Quit Smoking

Beginning of January 2005, I’ve make the biggest and most important decision in my life and that is to quit smoking FOREVER. That night, I said a little prayer to God, “Oh Lord, let this be my last cigarette! FOREVER! Amen.”

Miracle happens. The very next day, I find my self quitting the bad habits! A smoker who smoked 20 cigarettes a day for 12 years, actually quit smoking over night! Thanks God!

During the next few weeks or months, my friends who seen me smoking since I was 13, couldn’t believed that I quit smoking just over night. My managers were puzzled and they couldn’t believe the reasons that I gave to them, “I just quit smoking, like this” and I snapped my fingers. None believe me! Even my close friends said this, “In a month time, I’m sure you’ll be back to smoking!” But I prove them wrong! I have no withdrawal symptoms and no craving of cigarette anymore!

And I know the truth; I quit smoking over night, without pain and suffering! And I enjoyed every minutes of being a non-smoker! Loving and enjoying single moment of it!

Now, before you start to be religious and ask God for that one miracle that you always wanted; I’m sorry to tell you, God didn’t me give that miracle. He only acts as a catalyst (My pastor is going to kill me for saying God didn’t help me in anyway, ha!).

October 2005, I came across an article which reported that there are people who quitted smoking within hours, or even over night! Suddenly, I realized, I’m not the only person who did it! Not only that, a church friend of mine also reported that her dad quitted his 30 plus years of smoking habits, over night!

By the way, my friend’s dad is not a Christian, and therefore, I’m sure God didn’t cure his smoking habits! But I realized something; there must be something that we did right which make us quit smoking so easily! I suddenly thought to my self, if God didn’t help me, who did?

These questions keep popping up in my mind, and I realized, by myself, how easy the whole process of quitting smoking is.

Here are some things that I realized on my own, and might be useful to you if you are trying or if you helping someone you love to quit smoking.

1. Quit smoking just by will power is torturing! I’ve been through this stage. There’s even a time when I manage to quit smoking for 1 month. But every time when I saw someone smoke, or friends offering a cigarette to me, I’ll be back to smoking again. I realized that in order to quit smoking forever, I need MORE than just will power.

2. The process of quitting smoking can be painful, IF you believe so. In my situation, I believe that God will help me to quit smoking, and this actually removes the fear that’s inside me. I no longer believe that the process of quit smoking is painful. In another word, if you believe that quitting is painful, it will be! But if you can “tune” your mindset to believe that quit smoking is enjoyable, then, it will be!

3. Everytime you tried to quit smoking, you’ll feel like you’re short of breath. This is normal. This is just a signal from your lung, “I NEED FRESH AIR”.

In fact, all you need is just some encouragement, and the correct breathing technique, and you’ll become a non-smoker, forever! There are programs out there which will help you to quit smoking without gums and patches.

It is estimated that about 20% of adults smoke and out of that 20%, 70% want to quit smoking. There is a large market for quit smoking products, but what really works? What product will work for you? When looking at methods to quit smoking it is important to ask yourself the question, “Is it too good to be true?” If it is then it may be a scam. Use caution when looking at methods to quit smoking.

Common quit smoking methods include, laser therapy, hypnotism, acupuncture, nicotine replacement products, prescription drugs, programs, and ebooks. Oh yah, don’t forget about quitting smoking “cold turkey.” Out of all these different quit smoking methods, which one will work for you? When determining which method may work best for you consider the following:

• Do you believe in it? Lets take for example hypnotism. If you believe hypnotism is a bunch of hooey then this may not be the method you wish to choose to quit smoking.
• What does it cost? Just think how much money you would save each week if you were to quit smoking. The money you could save by not smoking could be significant but that may not mean you have the financial means to go with any quit smoking method. For example; laser therapy can be costly and multiple treatments may be required.
• Is it a good fit for me? When considering methods to quit smoking it is important to evaluate the ones that fit your life style. What do you think will work for you? If you know nothing about acupuncture you may either want to learn about it or choose a different method to quit smoking. No matter which method you choose it is a good idea to learn about that method. Get any questions you have about side effects or concerns answered.
• What has worked for me in the past? Maybe you have quit before only to start up months or years later for what ever reason. If it worked for you in the past it could very well work for you again.
• Is it a complete and comprehensive plan that will teach me how to quit smoking? To be honest you can’t just pop a pill and quit smoking. No matter which method you choose there will be some work involved. Choose a quit smoking method that provides you will a plan on how to quit smoking.

Making the decision to quit smoking is the beginning to living a smoke-free life. Quitting smoking “cold turkey” is not the only way to quit smoking. There are many different quit smoking methods that have proven to be effective for people whom have quit smoking. To be successful in your efforts to quit smoking find the method that you think would suit you best and do your homework. If you don’t succeed at first, don’t give up. Studies have shown that it may take several tries to quit smoking, but don’t use that as an excuse to smoke.