day 3
Hi all
Today is the 3rd day of my current quit. I've been smoking more than a pack for 20 years. Never tried to quit, till a year ago. I've tried and failed so many times this last year though...my longest quit was 21 days...not easy, not easy at all...In the beginning I used to feel bad when I ruined a quit, but lately I don't care, it´s becoming part of the addiction and that's not good.
Welcome to a great support group with people who have been there and felt as you have. You too can escape the chains of smoking with the right mindset and go to plan.
First you have to really want to quit. Remember that you only have to quit once . It sounds like you can beat the nicotine addiction but need to work on feeling happy and secure in your new found life. Nicotine gave us jolts of happiness so to speak, and that is what we crave. We need to find other ways to satisfy our need for that "ahhh factor".
Eat things that make you happy, but beware of the danger of putting on extra weight which will not make you feel so great. Happy thoughts, music, lavender, love , are also things that induce the release of dopamine. Learn and research and fill your days with a good habit. Exercise is an excellent source and apparently so is learning something new. Take up playing an instrument or a new hobby.
I found escaping the bad habit easy, first because I really wanted to. I joined a quit group and realized that it was possible, and was determined that i also could. Because i enjoyed participating on this forum and was also trying other ways to benefit my health, my mind was occupied and learning which I just relayed how our minds love to learn. Learn about nicotine and you, how you can beat it and why those of us who have managed to quit love our new lives. Do not fear the journey , but embrace it.
Find more on the mindset through Allan Carr's book which i posted, and Softly40 recommendation to watch Nadia Davos on You Tube which explains about our emotional well being while letting go of our old habit. (How to Grow to be a Happy Non-Smoker)
All the best in your journey. You Can do this!
Softly 40, as you know i found the video very informative and learned a new outlook. Has it impacted how you feel about letting go of your past "friend" or "time waster"? I am very interested in your response and of course others who watched the video.
Hi Happiness, in answer to your question regarding a new outlook;- I had basically already had done this in my previous quits, and it re-enforced my own ideas on changing habits both physically and mentally. This was a great way to replace the cigarette or my friend. I recognized however, that My Belief system was sadly lacking, and this in turn has inspired me to look at maintaining my commitment long term.
At the moment I am jotting down Positive Belief thoughts for the long term view, (maintaining my commitment) on my phone. I open up Notes, in point form and Name a new note for every day. eg Mon, Tues etc. This was my method for my to-do list, but I always put my belief thoughts down FIRST on the list. eg: NON SMOKING.... I believe I can do this long term regardless of any stress any anxious moments, or any social celebration etc.
Everyone has their own belief system, and their own feelings in relation to how sad or happy they feel, or how sick or well they feel, its perhaps not always recognized by our own selves, how strong or deep these beliefs are or if we just skip over this part.
Sometimes its not so easy when you might have a few major things going on in our lives at the same time or when people close to us do not want us to change, it all depends on your own situation. In this case I have always chosen the words " It is my desire" not necessarily my belief.
What has kept me happy in my life (not always related to smoking) is, mostly every night, I give thanks for just one happy thing/experience during the day. Signing off for a while Happiness, Travel and holiday tomorrow.
Hey Hann@ I hope you might see this attempt out much longer this time. Know how you feel, this is my third attempt in 44 years. This time due to smokes not being satisfying anymore and costing far too much, they are my main drivers, health would be next. No matter your reasons, they are your reasons and are why you are trying this time. I am day four and going okay, hope you are too. One day at a time and just think how much you have saved!
When you think about giving-up, remember this quote: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” ― Theodore Roosevelt