One day at a time
I smoked for almost 60 yrs. and found myself very short of breath. I couldn't walk 50 yds. and had to stop to catch my breath. It's a bit better now but I still have to use puffers to help. Approved by Doctor. I still crave cigarettes every day. I would have thought the cravings would have stopped by now but they haven't. Now I know what the poor addicts go thru. I gave up drinking 32 yrs. ago and it was easier than quitting smoking. It's tough but I just keep thinking give it one day at a time or if need be, I think of 1 minute at a time. Whatever works. I even pray to help me not have a smoke. That's how desperate it can get at times but whatever works, I try and use it.
This addiction is hard to beat! You made the first step in quitting as you say I take one day at a time.. I am day 34 and only have the odd craving for me its the thought of having one that always seems to pop back up!
Way to go becca06. The craving part is the one that really puzzles me. After all this time you would have thought the cravings would have ceased by now; but no way. They're still there and sometimes stronger than ever. As I said previously; now I know how the drug addicts feel. I had no idea the cravings would last this long and still be so powerful. But I just keep going one day at a time and I hope you're doing the same. Good luck to you and hang in there. As we say in the Marine Corps. Semper Fi. (always faithful) Take care and stay safe. Jim
Hi WendyOhNo, I'm not in the states any more but you wouldn't believe it, I lived right outside Wash.D,C. too. I used to live on Wilson Blvd, in Arlington Va. I take it you knew I was a Yank because of the Semper Fi. Yeh, I'm an ex Marine, was stationed at Henderson Hall; I was in the Police Barracks, used to guard the main gate and also the Pentagon. I now live in Frankston, Victoria Australia, Were you in the service? I haven't had a smoke for 11 months now but it's still driving me crazy but as I said I take it a day at a time and have been successful so far but I'm still hanging out for a fag!!! Hope it stops soon. Take care and stay safe. Semper Fi, Jim
Hi WendyOhNo, I'm not in the states any more but you wouldn't believe it, I lived right outside Wash.D,C. too. I used to live on Wilson Blvd, in Arlington Va. I take it you knew I was a Yank because of the Semper Fi. Yeh, I'm an ex Marine, was stationed at Henderson Hall; I was in the Police barrBarracks, used to guard the main gate and also the Pentagon. I now live in Frankston, Victoria Australia, Were you in the service? I haven't had a smoke for 11 months now but it's still driving me crazy but as I said I take it a day at a time and have been successful so far but I'm still hanging out for a cigarette!!! Hope it stops soon. Take care and stay safe. Semper Fi, Jim
Oh wow! Jim 11 months is amazing! I loved reading your previous comment its great to see where everyone is located. I am in launceston, Tasmania!
Hi Jarhead. After 510 days smoke free, I still have cravings and know once a smoker, always a smoker... Just after many months one decides if it is best to say no or succumb. Would anyone really want to start the process again? Doubt it. If I had not stuck to the plan, by now $10 600 would have smouldered in the ashtray. Not a hard decision, really. Besides, the subscribers on this site keep one on the straight and narrow. Mind you, it is truly annoying, but at least 94% who start tend to give up...
Well done Lia!!! 5110 days is fantastic. Good on you. You're right; who would want to start all over again and have to put up with the smell on your clothes and getting rid of the smoke smell out of the house??? It's just like giving up the booze, one day at a time. I think I'll stick to no thank you!!! Take care everyone and stay safe and smoke free.
Hi Becca06; I used to come to Hobart every year or so as my son used to live there but he then moved over to live in Qld. and lived there for 4yrs. but has decided to move back to Hobart I think. If he ever decides to speak with me again I might come back to Hobart to visit. Hope your still of the smokes. Good luck and take care. Semper Fi, Jim
Good morning Jarhead: I am currently 1565 days free of nicotine. This is after a 53+ year addiction smoking from 1 pack to 3 packs a day. I still get the odd urge to light-up but not everyday anymore. When the urges arrive now, they are not nearly as strong as they use to be. Hang tough Jarhead. You CAN do this! One day at a time is a good approach. Asking a higher power to cover your 6 o'clock isn't a bad idea either. Whatever it takes, it takes and when it is all said and done, you stand tall.
Wendy, there were days I was ready to kill even today it still gets to me but I've gone this far and I don't want to go back so I just continuously say one day at a time of if need be one hr. one min. whatever it needs. I just don't want to go back there. Sure it's tough at times but as we had a saying in the Corps. when the going gets tough the tough keep going, So hang in there it will always get better and then think do I really want to go back to that ole smelly self, stale cigarettes ugh!! No thanks! So I'll just keep on saying no for one more day. Hang in there it will get better, it sure can't get any worse.
Well OldPhart, sounds as if we've been around the block together. I use my higher power every day and I know he's got my six. So one day at a time we'll get thru this, that I know. Thanks for the head's up. Take care Old Phart and stay safe. Semper Fi. Jarhead
Hi jarhead and welcome aboard. All of us will admit that we all need support as this is one challenging journey we are all on in various stages. The main thing is we are all hear to support and encourage each other. Soooooo keep posting and keep strong
I know exactly what you mean when you talk of support. I do it one day at a time and pray to my higher power which I choose to call God. It never hurts to pray and to communicate with each other this way. Whatever works, use it. Take care everyone and stay safe. And remember one day at a time or one hour or one minute. Whatever works, use it!!!!