The HOF – only the start of my quit

My dad use to tell me growing up, “I didn’t raise a quitter.” Thinking back at those days, it makes me smile and think, “he had no idea of what I am capable of!”

See for me, tobacco started in college while hanging around my best friends and fraternity brothers. It was what we did, and who we were. Of course, when you’re twenty years old, you are ten feet tall and bulletproof. We never really thought about the ramifications, and just thought after college we’d move on to the next chapter of our lives, and of course - quit dipping.

Fast forward fourteen years, (to 100 days ago). Most of my friends in college still dipped, including me. While driving home from work, I thought to myself, I must be the luckiest, yet most ignorant, man in the world. I have an incredible wife, two beautiful kids, a successful job, but unfortunately, I still had a disgusting habit that could take everything away from me in a moments notice. I finally realized this had to stop.

I had quit for four days when I found this site. I’d like to say that I’d still be quit regardless if I found qs.org or not, but that is something I'll never know. However, one thing I do know is that this site has helped me more than I could have ever imagined, and has inspired me to help other quitters. I do believe something lead me here on that day in the midst of an awful crave, and I’m thankful for that.

Even though it seems like the first 100 days of my quit flew by, I have had some tough times I had to work through. For instance, during the first thirty days of my quit my grandfather passed away. I remember coming back from his funeral and logging on the site to find that I had numerous PMs from folks who sent me their thoughts and prayers. That meant a lot, and cemented the fact I am not going to let other qs.org quitters, friends, my family and most importantly myself down. I realized that no matter how bad things get, dip doesn't solve life's problems. Just another teachable moment these past three months.

For those thinking about quitting or just starting off with your quit, I can’t stress enough the need to stick with it. In the grand scheme of things, what are a few weeks of craves, moodiness, and discomfort for the opportunity to be with your loved ones and family for the rest of your natural life. It is a wonderful feeling not to have the nic bitch next to you at all times, and it does get easier everyday. I know I often say, “If I can do it, anyone can.” Well it's the truth. I don't have some super ability to quit. I went through the same things every quitter does and am better for it. Now I am here to help others.

My dad may not have raised a quitter, but I am so proud that the first thing I have ever quit in my life mattered the most to me! Remember, the first 100 days just shows your commitment to your quit, from here, the quit actually begins!