day 18
Hi there. I am a 46 year old who has smoked for 30 years. That sounds so gross. I am not noticing any health benefits yet. I have always been active and have not have much difficulty with breathing. I have noticed a bit of the cough is gone. I also have not had any cough to bring up the yucky stuff I keep hearing about. I have had headaches, insomnia, depression, irritability and all the other fun withdrawal symptoms but nothing good to keep me going. I crave a cig constantly. Intellectually I know this is the right decision but I am having a difficult time holding onto that thought. Trying to use money as the great motivator right now.
You are doing just fine and all that you recount reminds me of the experience I have had. I still keep waiting for that cough (and hoping I have dodged a bullet). I also get what you say about being intellectually convinced but that not being the great motivation. When I have done it tough (about 60 out of 80 days), I just keep hanging on to the word determination. I also visualise a mountain that I am climbing and I want to get up to the top, down the other side and move on from it. Just keep being stubborn and, one way or another, it will become easier.
As Fullofhope says, "stay stubborn".
So it is tough for you! Welcome to our club... Because it is so hard, we are here to listen and to encourage any positive steps towards you in your quest to being free. We applaud any wins. We commiserate when someone has lapsed with their decisions. And, yes, it does get easier if you just persist.
I hear your pain I am on day 35, and almost lost it this morning. God is truly taking care of me. I am thinking it isn't just about the smoking. It is about re-creating ourselves to be the healthy person we are , deep down inside! Would you keep a friend who was mean to you, selfish and dragged you down into their crap? No!! Well cigarettes are that false friend, so BREATHE and know that it is healthier for you to say good bye to that so called Friend.
stay strong and keep positive, this isn't a race its a marathon. soon you will be free if you keep telling your inner voice to rack off..
I am on day 15 and your post is similar to my experience (except I started at 12 and am now 50). What is keeping me going is I love how my hair and clothes do not smell of smoke and being a closet smoker I am not having to shower constantly to get rid of smell before meeting up with people throughout the day. Also I am sure that cough you had would start to get worse as the years went on because mine was starting to especially at night. Any cough you have is your lungs protesting and I have stopped before they give up on me (I just do not want to take the risk anymore). Setting your money on fire is a great motivator. Good luck and use this site - we understand the cravings.
hey, We are the same age and i smoked for the same length of time. running has been my saviour. You say you have always been active. use that to help ,it's amazing how quickly you see the benefits in your running or whatever your sport is. It may even be walking Having a focus can be so helpful Good luck!
Thank you to everyone for your words of support. It is a struggle everyday. Sometimes every moment that passes. A lot of deep breathing going on over here, and a few extra snacks. Although, I have to say, deep breathing really is the best way I have found to get through the cravings for me.
One of the comments reminded me of how sleep deprived I was from coughing. I have cut down alot since then.