First Day
Yes, it's my first day. It's only been about 12 hours and already my head is throbbing, my heart rate feels up and my fuse is getting shorter with everyone around me!
I shouldn't be in this position. 8 years ago I quit smoking, with the help of patches, after being a smoker for about 17 years. I lasted 5 years. I improved my fitness regime and reached the stage where I was running half marathons. I competed in various fun runs, beating most people my age (and many half my age!) So what happened three years ago to bring me back to having to quit?
About 3 years was a hard tperiod of my life. Things were not going great. At a friend's wedding, cigars were handed out to all and I thought 'a cigar won't get me smoking again'. I'd had a few drinks and felt happy again. Boy, was I wrong! I ended up smoking that cigar and telling myself that it was ok to have a cigar every once in a while. This turned into cigarettes and I was up until yesterday smoking 20 a day again! Of course the fitness side of your life then fades away too.
This is it though. I did it before and I'll do it again. One thing for sure, if I can do it, anyone else can! Ithard but I will stay focused. I'm having surgery in September so that's another reason to quit now. I also want to get back into my running...
Good luck to all! Stay happy and focused!
Hi we'll done on your first day, I haven't quit yet but have to as I'm also having surgery next year, so I think that makes me smoke more as I'm having a kidney transplant, so I feel really guilty because my donor is putting her life at risk for me. You did so well before, focus on your marathons, set yourself goals, stay on here you will get a lot of support. I've gone backwards but the support here is great.
Thanks humble. I'm only on my first steps at the moment but I feel there's no turning back. I know exactly what you mean about the thought of surgery making you want to smoke more! Good luck with it all and hang in there!
Hi BigNel well this 5/07 thats 2days not far to go Just REMEMBER THAT IT IS JUST ONE DAY AT A TIME you are the only one that can do it Family ,Friend , an this place are only good if you wish to talk about it we will listen not pass judgment words of wisdom from reformed smokers people outside this circle would laugh but thet do not now how bloody hard it is the ones that **** on you are the ones that have not got the guts to try stopping that is there lost @ present I have been Clean since 1st APRIL 2012 the day my G/G son was born so just remember that family are the best reason for stoping ,health is just something that keeps on getting in the road when you can smell the cooking task the food thats the best about giving the **** away it will make the OP better all round !! Hope everthing go well an dont forget keep us informed
just REMEMBER IT IS JUST ONE DAY AT A TIME
Hi Chrisco, thanks for your words of encouragement. It's so true, people that have never smoked before do not realise how hard it is to quit. To them it seems that it would be just as easy to stop eating lollies or to give up eating muffins or something.
Hey BigNel, well done , it is a very hard thing to quit the smokes. I have heard the same story from people who quit smoking before saying that it only takes one smoke and your hooked again. It is a very sneaky drug indeed. you WILL SUCCEED again,one day at a time. It is only a smoker who can understand the sheer frustration quitting an bring, it is a hard journey but , so so worth it. I run too and reading about you doing marathons just inspires me,that is amazing. Take it one day at a time we are hear for you, this site is such a valuable place to connect to others who GET where you are at. No judgement. Keep going, and keep posting.
Hey brother, I'm hearing you, did the same a few years back. Give yourself a break, think positive. Go for patches to take a little off that edge. Whatever works. Keep it up.