Popular Post Mess Posted August 24, 2017 Popular Post Share Posted August 24, 2017 (edited) 365 was a significant milestone for me. It was a realization that there wasn't a day in the entire year that I cannot get through without the distraction of nicotine. If I can quit for a year, I can quit for the rest of my life. There is no going back. Every day, month or new season can be lived without dip. I recall Smeds warning me early on to be aware of the triggers, especially the seasonal triggers. He was right, this was by far the most difficult aspect of quitting. Learning that activities such as driving, fishing, cutting grass, sitting in the dressing room after hockey, can all be done, and are even more enjoyable without dip. So why is quitting so difficult? It sounds simple enough; just stop using tobacco in any form. Stop buying it and stop using it. The problem is for addicts it becomes part of your everyday life and the thought of quitting can seem impossible. For someone who has never been addicted they will likely struggle to grasp the difficulty of quitting one of the most addictive substances on earth. A friend of mine, who is a smoker, recently asked my how I quit. I said for me, it really came down to four things that I had to accept or understand: 1) You must accept the fact that you are an addict. This was arguably the most important thing for me as I honestly thought I was a casual copenhagen user and could quit anytime. I would go through one or two tins/week but would tell myself I wasn't really addicted. Not like the guys in college that would go through a tin or two/day. Don't mislead yourself, you must start by accepting this is an addiction. 2) I had to want it. I always knew I would quit, or figured I could stop at anytime, but I never really told myself it was time. Make up your mind and say enough is enough. This is it. The problem is that days, weeks, years go by and you think back on time wasted distracted by nicotine, money wasted (at $30+/tin it adds up fast), you wish you could go back and quit sooner or better yet, never start. The next best time to quit is today. Become determined to change your life, quit for yourself with utmost persistence and fortitude. 3) I needed to quit daily. Accomplishing anything in life is easier when you break it down into smaller goals or targets. Raising our boys or establishing and growing a business isn't a linear accomplishment. It takes daily dedication and consistency. As someone here said, keep stacking days. They add up fast when you commit to quitting one day at a time. 4) I was in need of accountability. I had quit alone for two or so weeks when I found this site. But I really didn't have anyone to talk to or ask advice of. Having others who have been exactly where you are early in your quit helps understanding you aren't special or have to go it alone. The support of those who posted in my intro, or with new quitters on the plebe scroll made a significant difference. Special thanks or acknowledgement to guys such as @Lipi @8meds, @Dirty Randy, @monkey, @schaef, @GrizzlyBear, @Thumblewort and @RickDicolusfor help and support in those first weeks/months. If you are reading this and still considering quitting, I guess it really isn't that difficult. Just make the decision, promise daily, and keep your word. Life is simply better without nicotine. Edited August 24, 2017 by Mess 10 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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