This time I did it for ME
I've had countless quit attempts over the years, but this time was very different.
I've been quit now for four years and two days.
After losing my Mum ten years ago I thought I'd never quit. She was always my reason for wanting to quit in the past and my cheerleader too.
But four years ago I was so sick of being hungry and longed to quit for my own reasons.
So one morning I went and bought some patches, put one on, had my final smoke and disposed of all ashtrays and lighters. The big difference this time was that I wanted to quit more than anything on earth.
In fact I even bought a small packet and used it as a safety net...it was there if I needed it, which was really comforting.
I haven't got my beautiful Mum to cheer me on now, but I've found something even better, self pride. I took it hour by hour at first. With each craving I'd take deep breaths. When I got really bad cravings, I'd jump in the shower if possible or at least brush my teeth and put on some perfume. I found this quite helpful.
My confidence and self esteem have soared since I quit. I still occasionally get cravings and I still breathe through them. I haven't "conquered" smoking, I'm still on my quit journey and every day quit is a great day.
I worry that I could start up again some day, so I take it day by day. But if I slip up I know it's not the end of the world. I just need to remember to be kind to myself and keep going.
Never quit trying to quit. It gets easier each time. But it helps to quit for your own reasons, no one else's.
Best of luck to all.
We can only quit for ourselves. We have to WANT to or we just keep making excuses or feeling deprived.
I also had cigarettes available to me. I think that reinforces the CHOOSING factor......we are not forced to quit, we are CHOOSING to quit. We could have one but we CHOOSE not to. When we WANT to quit smoking and start BELIEVING in ourselves, we can.
Smoking never did anything good for us. It only stopped us from craving by giving in and lighting up. We can end the cycle when we make up our minds to. CHOOSE to end the vicious cycle and have your money spent wisely on something more fulfilling. Always remember how grateful you are to have broken the cycle and are now free. Be PROUD. Join us and help remain smoke-free and help others. It's a win-win.
Congratulations on your wonderful 4 years of freedom Rainbow Wings. May we all have such glorious success and pride.
I am replying her to an onlooker xoquit who asked Chellie what she found help in going cold turkey.
For me, it was finding a site and support and the stories. The information and finding the BELIEF that I too could quit this terrible addiction. I chose cold turkey because I would rather dive in to cold water than to wade in inch by inch. Just get it over with.
The first part of quitting smoking may be ridding of nicotine, which is far easier than the second part. .....dealing with the psychological acceptance of never smoking again.
We need to learn WHY we smoked....and know that we did not CHOOSE to smoke for LIFE. I may choose to have a drink at a party......I do not wish to become an alcoholic. The same could be applied.
Do you know of any smoker who has never at one time wished that they could quit?
Or known of anyone who wished they smoked?
We are afraid to end the cycle of addiction, it takes effort and some discomfort for most.
Actually, the withdrawal of nicotine is said to be almost imperceptible, it is more the mind craving the smoke .rather than the body. And that is a major part of quitting this addiction. It is said that habits can be dealt with in 21 days. Changing to a healthy habit could help. Deep breathing takes your mind off of the craving and lowers your blood pressure and anxiety. Not to mention all the oxygen that smoking deprived the body of.
When we change the way we think, it can make quitting far easier.
Make a list of pros and cons.
There really are no pros to smoking, as in reality, smoking does nothing for us. It is only in the mind, reasons to justify smoking and a mask to our weakness to overcome it.
Here we show you that we are stronger than nicotine. We can learn and take the steps to take back control of our lives. Nicotine dictated many aspects of our lives. Think about it.
WANT to quit, don't wait until you feel that you HAVE to quit. Look forward to and take pleasure and pride in this accomplishment. We did and so now so can you!
Hello Rainbow Wings and welcome to this support group. Thank you for sharing your post, very touching but very inspirational at the same time. You have years under your belt. Good job!!!
Good job Happiness with your posts.
Rainbow Wings, keep up the good work. Check in with us from time to time. Your words give strength. Congratulations on your success!!! YOU DID IT !!!