How I did it: First I had to come to the understanding that when I quit this time, it would be final.  I had to appreciate the fact that after my last cigarette, I would never have another again.  After I was able to accept that the next time would be for real, I just quit.  There are times when being stubborn is a positive character trait.  This was one of those times. 

I realized that I have had an oral fixation since I was a kid.  I
used to chew gum, sunflower seeds, straws and toothpicks constantly. 
So, I went with it.  I kept gum and seeds on me all the time.

I still go outside with the smokers.  I feel isolated being left inside by myself (and that's a recipe for disaster with all the bar prowlers).  I used to do it so I could smell the smoke, because about the 3rd or 4th time it would smell awful.  It reeks all the time now.

I also came up with a list of triggers.  Social situations, feeling full, driving, anxiety attacks, drinking, boredom, etc.  I came up with a variety of ways to deal with each trigger, although I will admit the social one has been the worst and I'm still working on that one.  I've since come to see that around the time I started smoking was about the same time I stopped dealing with things directly.  Since quitting, I've been much more proactive about things in my life.

Lessons & tips: Know yourself and be prepared.  Think about what you've learned the previous times you've quit.  For example, if you always smoke after a big meal, realize that won't be an option this time.  Come up with additional ways of dealing with things, that way you will always have another option to smoking.

Resources: Why Quit, which I will admit I only used twice before I went out to the bar.  It's extremely negative, but it obviously worked.  43 Things, because there are 7000 other people out there that want to quit.  Being able to read from Day 1 on to 6 Months was so incredibly helpful, and inspiring.

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Oct 05, 2008, 12:46AM PDT | 0 comments | 4 cheers