Not one PUFF!
I stopped smoking more than 10 years ago. My mantra, was NOT ONE PUFF! It served me well for almost a decade. I know from this experience, that I could QUIT and be a happy non-smoker. BUT one party, I forgot my mantra, NOT ONE PUFF!
So here I am, three years or so, smaoking again! Not only am I a smoker, I've even PUT WEIGHT ON!
Am so up for tips / help. I cannot afford to be a smoker - and I REALLY want to be a non-smoker agin. Thanks for you tips / experience. I also know that it's easier to do this with support! Tx
Hi Tracey. So sorry to hear of your demise. Today I am smoke free for 2 years. I am very aware that just one puff would send me reeling back to where I was. Was wondering if emphysema was kicking in two years ago. Smoking had become a painful chore. Just appreciate you honesty to remind us "novices" that once a smoker, always a smoker. Better luck this time. You already know what is involved.
No, don't do it!!! Don't give back in to that smoke monster! I am smoke free 1 year and I can breath, walk and carry a ladder around the house. I walk past someone and PHEW it stinks so bad. My 10year old holds her nose as we go by and I thank them fro not blowing it out until we pass. So come on Tracey YOU CAN DO IT!!!
Hi Tracey,
I think we all should keep our guard up and have heard many times on this site to do so. I have the highest respect for anyone quitting smoking for any amount of time from the starters to the long term quitters. Tracey you have done this before and you can do this again. You of all people know what you're in for with quitting again. So fight the battle with us, restart that journey again, and stay quit this time. You'll enjoy the money your saving, as I know you Aussies are paying an arm and a leg for them.
Hi Tracey,
Sorry to hear that also but agree in that I bet you could give us a few tips. Whatever you did for 10 years worked so be proud of that and I'm glad you're giving it another crack.
I remember a friend of mine who to her credit quit cold turkey but caved in 8 years later. I remember smoking at that time and saying to her wow after all this time?? Her reply was simple, she dropped her guard, thought she had it well and truly licked but it's like she said, it can only take that one time and it's such a terrible addiction and that before you know it, you're addicted again.
She's back on track again and doing well as I'm sure you will also.
you can do it Tracey...you've done it before and the struggle involved in quitting will be far less than the struggles caused by continuing. I have tried and failed before but I know that I can do it and am now beating my addiction again. Remember it's the drug NOT you that has control at the moment. Best of luck!
Hi Tracey, you will get there again! When you think about smoking remind yourself OFTEN about why you want to quit - it will get to your subconscious mind. Your subconscious mind is responsible for about 90% of the activity in your brain - let it do the work - just give it a prod! DON'T scare yourself with fear tactics, DON'T berate yourself for not staying off the smokes - just mentally state why it would be better to stop and remind yourself how you have done it already. After 10 years smoking I quit cold turkey, to have my babies - good reason. 10 years not one puff like you - and a husband that smokes - but I did fine. Got stressed with business (negative 'good reason') and started again - 17 years ago. My husband got very bad flu and was too sick to even think of smoking. He smoked for just a week after recovering, then quit (after 40 years) hasn't had a single puff for 5 years. I was still smoking. A few months ago I tried to guilt myself into stopping; tried lozenges (useless); reduced for a few days - then went back to usual routine. Husband and I both got a cold (first in years), mine developed into a cough as well so I in the afternoon I didn't have a smoke, then not two, then three - was hard. Next day - wanted one so bad - distraction helped - just doing something, not thinking 'I'll do this so I won't smoke'. When the craving came I kept telling myself why smoking was not good and why I shouldn't have just that next cigarette. It just made it easier - I'm sure my subconscious was taking it in - until I was aware I wasn't thinking about stopping all the time, or craving so much. The craving was more an idea of what I should be experiencing. I even have an almost full packet of smokes but haven't gone near them - I just forget they are there. It's now been a week! Not long, but I feel calm about it - like I did when I first quit to have my children. There will be temptation but I'm not feeling stressed about facing that. Everyone's experience is different, but I'm sure that that your subconscious mind plays a big part. We'll all be better for it when we stop - go for it!