Thanks for bumping this, Timbo. I don't think I've read this one before.
Reading this just now reminded me of how momentous that struggle seemed before I had quit. Yet, once I had stopped smoking and NRT's, resulting in physical withdrawal, I realized it wasn't as bad as I had feared. Don't get me wrong. Physical withdrawal is a mess. But so are the flu, colds, stomach viruses, etc. You feel like h--- for a few days, and then you begin to heal. So, while I never want to go through that again, it is not the end of the world. And that comparison is based upon my experience, which I heard was pretty intense. (Some people have few to no physical symptoms.)
And now, that I am further away from that withdrawal experience, I am so glad I did it. So much mental, emotional, and physical energy is freed up when not constantly trying to manage an active physical addiction.
PB is right. "...be ready to reclaim your life."