Going forward

After 378 days of quitting cigarettes the major battles have been won. There are often mornings that I forget I ever smoked. No doubt that it is necessary to be on guard against that first drag but it is so good to be free from the terrible bondage of being a smoker.

For those struggling or just starting to quit be sure the rewards are plentiful and life changing.

There are numerous ways of succeeding but I went cold turkey and bit the bullet.

There are no real easy ways to quit but after 53 years of smoking I needed the mindset that was prepared to stop bull*****ing myself.

You will eventually get through the anguish and trials of the initial cravings but be prepared for it not being easy. You cannot buy freedom from these cravings off the shelf but for sure they will not kill you.

Eventually the cravings turn to thoughts and these become choices of duration. Dwell on them and they hurt. Quickly change the subject in your mind as quick as a flash and don't linger

Advice for the first couple of months ?? Don't let the b*****d beat you. Eat sweets and drink strong coffee ( short term only ) I mean really strong coffee. Go somewhere on your own and scream if you need to. Talk to yourself if you need to. Act strangely if you need to. Be a baby if you need to. Cry if you need to.

There will be people here to help you on your way. Some at the same time in your journey and others who have reached blue sky.

Be a winner.