For me it was very simple. Being able to breathe was WAY more important than smoking. Breathing is life. I would NEVER put smoke in my lungs again. I can't even tolerate being around wood smoke in a home or outside. I quit cigarettes cold turkey when I was in the hospital for pulmonary embolisms (later diagnosed with COPD) and never looked back. It was not hard at all for me to quit because I wanted to live. I wanted to breathe. Not be able to breathe is scary. Why would you continue to do something that ruins your lungs when you know you have COPD. Quitting smoking is one of the easiest and most straightforward ways for you help yourself and to get better. It is free and will actually save you money from not buying expensive cigarettes. Your lungs will improve when you quit smoking. You can't cure COPD but you can get a LOT better, and quitting smoking is a no brainer That should be all the incentive you need. I also agree with Jean. If you are able to exercise, do it. Even if you can only walk 5 minutes, its better than nothing. I wish I had never picked up a cigarette. I found it was easy for me to quit. I wanted to live and breathe. Just put them down. When you want to smoke, chew gum or do something else. . Learn your triggers when you want to smoke and do something else.

After 35+years of chain smoking I just got so sick and tired of being sick and tired that I was able to ride out the withdrawal

I tried everything. All the over the counter stuff. Even the medicine the Dr prescribed, and spent a fortune on the meds and Dr visits for two years...
Then my Dr said to try hypnosis... That was the best $100 I spent in my life. I quit right after the appointment and threw my cigarettes away. Never had any cravings and people can smoke around me and it does not bother me. It has been two years free from it, breathing has improved and I don't cough as much either.

You have absolutely NO reason to feel ashamed @JoaniMenginness; most of us got to be on these pages because we smoked; some still do. Years ago I smoked 2 packs a day, then after a number of years of that I cut down to 1 pack a day, then just gradually cut one smoke out every day or so until I was down to three. I COULD NOT give up those three for the longest time, but then I got the gum and that did the trick. I have only been smoke free for about not quite a year, so just keep plugging away at it and you will get there; I know you will. I will say prayers for you that you can at least start the new year off smoke free!! Good luck!
December 13, 2023

I used both the patch and the gum! It was hard but with a prayer chain and determination to stay healthy 15 years now! It does help to stay focused on the right now! Be kind to yourself