breathing didn't work at that time. The anger can be so fierce like I'm throwing things around etc. Don't want people around me. But I refuse that cigarette. Confusing isn't it thou. Thanks for listening.

I want to quit zyban heard it was good. My friend used it and it works. So i would like to try

Thanks for your boost coach Elke. It gets better, it's just getting there. I find it so easy to get your mind-set off track as I go further into the journey

Hi. Last cig was October 12 . I'm finding the cravings are strong at home. The weight gain is horrible enough to smoke. I'm finding it harder as time goes on. I feel I'm not progressing in my journey. The forum helps.

Positive thinking has been shown to help people live happier and healthier lives and can make a big difference in our quit journey. Positivity acts as a guiding force, transforming dull or challenging moments into exciting opportunities for growth and joy. Here's how positive thinking can influence our daily life and quit journey:

- When we choose to focus on the bright side of situations, even in the face of challenges, it sets the tone for a more optimistic outlook on everyday life.
- By focusing on the positive side of situations and adopting a solution-oriented approach, we can handle stress more effectively.
- When we approach difficulties with a positive mindset, we view barriers or obstacles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
- Positivity improves our ability to bounce back from setbacks.
- By freeing the mind from negativity, it encourages creative thinking and allows for new solutions and new ideas to come out.
- When we believe in our abilities and we approach tasks with positivity, we are more likely to overcome challenges and achieve our goals.
- When we think positive, we see new opportunities and create a welcoming environment for growth.
- Numerous studies have shown that positivity is linked to reduced stress level, lower risk of chronic disease and improved immune system. So, having a positive outlook will greatly benefit our health.

As we can see, positive thinking has numerous benefits and can influence our quit journey and wellbeing in many ways, making each day a step towards a brighter, healthier and more fulfilling life.

How can it help us to truly engage in our own Quit Journey?

It can improve the opportunity to achieve a successful quit quite significantly; approximately 50 %. When you internalize your motivation(s) to quit smoking the journey you take in accomplishing this goal will become a higher priority than if you were externally motivated.

With this fact in mind, starting into your Quit Journey find ways to inspire yourself, welcome gratitude into your life for the opportunity to change thoughts and behaviors, and give yourself all the self-care, love, and grace you deserve. This journey you have embarked upon is hard work, and will require you to push up against some of your thoughts and actions from your addiction and fight for your right to a wonderful, healthy life.

In honor of my dad who died from cancer because of smoking I came up with a new acronym: P.O.P.S. Pass On Puffing Stupid!!! Helps get rid of the Nic demon when you see an opportunity to smoke. Stay calm and relaxed and a mint lozenge and patch works great too. Enjoy your day folks.

There is such value in 'finding your tribe', people with an aligned goal as the one you are working towards accomplishing. One way to do this is joining in our Group Support sessions. We offer them monthly, on the first Monday of the month at 7pm.

QuitNow is offering our next Group Support session on December 4th, at 7pm on "Relapse Prevention".

In this helpful session, we’ll learn about relapses and the difference between a slip and a relapse.

We’ll increase your awareness of the common situations that can lead to returns to smoking and discuss some of the theories behind them. We’ll share some strategies on what to do if a relapse happens to you, and how to cope to avoid further relapses.

Come prepared to have a good conversation, or just listen and learn!

Registration is not required, but we prefer that people register for the Group Support sessions by calling a Quit Coach at 1-877-455-2233 so that we know how many people to expect.