1 year - happy anniversary!
Hi all
It’s one year ! I had my last cigarette midnight New Year’s Eve last year. I can’t quite believe I managed it ! Such a tough journey for me especially the first months. The year turned out to be one of the worst I have had in decades yet I stayed quit. Do I feel better? Not really. This is what people ask me most often. So why did I quit ? What was my “why”. I was tired of dragging around the addiction to smoking. I wanted to be free. And I think that is why I have been successful on this quit despite a crap crap year. Freedom was what I desired more than a cigarette. I am very proud of myself and I lost my quit as one of my most difficult and proudest achievements. So for folks sitting where I was this time last year - be clear on your why and then you have to want it more than anything else. Then, make a plan and get talking on this community. The support you get here is such a tremendous help. Reading others stories is encouraging and so are all the comments people make when you have a moan ! Go for it people ! You got this ! 🍀
Hello Shamrock.
Nice one.
Despite you having a difficult year and not feeling much better, you have showed how Quitting smoking can be achieved through sheer commonsense of not wanting the addiction and gaining freedom.
I'm not surprised that some people have had a terrible time in those first few months. And , I am equally not surprised that others find freedom straight away. I find it interesting how this habit/addiction can be so different for any individual.
Surely, you have gotten to your safe place after one year?
I like to think that about 3 weeks is the standard period of time to rid most peoples need or want of the filthy habit and addiction. Unfortunately for some people the fight continues.............
I take my hat off for your continual determination and perseverance.
Community Guru
Hey Shamrock. It is so great to hear from you again and wonderful to know that you have settled into your new life as a non-smoker.
I did go back and read your story and after ditching the nicotine patches you seemed to do better, but you seemed to have other issues. At times it seemed you had no cravings yet a "something put me back on my heels" type of sensation. Something like a "foreboding" feeling? I am sorry that I was of no assistance to you there, but I hope that that phase has passed.
You did experience some hardships, but found some value in reading Allen Carr's book....which others can read by clicking on my name and finding the link. You also mentioned a piece that I wrote that resonated with you. So I have chosen that to resurrect today for the newcomers. Given that it helped you, I hope it will to the same for others.
I have to ask that when you state that you do not feel any better after quitting, was there something you expected? I have no idea how old you are or what your initial physical being is or was. I do know that many with breathing issues have found degrees of relief, some quite amazing. Skin colour, hair, nails, our taste, are things we notice in general depending on age and how much we smoked.
Happy Happy Anniversary Shamrock! You made it, you are free!
Please do stay in touch on a regular basis, as I do believe that checking in from time to time will keep some from straying. Enjoy the new year ahead and I hope it more than makes up for the past one. You will never again do anything greater for yourself, but now you will enjoy benefits for many years, even if they allude you at the moment.
