Nine months down the track
I am now nine months down the track and cannot quite believe that I have achieved this or that I was ever, even a smoker. What reminds me of it is the almost daily wish for a ciggie. But that passes and life goes on ... a little bit heavier, a little bit richer and without the constant humiliation of being a pariah.
It does get easier - that is for very sure. But it is never easy. There are always memories (well at least at this stage). What makes it easier to battle those memories is knowing it would be such a waste getting through the suffering of those first three months (and there is a quantum relief after three months) only to smoke again.
I just keep looking at the list of reasons I wanted to stop when I am feeling low about it (which is rare these days) and that inspires me. I am also incredibly inspired by my fellow travellers on this site and want to particularly acknowledge Lia who will be celebrating her one year anniversary of quitting this week.
It is great to be sharing this experience with so many determined people. Long may it last.
Thank you for sharing, it is always such a great feeling and relief to know that it can be done.
This week I have achieved 70 days smoke free, getting closed to that magical 3 months, I have never thought beyond that point, it scares me slightly, but one day at a time.
Congratulations Fullofhope, and thanks for the reminder that one must be forever vigilant of mr nic looking for a weak point
You are so right - it would be such a waste getting through the suffering of those first three months...so true
Thank you Fullofhope. The support and inspiration goes up and down the line. As you reach various milestones, trust me, the "graduates" of months of success will always cheer you on. Those who respond will understand your journey. Best accolades you receive will be on this site. However, it will be your responsibility to encourage those embarking on he quit trail and to try to convince them to quit even though they may be in the minority. Nothing worse than discovering those who disappear from this site. Mind you, doing so helps keep you on the straight and narrow...
yes I don't not want to smoke ever again, but I don't stop smoking that way it was one craving at time still is after 56 days just they don't happen as much and are not as taxing.
I spent days in bed in the 1st month ish + just total depression and that was a physical thing my body learning to function with out nicotine and yeah its been a rough rocky road but I haven't had a 1st puff and gone through what ever I have had too.
so very well done and great to hear , and I totally agree I don't want to go through that crap again !!
thanks for sharing!!
IC
Congratulations, well done Full of Hope. Amazing milestone. And thanks for your insight. And a reminder to us all - it will get easier. But, to be constantly vigilant and reminding ourselves why we are doing this.
Nicotine withdrawal is minimal to the " head trauma" associated with smoking. Glad to hear it got better at three months for you. You are right, it is great not feeling like a pariah. That has to be on the plus side. I still take it one day at a time.
Thanks for sharing and hope you celebrate!
Congratulations on the 9 month mark of clean life. To all, just remind yourself that there is zero benefit in smoking.
Congratulations full of hope - you have come a long way - amazing job !!! It is truly inspiring to read everyone's story - thank you all for sharing your experiences
Bravo Fullofhope. Everything you say is so true. It gets easier but it is not easy. I am now at 7 months and I had a vivid dream a couple of nights ago - I stopped at the shop on the way home, bought a packet and started smoking again but I only remembered I had dreamt this later on in the day. I also remember how disappointed I was in my dream that I would have to start over again after coming so far - thank goodness it was all a dream. Here is to our forever smoke free lives