Welcome to the Community Forums

Guilt Cancel The title field is required!

1. mavis

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   09 Oct 2018
   18 Oct 2018

   Link to this post

   Hi Im new here.  I very much want to quit smoking.  Did last year with Champix but lapsed when some family issues came up.  A week ago a small nodule was found on my lung.  I am feeling extremely guilty for smoking.  How do I stop feeling so guilty and concentrate on quitting.  
2. eagerquit

   

   415 posts
   Registered:
   07 Mar 2018
   18 Oct 2018

   Link to this post

   Hi Mavis,
   
   I am sorry to hear a medical issue has started for you. The desire to quit smoking plays a major role in leaving the habit behind. Your guilt can be replaced by satisfaction and pride in accomplishment when you reach milestones along the road in your quit. You have come to the right place for support and encouragement. Read the posts here of others' successes and develop a quit plan to help yourself achieve what so many others have done here.
   
   Eagerquit
   
   
3. rosie1931

   

   50 posts
   Registered:
   27 Sep 2018
   18 Oct 2018 in reply to eagerquit

   Link to this post

   Eagerquit said it exactly right.  If you want it bad enough, and you've made the decision to quit, you will quit.  We''re all stronger than what we think we are, but once our mind is made up, we can do almost anything.  I think we all felt guilt every time we lit up a cigarette, knowing that we were slowly killing ourselves.  So you are not alone feeling like that.  And you will not be alone in your quit.  We, on this forum, will support you the entire way.  
4. merline, quit coach

   

   124 posts
   Registered:
   12 Sep 2018
   18 Oct 2018 in reply to mavis

   Link to this post

   Hi mavis,
   
   Welcome to SHL.ca! Nice to have you here.
   
   I'm sorry to hear that a small nodule was found on your lung. Please know that this feeling of guilt is normal when trying to quit.
   
   To cope with this feeling it’s important to focus on your efforts to quit. Guilt doesn’t help anyone get better.
   
   Talk about it. 
   Expressing your feelings and talking about any guilt you feel can be very healing. Find a loved one or friend that you feel comfortable sharing with.
   
   Research show that the nicotine replacement therapies can double the chance of success for someone who smokes 10 or more cigarettes per day.
   
   Of course, if you have any questions you can call a Smokers’ Helpline Quit Coach at 1-877-513-5333 (toll-free) and visit smokershelpline.ca for your Quit Plan and the Community of quitters.
   
   Hope this helps ... please keep us posted!
   Merline
   
   
5. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   19 Oct 2018

   Link to this post

   Hi Mavis,
   
   I completely understand how you feel.  I became increasingly ashamed of myself for smoking.  That was a major motivation for me to quit.
   
   When I decided to quit, I read all of the information I could find on this site.  I followed the steps suggested to prepare myself, and then I took the plunge.  I'm not going to lie.  It wasn't easy to quit, because I smoked for over 43 years.  But with determination, willpower, and the support of friends, family and all the wonderful people on this site, I did it.  And you can, too.
   
   Give it a shot, Mavis.  You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.  You've done it before, and you can do it again.  Believe in yourself.
6. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   19 Oct 2018

   Link to this post

   Hi Mavis - Congratulations on your newest quit.  You've likely learned so much in you last attempt(s) that this time you will be better prepared.
   
   Guilt is a common feeling, not just for smoking, but for many actions when we break objective standards.  However, guilt does not need to be negative.  Guilt can be positive and persuade us to seek forgiveness and correct a wrong.  In other words, the guilt you're feeling can lead to healing.
   
   Yesterday's gone, tomorrow will always be, but today is where we live.  Think of how proud you'll feel each and every milestone you hit as a non-smoker.  Use that guilt to motivate you and accomplish your goals.
   
   Wishing you all the best, and looking forward to hearing your celebrations.
   
   E
   
7. jenna lee, quit coach

   

   265 posts
   Registered:
   28 Jun 2018
   19 Oct 2018

   Link to this post

   Hi treepo and efreeman75,
   
   The theme I see coming out of your inspiring posts is turning the negative feeling of guilt into positive results. If we see guilt as a motivator to change for the better, or recognize it as a symbol of something being important to us (aka to quit), then guilt can be a good thing in this situation.
   
   Mavis, hope you are doing well,
   
   Jenna Lee
8. mavis

   

   2 posts
   Registered:
   09 Oct 2018
   22 Oct 2018

   Link to this post

   Thank you everyone.  Your words help immensely.  I shall move forward with positive thoughts and never quit quitting till it sticks!  My CT scan is Oct 31 which is soon(very glad dont have to wait long).
9. merline, quit coach

   

   124 posts
   Registered:
   12 Sep 2018
   22 Oct 2018 in reply to mavis

   Link to this post

   Hi Mavis,
   
   I'm glad to hear that our words have helped you immensely.
   
   As you mentioned you should move forward with positive thoughts because it’s not easy to quit. Leave the feeling of guilt behind you and stay focused on your efforts to quit.
   Also keep in mind that you are not alone, we are all interested in your efforts to quit.
   
   Please keep us informed about your CT scan.
   
   Merline
   
10. jeyan

    

    176 posts
    Registered:
    28 Nov 2017
    24 Oct 2018 in reply to mavis

    Link to this post

    Mavis, great decision you have made.  Quit for yourself! No one will suffer except us when we fall ill as a result of this bad habit.
11. shazzan

    

    140 posts
    Registered:
    06 Nov 2018
    19 Nov 2018 in reply to jeyan

    Link to this post

    Hi Jeyan and Mavis and all
    
    Although, smoking may be our quilt and  we will most likely suffer for it. so will others. Dear friends and especially our families will also be saddened by our suffering. That too is one of the reasons that i quit. I do not want to be a burden, an object of pity and cause of despair to my family. 
    
    The others are right Mavis, this is a great site and you will receive all the help and support you may need. Hoping all turns out well, and that either way we will be seeing some posts from you soon.
    Have a wonderful smoke free day everyone.