Day 18
Day 18 today. No NRT gum today and feeling fine. I've been chewing regular gum on and off since breakfast and haven't felt any need for the NRT gum. Really trying to rid my body of all nicotine.
Feeling more positive and energized today.
Also started reading Allen Carr's book.
Have a great day people!
That's awesome Rosie. Have you ever tried quitting before and if so in what way is time time different?
We take the lessons learned from prior attempts and learn from them. A new desire to quit has emerged and can be totally different. Your desire and motives may be stronger, your confidence, your resolve, or maybe some thing learned that hits home.
We would love to hear you answer and perhaps it will help others.
You go girl. You've got this!
I tried quitting one other time a few years ago but I realize now that wasn't mentally ready to quit. I was getting a lot of pressure from my family at the time to quit but I didn't really want to quit then. Even though I knew I should quit, I didn't really want to. It's true that your mindset has a lot to do with it. You said it perfectly, "A new desire to quit has emerged" That's how I feel this time. I was ready to quit this time. I REALLY wanted to quit, and so I did.
I guarantee you will feel stronger and more confident after reading the book. Near the end of one of his book How to permanently quit smoking i believe it was called it asked you to blow smoke through a tissue to see what would have gone into your lungs. If you feel comfortable enough with it, while doing this swish it around in your mouth before blowing through the tissue. (Do not inhale) Taste it. It taste like poison, it is poison. It also says to say good bye to your last cigarette, but since i had quit smoking i just did the funeral part. Corny sounding but true, we need to let go and move on. I cursed mine and shredded it before flushing it goodbye. It felt good
There is no finish line in this journey . It is done when you feel there is no desire for smoking left and nicotine has stopped whining at you door wanting to be fed. Of course we always need to be vigilant , prepared should a craving hit, but with the right mindset it should be easily dismissed and forgotten. Regular participation in the forum should also help keep you safe.
That's great work Rosie. I'm on Day 10 today and very positive and happy to be on this QUIT journey.
It's good you are now free of nicotine aids.
It just shows that each journey is different and goes at a different pace.
Cold turkey is the best if you're able to do it.
I myself am on patches and will go a slower route. Taking this one day/week at a time.
The main thing is you are in control because you are winning! WE are winning.
It takes time and experience to understand our trigger times.
I was struggling yesterday and couldn't understand why.
I identified that it was because I was alone. I'll beware of that vulnerability next time BEFORE it happens.
So we're learning WHEN we are most vulnerable.
I look forward to when I am at your place but I'm patient as I want a forever QUIT and still need the guidance and support from this forum. I still can't believe I'm 10 days! Didn't think 1 was possible. Now I know it is.
Great work Rosie!!! I think that within a few days you’re going to be feeling infinitely better.
Pisces, speaking of vulnerable I’m realizing all the social situations that are coming up over the holidays where there will be drinks and lots of smokers and I’m feeling a bit anxious about that.
That's true but that's when we really stand strong and tall.
It's the emotional times when I need to dig deep. It's when I feel broken and vulnerable vulnerable. (I think you're like that too a bit)
I'm a NON smoker now. Maybe you can convert some of your smoking mates.
The party isn't going to be more fun if you suck on a tube of stinky poison...
We've got this mongrel DOG!
Hi Rosie85
We are willing you on with your Quit. All of the commentators above share some great advice. If you are determined that you had your last puff more than 2 weeks ago, and that if any bit of stress wont Trigger you to "one puff", by all means dont use nicotine as an aide.
Be prepared to deal with the thought of "ONE PUFF WONT HURT" over the festive season and the coming days.
Keep an eye on those triggers.
You dont want to go back to day one.
Best wishes
Well I went out last night with some friends had we had some wine. I told myself beforehand that I could do this and even though the alcohol was a trigger, I’d be fine. I was ok after the first glass but after the second glass I got the achey need for a cig.
I grabbed a piece of my NRT gum and was able to continue on with my night but I switched to water. Thankfully none of my friends I was with smokes. At times I feel so strong and capable of staying quit and then there are times like last night when I feel so weak.
@Red, that’s my oldest son in the pic with me. He just turned 11. My youngest is 8. They are the main reason I decided to finally quit.
Good job Rosie. I am glad you enjoyed your night out with friends and learned that you could keep control even with alcohol. Though it was a little slip, you are newly in and I hope it will not have any residual effect on your cravings. Any nicotine will prolong this phase of the journey, but then again what is the difference between a nic craving and a psychological one to us. I wouldn't be surprised if you do have it as easy as I did and no cravings after the 72 hours. I am looking forward to finding out.
Your determination and attitude are to be admired at any rate.
Go Rosie! I too yesterday was in that old situation of a few wines and making planned exits the to have a cigarettes a party.
I just talked myself around by saying I USED to smoke at these times but now I don't as I'm a NON smoker. It didn't change the enjoyment of the evening by not smoking. In fact my ability to turn my back on it was empowering.
It was me REMEMBERING what I USED to do.
It was good not having to plan my cigarette
Hits sneaking off with the other smokers. My friends did their usual slither off out the front of the party in the street and came back REEKING of smoke. It was a shock to me to smell how AWFUL it was. They looked like the cat who licked the cream all satisfied now after a smoke, but I was the SATISFIED one.
I managed the memory of cravings and still had a great time and a few drinks too.
I looked it in the face.
The thoughts were there though ..... I just didn't give into the memory of smoking.
Keep going Rosie. We're all here for you.
I'm on Day 11 and on 15mg patches . I've a way to go but I've come SO far. I'm loving me and my new life wi t hour cigarettes.