smoke free - 3 days so far

[whygreenberg]

Good luck, Sandy! I'm rooting for ya. Haven't been able to do it myself yet, so really really rooting for ya!

[GreggC]

Longer than anyone on this thread has told you yet. I have to tell you of the bad habits that I had at one time or other in my life, this is the hardest thing I ever had to quit. Having said that, I think that bellini girl's suggestion that you take up walking is an excellent one. Anytime you have that craving, take a walk. I think once you have quit, you are going to find that food tastes better because it is not smothered in cigarette smoke. That is another reason to walk. I am extemely careful about what I eat now and have become a total gym rat. Part of this was because I need something to do with my time and because of exercise, I have endless energy. Part of it was because I have had a kidney transplant, and part of it was because I wanted to get into better shape and have a better life. Good luck!!

[Grandma M]

Hang in there. I rooting for you. I saw what many years of smoking did to my husband. It was horrible. Please, please, please hang in there.

Marilyn

[Sandy4453]

Thank you, ALL for your responses! This has been better than any 1-800 support line I could have used!

Originally Posted by quietmorning

Sandy, I'm right there with you, I'm day six right now.

Beth, I'm rooting for you as well! Congratulations on approaching one week! I can't wait to get that far. How are you feeling? Are you using anything to help with the cravings? I put the patch on this morning but I'm still feeling like crap. I've been using the gum as well, though not as much...it's helping a little. I'm finding the hardest part is in imagining that I'll never feel as though I don't want a cigarette. I'm hoping that this first week or 2 is just the initial shock/withdrawal symptoms and the desire for one won't be as great as my willpower to abstain..someday soon..I hope. As for "getting through something stressful".... stress is the main emotion I deal with daily, has been for the last 8 months. I am taking care of my mother in her home who's totally bed-bound, on hospice and every day is excruciatingly difficult so, maybe I'm doing better under the circumstances, than I give myself credit for?! I've read everything you wrote at least 5 times so far. Keep up your good work!!!! Thank you!

Originally Posted by bellini girl

Sandy, don't give up. I "threatened" to quit many a time before I got it right. First day was the hardest, but it got easier. I quit cold turkey..with me it's usually all or nothing...One suggestion if I may.. start a simple exercise routine like walking. I'm still battling my tummy bulge which I'm convinced got larger once I stopped. We're behind you all the way. Good luck

Lecent, I did the cold turkey once and felt spaced out for 6 months. That was 19 years ago. I'm a size 8 and ballooned to size 14. When I realized how out of control I became, I lit up and dieted till the weight came off. This time, I'm being very careful with my diet!!!! As soon as the weather calms down here in Fla., I do plan to start walking. 100 degrees with 100% humidity makes it almost impossible right now though! Thank you for "We're behind you all the way." That really felt nice to read!

Originally Posted by angeleyedcat

Each DAY deserves a congrats! You have to find your own way, it's a very personal thing. It's been 4 1/2 years for me. I smoked for 30 years.

Keep trying to think good thoughts, this has to come from your strength within, it has to be wanted. You are in my prayers!

You are so right, angeleyedcat, so right...I'm digging deep now for that strength. You are an inspiration, no matter what caused you to finally quit...you did it!!!! You won!!!! Thanks for your words, here.

Originally Posted by Beverly

Hi Sandy,
I quit smoking 3/13/98 after smoking for about 20 years. I was smoking nearly 3 packs a day when I quit. I quit cold turkey and thought I was going to loose my mind.

I found that burning a really good lavender incense helped mask the smell of nicotine smoke and calmed me down too. It will get easier and it's so worth the effort.
Beverly

Beverly, embarrassed to admit but, me too...over 2 packs a day. I LOVE your suggestion about the lavender incense. I'm going to buy some....saw them at the grocery store and it just so happens, I have to go there to get eggs and light bulbs as soon as I get done replying here. Incense added to my shopping list, thanks!

And thank you Joann, Nina, Harry, Yvan, Gregg and Marilyn for your thoughts and encouragement! ONE DAY AT A TIME is my new motto.

Here's how I distracted myself from lighting up during the afternoon. I came home with a Brassavola Little Stars (cordata 'Hsinying' SM/TOGA x nodosa 'Susan Fuchs' FCC/AOS). It's been on my wish list forever.

You guys and gals are great!

[Psyguy10]

You can do it Sandy! great job so far. Good luck!

[Sandy4453]

Originally Posted by Psyguy10

You can do it Sandy! great job so far. Good luck!

Thank You Matt.

[Pantsonfire]

I took Welbutrin for about a month to help me quit. The only rule from the doctor was not to smoke in the house or the car. I went from 2 packs a day to zero in 1 week. That was 11 years ago. Haven't missed them since. No urges to smoke at all.
I made them my enemy before I tried to quit. Sure they were my friend, but they were stealing my money and trying to kill me. Who needs friends like that?

[dounoharm]

quitting has to be a personal decision, you cant quit cause someone wants you to, you have to really make up your mind thats what YOU want.......and once you make that decision then you stick with it!!! i agree with the tough spots quietmorning stated....somehow those moments are the worst for the cravings.....but ride it out!!! you have to tell yourself that you made that decision and you will stick to it....its a matter of personal pride to make a decision and abide by it....you can do it!! whatever you do, dont cheat, you will be right back at the start of the torture and all that pain will be wasted....so stick with it.....it has been 4 years since i quit after 30 years of smoking, and i still feel like i want one, but i know better....they dont taste near as good as what i remembered, they are like ashes pure ashes and that is foul.....i do enjoy the smell of smoke tho.....i am so glad i quit, it makes life so much easier, and the house is cleaner, and my clothes and hair dont smell like ashes and stale smoke.....yes, quitting is worth all the pain!!

[Beverly]

Sandy,
This might sound silly, but if you can come up with a positive affirmation and say it over and over again when the urge is really strong, before you go to bed and first thing when you wake up. That will help too.
Beverly

[harrywitmore]

I tried many times to quit before I actually did. I know that the previous times I would say things like, 'I'm trying to quit' and I may even talk about smoking during the time I was 'trying' to quit. When I did quit, I actually decided that I was never going to smoke again and never talked about my status or smoking at all. I had a full carton that went in the trash and I was done. I really had decided. I think talking about quitting and how long you have not been smoking means you have not made up your mind. This is only my opinion and I know the addiction runs deeper but you mind is the first thing to overcome and if it's not made the decision then you are not going to be successful.