Personal
The following stories are from real New Zealanders who have managed to quit smoking. They didn't find it easy, but with the help of supportive quitting smoking services they were able to suceed in quitting.
If you've quit smoking and would like to share your story please contact us and we can share your story with others who are trying to quit.
MOKOPUNA
Peter and Rita say the reason they gave up a lifelong addiction to cigarettes can be summed up in one word:
“Babies. We had our mokopuna (grandchildren) being born - we didn’t want them growing up around smoke and with the example of us smoking.”
CONTROL
Kristina says her children were her greatest motivation to quit smoking:
“What I’ve gained is priceless. You can’t go and buy a new pair of lungs! I don’t want my children to smoke and I feel I’ve taken back control of my life once again.”
FAMILY
Lynda says that despite how hard it was, quitting smoking was the best thing she’s ever done for herself and her family:
“When I gave up smoking, 9 years ago, it came down to choices. To choose between putting plenty of food in the cupboards for my family or smoking. My daughter was so proud of me when I managed to quit. She went to school and told her teachers and friends all about me quitting. I will never let her down and start smoking again.”
STRESS
For Tony, quitting reduced his financial stress:
“Quitting has removed so much stress on a weekly basis. When I was smoking I was having to find $40 a week which I didn't have. I was selling personal items to raise money for cigarettes. I'd go without food so I could get a pack of cigarettes!”
For more stories from real people see the Quit Group's personal stories and blogs.