I haven't been on here in years, but thought I'd check in today. I saw this post and had to reply. I am a 2008 quitter. It will be 5 years for me in June. I absolutely can not believe that I can say I have been smoke free for almost 5 years! I remember seeing others at five years when I first started and wondering what that would feel like if I ever got there. It feels amazing! The first few months of my quit I experienced some of the lowest moments of my life, but I'm happy I made it through. I couldn't have done it without your help and the help of many others here. I was not the most 'vocal' at the time, but I read everything and it made all the difference. So thanks to all my fellow 2008 quitters and everyone else who was around then. And congratulations on five years!!!
When I first quit it seemed to control my every thought. Honestly, I still think about smoking from time to time, but it's not the same. I feel in control now, not like the cigarettes are controlling me. I feel free.
I have been planning a trip for my family to go to Disney and I have been cringing at the cost of the trip. Just looked at my quit meter and the money I have saved over the years...feeling a little better about it now.
For any newbies reading this thread...hang in there! Five years may seem like a long time now, but it will go quickly once you hit your stride. And you will.