Hi there Harvey!

by Harvey ? Sat Feb 20, 2010 7:05 pm A big how ya doin to the whole QSMB gang!! My name is Harvey,stop smoking,.. and I am here trying to recover from a physical addiction to nicotine and a psychological addiction to smoking. I started smoking as a teen and have spent most of my adult life as a heavy smoker. I have had some significant "quits" in the past but obviously I have still struggled with my addiction. I am now 45 and feel the luxury of being able to "quit later" has long past me by. With all my heart and soul I want to be free from this dreadful affliction. I have read and studied an incredible amount on the subject of nicotine addiction. I feel I have a pretty good understanding of how and why it happens. Yet that doesn't always make it a whole lot easier to beat.I have not ingested any nicotine since Feb. 1,smoking cessation, 2010. I quit cold turkey at 10:10 am that morning. I would like that to be the last quit date I ever have. I am here to hopefully help make that wish a reality. I have been visiting Quitsmoking.com the past week or so, reading the boards. I have to say I have been very impressed with what looks like a great group of friendly and serious quitters with lots of quality smobriety. So I finally decided it was time to register and participate. I am hopeful that perhaps sharing my own personal strength, hope and experience that I may in some small way help a fellow quitter make it though another smoke free day and perhaps also lean on a shoulder or two when I hit the inevitable rough patch.I have failed more quits than I can even remember. And so even though I may be on day 20 I realize I am a very long way from being able to relax and get comfortable. I have to remain constantly vigilant against the many psychological triggers we all must personally face. I understand the mental reconditioning that is necessary, is a process that will take a considerable amount of time. But for me,.. my recovery from this chemical/psychological dependency is a top priority in my life. I can't see how anyone who has a long history of heavy smoking cannot understand the serious nature of the danger we all face. The complete cessation of smoking needs to become and remain our top priority. Well, I think that will do it for my intro for now. I would like to thank all of the many very thoughtful and caring QSMB members who are here and actively participate in helping support their fellow quitters. As I mentioned before, I have already been reading the boards and have found much comfort and inspiration from all the encouraging words so generously expressed here.I hope everyone is having a very pleasant smoke free weekend so far. Thanks,..Harvey,...