Day 13 and I'm Feeling Lucky, Punk

Day 13 since I decided to give up smoking spontaneously over the weekend and following through with it. I just had enough of the smell, being a social pariah, and - of course, the whole 'killing myself' thing.

I started with Champix until Day 7 and started breaking out in small rashes that would not go away. I read up that Champix CAN have that side effect but I told myself it's not worth it if I'm compounding problems on top of each other. So I stopped taking them.

The way I see it, God was trying to show me that I have everything I need to control this.

So this is Day 13 without a cigarette - Day 8 without champix. The itching went away OVERNIGHT. The 'internal itches' (cravings) are still there. They aren't intense but I've noticed something. I only get a craving when I start thinking abiut smoking,  and when SPECIFICALLY I remember that 'companionship' feeling with them. The 'my buddy's gone' feeling. 

Very shortly after the craving, I gently remind myself that that good ol' buddy was trying to kill me. Sneaky bugger...

I smoked for 2 years. Its going to be a while before I stop thinking of cigarettes. To keep off of them, I reward myself whenever I acknowledge beating a difficult craving. Some candy, a movie, went out to a steak dinner with a mate. A buddy that can actually talk back! Lol. 

Video games work wonders for cravings. Keep my hands busy well and truly till I need to sleep. Although I used to smoke in games too (especially after a hard boss or something! Haha) so now, I just pause the game and relish in tbe achievement. Or take a swig of cocacola :P (Yes! My weight is skyrocketing since quitting smoking. I need to start the gym).

All in all, I stopped cigarettes and any aid to help me do it. Because I should want this. I should work for this. I should rejoice I  every craving I beat as a reminder that I am the master of my life. In fact, I secretly enjoy the cravings because tbey remind me that I have the strength to overcome anything. I sometimes yell halfway through a craving "is that all you got!?". 

We got this ;)