23 Days
23 days. Went back to work last Friday, work was fine. I was so busy I don't think I even had a thought of going for a cigarette that needed fighting.
However, walking to my car at the end of the day BAMMM, massive urge. I was caught by surprise too. To people who noticed me must have thought I was hyperventilating as I concentrated on deep long breaths. This was ridiculous, but by the time I reached my car I was getting better. Then I needed a plan for home, as typically 25 days ago - that is - I would have walked in the door, dumped my stuff, opened the fridge for kids to get food and make a cuppa, grab the fags and head outside for an hour or even two "relaxing" and "distressing" after work. What it really meant was about 5-8 cigarettes and coffee and 'candy crush' or something mindless. But the smokes were the imperative.
So I had to think quick, I needed a plan. I started to cook dinner, I swept the floor, I wandered looking for housework. But my saving grace was that I had no cigarettes in the house, I think if I had I would have folded. The thought of buying a pack entered my head, but was immediately replaced by my reasons to Quit - YAY ME, another great thing this site has taught me.
I got my hair cut and permed the other day. Something Ive wanted for a while but could never justify indulging myself in. But I have not bought nor spent any money on myself since I stopped buying cigarettes, so I did it. Curly - I love it.
Some of this story may not be relevant to many but I am finding it quite therapeutic sharing every few days. So if you've read this far, thanks and good luck to yourself
Thank you Drama72 for sharing your day 23 journey with us.
Yes the ordeals of our past habit still have a strong hold over us and can attack us at any time, anywhere, but you soon learn to stay ahead of the cravings by thinking of something else and keeping busy...great to see you were able to over-ride your moment.
Please keep sharing.
Hi Drama72. Found your post amusing and am impressed with your plan to attack the nicotine beast. Just look forward to the next day and the next. Might help to let everyone around you know that you have quit. Not that you are going to, but have done so. The expectation you put on yourself may be rewarded by those around you. Just remind them now and again how many days abstained and how many $'s you have saved. And if they don't hear you, tell us cos we will.
Hey, well done and keep up the awesome work. It's not an easy thing to do but the feeling when you emerge from that dark tunnel to the other side is phenomenal. I remember when I did the same thing. walk through the door, drop everything and just relax outside with coffee's and smokes. One habbit I did not break though is going outside. I still go out after work and enjoy the sunrise (im a night shift worker) with a bit of music and a nice drink.
All you people seem to already be in the habit of smoking on a porch, or somewhere outside. I smoke next to my bed, on the kitchen table, at my work desk, and everywhere I'm allowed to outside (which is becoming less and less places in Australia)
Hey Myf........i smoked in a pool at times in my early days prior to quitting of course...lol
Hey Myf........i smoked in a pool at times in my early days prior to quitting of course...lol
Myf, I hadn't smoked indoors for 15 years of my 20 years of smoking. Its a blessing because the home was a place where I COULDNT smoke, so it was always somewhere I can be without thinking "I wish I could smoke while working on comp" etc