Viva Vitality: Quit smoking – testimonials for inspiration and motivation

By Rita Aman on April 11, 2025.

If you are looking for information to help you quit smoking, you can find many glossy pamphlets, books, websites and apps that offer helpful quit tips and strategies. I have found the real-life stories from those that have successfully quit offer invaluable inspiration and motivation.

As a facilitator of the Quit Core smoking cessation program, I have met many interesting people over the years.

Through the Quit Core group facilitation process, we present tips and strategies to assist in the quitting smoking journey. However, I always find it’s the participants themselves who offer the most relatable, true to life, practical tips and inspirations. They often don’t even realize how impactful they are.

I’d like to share a few I’ve heard:

– “I find myself enjoying so many hobbies I gave up because of smoking. Riding my bike is fun again now that I don’t get winded so quickly.”

– “A strange thing happened as the days went by, I became stronger and my habit became weaker. It was dying and I was coming to life. I would remain smoke free no matter what. I told myself that there was no other option.”

– “It’s my life and I am worth saving. I am worth the fight to become smoke free.”

– “I was the guy nobody thought could quit, if I can do it, you can do it.”

– “I smoked for 38 years and I couldn’t believe how quickly after quitting I actually didn’t think about it.”

– “The power nicotine has on you is incredible and I was so pleased to take that power back.”

– “It was hard, but I made it. It was difficult but I wouldn’t give back this freedom from addiction for anything.”

If you are looking for help in quitting, talk to your doctor, your pharmacist or any healthcare professional. There is help available. You don’t have to do this alone.

There are many resources and supports available to help you quit successfully. You may want to check out a virtual group cessation program.

Quit Core is a free group program, run by trained leaders, where you will find peer support and learn strategies to help you quit and stay quit. You will get help to design a quit plan that works best for you.

Quit Core virtual groups are offered regularly. In-person groups may also be available close to home. Visit albertaquits.ca or call 1-866-710-QUIT (7848) for dates and locations. There is no fee, but you must pre-register.

Rita Aman is a health promotion facilitator with Alberta Health Services

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