Finding Support: Virtually Everywhere

This past week and a half have been quite difficult, to say the least.  Making the decision to become a “Non-Smoker” has been rewarding, and yet, painful in ways.  I cannot believe how physically fit and alive I feel, even after just one week!  It’s been days since my last coughing/hacking episode.  I feel like I’ve been gifted a shiny new set of lungs, tar & chemical free.

On the flip side, it has been a true mental battle.  The symptoms of nicotine withdraw are no joke.  Once you get past the headaches, nausea and cravings, the mental aftermath kicks in.  My mood is constantly changing.  One minute I’m bright-eyed, energetic and upbeat.  The next, I’m somber, quiet and easily irritated.

Luckily, I’ve found that I do not have to do this alone.  I discovered the most amazing support group in the most unlikeliest of place, online.  There are countless blogs written by individuals expressing their own personal battle with the dirty habit.  It’s funny to think as you sit behind your keyboard, pouring your heart out about how good or bad of a day you’re having, at that same exact moment someone, somewhere is going through the same exact struggle.  It’s nice to know that you’re not alone and that there are others who can relate to what you are going through.

For me personally, I sometimes find it difficult to talk to people in person about what I’m going through in my “smokeless journey”.  Either they don’t understand because they never smoked before or because they do smoke and have no interest in quitting or hearing my blah blah blah’s.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I love my family and friends and I know that they are there to support me no matter what the situation.  But, there are some things that people, even the ones who know you the best, just can’t relate to without experiencing it first hand.

This blog, alone, has truly become an outstanding source of support for me.  I am able get into contact with other “ex-smokers” and not only learn their story, but compare struggles and receive priceless advice.  It is truly amazing how remarkably similar a complete stranger from the opposite side of the country’s journey can be to your own.  It is nice to know that in a world with so wars and hate, that there are people out there floating around cyberspace that really do care and are willing to give support to one another, free of charge:)

Other online place that I found support for kicking the habit is Quitnet.com.  This is a great place to encourage others and receive wonderful feedback from people who know how truly hard it is to quit smoking.  Another great site that helps you create a “quit plan” and stick with it is becomeanex.org.  I have found that having a “quit plan” is so helpful for staying on track and maintaining control throughout the process.  These are just a couple of my favorites, but there are millions upon millions of sites dedicated to helping people quit.

So, if you feel frustrated or that there’s no one out there that understands what you’re going through, take a look on the ol’ interweb for support.  Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help.  We are all human.  We all make mistakes.  However, choosing to smoke is not a mistake you have to fix alone.