Don't think Quit, think Non smoker!
I really don't know if I am qualified to give tips as I'm still in the early stages of being a non smoker but it may help someone. I'm at 19 days and on Champix. I have smoked a pack a day for 23 years. Ouch says my lungs..
It's been an interesting journey ( the past 19 days) it started off fairly easy and I was rocking along and it has got progressively harder. I seem to be quite and angry person and I never knew this. Pressure, lack of sleep and quite frankly anything annoying sets me off. My chest tightens and I feel like I am going to physically explode- pieces of my flying everywhere ( literally). Through of all of this I haven't wanted a smoke simply because I don't see myself as a smoker. I don't like the word 'quitting' as I am not a quitter in life I just simply do not smoke. I believe that mindset has helped me. All I need to teach myself now is the mindset that I am not an angry person! 😜... Seriously though i am also stubborn and thought I would never be able to be a non smoker - some of this is rebellion. I then realized how I hate to be controlled and that I control everything in my life that I am able to except smoking.. How ridiculous! It controls me. It controls where I go, how I travel ( as I always smoked in my car) where I wanted to eat out -outside smoking area required and so on.. I had had enough. I took control and I feel amazing for that ( angry and tired but amazing)
Hi Cranky 76, Well done.its quite a roller coaster ride in terms of emotions. I have had a few days as well where I thought I am really going to explode. Somehow you manage to get through it and feel sooo good for moving above and beyond.it starts off as giving up smoking but it turns out to be a journey of self discovery as you look to a new life ahead. It's all about new habits and most importantly a new life. All the very very best of luck .be very proud of your efforts.
Your right Nannette it is a self discovery journey, I've laughed, cried, ranted and raved but I'm ok. That's what I find at the end of each day -I am OK. Thanks for comment, reading this site each night keeps me sane..
Hi Cranky76, check my post today a lady left me a message about these 3 min meditations that I'm going to try. Might help you to with the emotional ups and down. I rang the quit line a couple of days ago and guy said the emotions you go through are same as grief emotions . He told me really important to develop new habits . I found good info on web about developing he habits and pretty insightful as well, but I'm going to try the meditations. The lady who suggested it has been off the darts for two years. Anyway I'm only ahead of y ou by a couple of days so I understand where you are coming from. Anyway check it out. Keep strong looking forward to your next post
Hi Cranky76. Agree, this site is a lifesaver. Good to read about successes and struggles. We can identify with them all. This site will help you become an expert when it comes to stopping smoking. My bit of advice, don't kid yourself that you have quit or have become a non smoker. That craving will always try to tempt you. Be prepared and know how to say "no" Stay stubborn and stay in control...
Hello cranky76, Congratulations for being a non smoker, Well done! I have been clean for 11 Months and 14 days to be exact :). The cravings are gone, and I am truly happy. I would like to say continue your health success, and Best wishes. NOT ANOTHER PUFF!!!
Thank you for all your comments and advice, having a site like this helps to manage the day to day challenges. It makes me smile and also feel for eac of us who struggle. Lia- I think I understand where you are coming from but I definitely call myself a non smoker and that is simply because I do not smoke. I'm not kidding myself, I'm simply using a positive mindset. It is said that perspective is everything, the mind is a very powerful tool. I believe being positive and changing the way I think has made all the difference. This is not my first rodeo but I am in such a good space mentally that I'm thinking this will be my last.
Hi cranky, Mindset is right and it controls everything, I couldn't believe the control smoking had on me,to what coffee shop I went with friends, restaurant ,travel. you can't really smoke anywhere now. The 1st time I came across this was a few years ago in America, I got off the plane and thought I was going to kill the 1st person that talked to me , found a place outside ,away from the crowd, I still remember how good it was, and ended up getting a 10 min lecture from a police officer about where I can and can't smoke in the US.. Even the resorts and hotel property's are totally "smoke free" I really did feel like a freak. I don't have to worry about that any more 89 days a non smoker and doing well.. keep up the good work.