The three month jitter
Hi all I stopped smoking cold turkey on Aug 2 nearly 4 months ago,when I first stopped I read about the 3’s,3 days 3 weeks,and 3 months,up to the 3 months period I got through it pretty well,but from the 3 month mark to now,I’ve been thinking about it more,and feel really moody just like I’d just quit and was going through the first 3 days,I know it’s a passing phase in my quitting process and I know I will never smoke again,but I’m really shocked at how I’m feeling crap after getting this far down the road,it really is true about the 3s .thanks for reading
Reguards
A grumpy steve
Hi, Steve
It seems that there is some wrong information you have come across. That wrong information made your mind to think that it is really hard after 3 months. I never heard of this rule of 3. Remember that if you think that it's hard, then it's really hard. If you think that it's easy, then it's really easy. It's upto you.
I tried to quit in 2017 and it was really difficult as my mind was not ready to quit that time(attempt lasted for 10 days). This time, even smoking more cigarettes per day, it was easy because of correct mindset.
So, it's upto you. Just keep in mind that, there is no such rule of 3 and it becomes very easy once your body purges all nicotine from it, as you have completed 3 months, you are completely nicotine free. You are craving for cigarette just because of misleading information.
I think you misunderstand me I don’t crave for a cigarette,I subconsciously have thought about my journey more this month from the 3 month date and have felt moody, but there is a saying about the threes, obviously you’ve not read it yet,but as you read and learn I’m sure you will
Reguards
Steve
Hi steve,
Please disregard my above comment as I am unware if so called "3s theory or whatever it is". I commented considering cravings(which is most common problem for ex smokers).
Sorry for irrelevant comment!
Why do you think of smoking at all .....cravings are mere thoughts. Swapnil may be correct in that you have led yourself to believe that things will happen at certain times. We know the mind works in funny ways, and quitting is easier achieved when in the right mindset. Moods are more likely to be the result of events, other people, even the foods you eat affect you! Even when hubby saw whiffs of smoke from a mosquito coil and reached for a non-existance cigarette did it cause a craving......just a mere thought.
Don't dwell on this feeling you have. Do something that makes you happy and move on. You are doing so well and should be simply glowing in the fact that you are a non-smoker!
Hello again New chapter It is good you came back to pose this situation with us all. Whatever the reading you may have done you have managed very well, so you should be congratulated for this. As for the cravings at your stage of your journey, it is just a thought and/or a memory of certain situations, but this is different than a craving. We tend to romanticise past situations but really the best mental tool is to recognise this as just a thought and deserves no more reflection it is not a longing or desire, Your next thought should be NOPE (not one puff ever) keep this paramount in your mind it works. Congratulations.
Sorry if I came across as sharp swapnil it was unintended,thankyou for your opinions and advice I really appreciate it,softly you’ve hit the nail on the head in the fact that I have been romanticising,and it was indeed no more than a thought,not once have I been close or even thought about picking a cigarette up,I can’t even stand the smell of them anymore,the idea of posting my feelings this time was for future quitters to know that even at three months or so it is possible to feel however I’ve been feeling,but like you rightly put,it is no more than a mere thought,thankyou for posting softly,your outlook has helped me understand,now I understand it,I will deal with it.thankyou
Reguards
Steve
So Glad for you Steve, you are doing very well indeed. Keep in touch don't let it put you off posting.
You are right in that thoughts are not cravings. You are also assuredly helping someone else who feels as you do, without knowing why. Let's keep the 3's a secret and not borrow trouble eh? I'm Canadian......maybe under lock down again soon, but I am doing my part and staying optomistic!