Day 1
I have been smoking since I was 14, I am now 24 and that means that I have been smoking for a total of 10 years of my life. As of late I feel as though my health has been deteriorated, shortness of breath after a cigarette, occasional chest pains and guilt for every smoke I have.
Today I decided to let go of the habit, I have tried over 10 times in the past but have failed, although with each failed attempt I gained lessons that aided me the next time round.
My relationship with cigarettes is one that has been ingrained with me for a long time, it has literally become an extension of my body and at the same time, is killing my body slowly. I think to myself Why do I smoke? The truth is I could come up with 100 different reasons to rationalise smoking but deep down I know the truth, no matter what I say, deep down I know that I am not in control, that I dont enjoy ciggarettes but I instead rely on them.
There are a lot of reasons to quit and one reason not to, that reason is its easier to keep smoking...Its something I comfortable doing and its something that requires no effort on my part to continue doing. However when I look at the future and visualise one day being told I have lung cancer, I will find myself filled with regret.
The purpose of a cigarette is to not feel like having one, it feeds your addiction as well as aids it. I am not going to lie to you or myself, I am scared and I dont know what lies ahead or what challenges I will face this time round, letting go of something I have grown up with is not easy but nothing worth doing is easy.
im in the same boat you can do it i have been smoking for only 8 years and im 24 and i have made it to week 2 you can do it :) goodluck
Hi Bigz, I started when I turned 16, and I am now 16 days smoke free after 29 years! It isn't easy, but you need to keep focussed and keep yourself busy. Every time I get a craving, I mentally tell it 'where to go'! And be careful, because after a week, don't let your mind tell you to celebrate with a smoke, 'cause it doesn't work. Just smell other smokers and see how bad they stink. Well worth the effort. One of the biggest helps is logging onto this website and reading others stories. Goodluck - Cheers, Petester.
I'm 26 and been smoking since 13 but 6 days ago I had my last ciggie for ever
Bigz, Well done so far, I am only 1.5 days into my quit but I reinforce my resolve to quit by accepting how I feel while maintaining a firm committment to quit. I hope you succeed in your quit. We can do it!
Bigz, you've got it nailed. I wish I had your outlook and maturity at the age of 24. I started at 16/17 and am now 42. The amount of time I have wasted with smoking in that time is unbelievable. I love your analysis the purpose of having a smoke is to not feel like having a smoke. That is so spot on and so simple. Come back here often!
Hi Bigz, I haven't been on for ages because I'm 161 days now and don't need to rely on this site as often as I did at the start! WELL DONE. It sounds like you have your head in the right space. Don't be scared, understand that YOU can control your actions..you can't control the addiction, or craving so you can't stop those little thoughts popping in to your head..but you can control whether you go and pick up a cig or stay strong and don't. We're all backing you, come on to the site as much as you need to, read old posts so you get your head around what's going to come up for you along the journey and one at a time, keep saying no...before you know it it'll be nearly 6 months (like for me) and you will feel so much better
hugs xo