Core Memories From the Quit | #45

Pressure – Episode 45

The Kill The Can Podcast
Recorded: July 3rd, 2024

Introduction

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Kill The Can Podcast.

It is Wednesday morning, and I’m on my way to work. Tomorrow is the Fourth of July—Independence Day—and I hope all of you are gearing up for a great holiday. Hopefully you have the day off, some barbecue planned, fireworks to enjoy, and the opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

The Fourth of July always feels like the unofficial start of summer, even though, if you’re like me, it also feels like summer is already flying by. My kids go back to school in the middle of August, and I remember growing up feeling like summer lasted forever. These days, it seems to disappear before it even begins.

An Apology to the Community

Before I get into today’s topic, I want to apologize.

I sent this apology directly to the guys who attended this year’s Pennsylvania Quit Together, but I also wanted to say it publicly.

I don’t think I did a very good job of promoting the event.

We began planning it almost a year ago. Theo3Wood and Boker62 graciously agreed to host it, and although I knew from the beginning that I wouldn’t be able to attend, I should have done a much better job reminding the community when it was happening.

We created a Facebook event, posted about it on Discord, and announced it on the forums, but as the event got closer, I simply didn’t keep it in front of everyone.

Because of that, I know there were quitters who would have loved to attend but didn’t realize it was taking place.

That’s on me.

I sincerely apologize, and I promise I’ll do a much better job promoting future quit meets across all of our platforms—whether that’s the website, social media, Discord, the forums, or the podcast itself.

If you have ideas about the best ways to communicate those events, I’d love to hear them. Leave a comment, send me a message, or let me know what works best for you.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Last night I took my ten-year-old son to a swim meet at the high school where I graduated.

I was a competitive swimmer for nearly twenty years, and walking back through that locker room and onto that pool deck unlocked a flood of memories.

The locker room happened to be empty, so I recorded a quick video and sent it to a few of my old swimming teammates. Some of those guys I haven’t talked to in over a decade.

It made me start thinking about core memories.

Not just from swimming.

But from my quit.

Independence Day & Freedom

With Independence Day coming tomorrow, I couldn’t help but think about what that holiday means to me as a quitter.

I quit on July 24, 2006, so I had just missed Independence Day that year.

But I remember July 4, 2007, very vividly.

I had been quit for almost a full year, and Independence Day suddenly had an entirely different meaning.

It wasn’t just about celebrating our country’s freedom.

It was about celebrating my own freedom.

For the first time in years, I truly felt independent from nicotine.

That remains one of the strongest memories of my quit.

Core Memories of My Quit

There are so many other moments I remember.

I remember spending countless hours in the chat room.

I remember the discussions, the debates, and the encouragement.

I remember the fear during those first few weeks.

I remember lying on the floor thinking I was having a heart attack, only to later realize I was experiencing a panic attack caused by nicotine withdrawal.

I remember driving myself to the emergency room because I was convinced something was seriously wrong.

I remember my very first quit meet, when I drove across Cleveland to meet Hud and Highway48—two guys I’d only known through the internet.

At the time, my wife thought I was crazy for meeting strangers from online.

Looking back, it became one of the most important days of my quit.

I remember the very first Pennsylvania Quit Together.

It poured rain that day, but the friendships formed there continue to this day.

Embrace the Process

If you’re struggling right now, I want to encourage you to embrace the process.

Even though it feels difficult…

Even though withdrawal feels overwhelming…

Even though it seems like the cravings will never end…

Those moments are becoming part of your story.

Years from now, you’ll look back and realize those difficult days became some of the most meaningful memories of your quit.

Engage with the community.

Meet another quitter.

Accept that nicotine is no longer an option.

Figure out how to move through life without it.

One day, you’ll discover that your greatest core memory isn’t the struggle.

It’s the freedom.

Closing

I want to wish each and every one of you a happy Independence Day.

As you celebrate tomorrow, I hope you take a moment to think not only about our country’s independence, but also about your own personal independence from nicotine.

I’m honored to be quit with you.

We’ll talk to you soon, quitters.

Have a great holiday.