Hi everyone,
Long time reader, first time poster. I have made several lackluster attempts of quitting after 5 years of this awful habit. Last night was the final straw for me. I can't even explain how angry and disgusted I felt with myself. I feel that was my true moment of clarity. At 5:45 PM last night, I took that crap out of my mouth, and threw the rest of my can in the trash. I have a great job, a woman that I am going to be getting married to next year, and great friends and family. I couldn't imagine how I would feel losing my life at an early age over a stupid habit. It's time for me to be a man. No more taking the easy way out in reducing stress. I have worked so hard to get to where I am in my life at this point. After I thought about how bad it made me feel in the present, I thought about what my future would be like if I don't stop right now. There would be no worse feeling in the world than having kids someday, and have to explain the nasty habit to them.
My dad smoked for 30 years and was able to quit for the sake of being around for our family. When I called him last night to tell him I am leaving dip behind once and for all, he told me now is the time to quit while I still have time, before its too late. What I am going to take away most from our conversation is when he told me he doesn't want me to lose my life at a young age, and that no parents should have to bury their children.
This is my first cold turkey quit. No patches, e-cigs, or gum. It is the only way. After day one, I surprising feel great. Never in my life have I felt more empowered. I know the bad symptoms will emerge soon, and it will be one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, but life is too beautiful to waste it on planning my day around packing lips. I look forward to reading stories from everyone on here, and proving any support I can.
