134 smoke free days
It has been a while since I have posted and thank you Lia for reminding me and the other graduates.
It is now 134 days since my last cigarette and with my numerous other quit attempts I never lost track of how many days I had been smoke free but this time I did not know how many it had been without logging on today - I feel this is a very good sign for me as even though I do think about smoking from time to time, it is not controlling my life anymore.
When I first started this journey on 31 October 2015 and joined this site in early November, I read the stories of others who had been smoke free for 30, 60, 100, 365 days, etc and thought I really hope that will be me and guess what - with following the advice and inspiration of others on this site and my own determination, I am still smoke free.
This journey at times is not easy and one thing I know is that I can never fall for the trap again of "just one puff will not hurt" because yes it will because that is how I have failed before. Also I have stopped this time with the excuses to take it back up - I really enjoy smoking, it has not affected my health yet, it helps me cope with stress, I can't have a wine without a smoke, it keeps the weight off, etc but you know what, I was lying to myself because I did not what to try because it was too hard (at times it is but it is worth it to keep saying no and pushing on).
I exercise, I drink heaps of water, I eat healthy, I keep busy trying new things, I have rewarded myself with jewellery, holiday and clothes because I can as I have saved money that I sent up in smoke for 35 odd years. I feel like a totally different person and I no longer stink of smoke.
For the newbies on the site, please don't give up as the benefits are worth it. Support each other and read the inspirational stories from the other "graduates" on here. Good luck everyone and stay smoke free.
Gold star to you... 134 non smoking days, doesn't it feel just the greatest of feelings of great accomplishment in giving up one of the most addictive, money wasting drugs around....l speak so highly cause today is my 180 days of being smokefree, so yes a Gold Star to me as well.
I totally agree with your thoughts. I am quoting you, as I think we, the graduates, all feel like we are a totally different person and we now know we no longer stink of smoke. There was a time when we were newbies on this site and our success as graduates is now due to many things that motivated us and continues to do so, but the understanding in some cases, on a daily basis, that we got from each other is what often kept us going. Nothing like an understanding voice...especially one that echoed our thoughts as we struggled on a daily basis. 288 days smoke-free and I could not imagine coming back to this site to admit failure after all the support I have had...
Gold stars for all of us. I know it has helped me to keep my determination when I see how well you are all doing - Jenno on 180 days and Lia on 288. Thanks for your support and I wish everyone a smoke free future.
Fabulous!!! Yes for me running has been a great motivated but I know that's not for everyone.Its a tough journey but thankfully there is support here.I think its important to acknowledge everyone has a different way of getting there so while we can share what works for us wether its cold turkey,nrt etc just being there through the good and bad is so important.Well done you!!
Also,I understand why people would not come back after a slip but I think its important to know you can without being judged,I did and if I thought somebody was judging me it would have made me resentful and stopped me from trying again.Ive seen it in AA where someone struggled and then felt they couldn't come back.Its difficult,we all know that,so support,support. Support x