Staying smoke free
Hi, I stopped smoking in September 2021 and I was going well for about 5 months which included a few slip ups of a single cigarette. Then in Feb 22, I had a couple of operations in hospital and for some reason around this time I felt highly stressed and smoked on and off for a few weeks. I got terrible headaches and I got a bad cough too, just from this short time of smoking.
Since then I am quit again and I’m feeling good though I’m still craving. Tonight I had a spare amount of cash and thought of buying a pack. I came very close to getting them but then I decided to look at this forum and I changed my mind. I will put that spare money into something nice for myself.
I need quite a lot of self encouragement to keep going because I still find it hard to stay quit, especially during tough times. This forum is good as everyone is honest and it helps a lot. It’s good to know I’m not alone in my struggles too. I don’t think it’s about how long you’ve been off smokes as I’ve known people to go 5 or even more years without one then some stress happens and bam they are back on. I think it’s about working through the issues you have and taking into consideration your health on both physical and emotional levels and making this a priority. For me it’s not much about the money but for others it is so that’s another important thing about quitting.
Wanting to not smoke anymore is key and staying on track takes a lot of positive thinking and just plain willpower. Sometimes it’s a real test of your mettle to resist a cigarette especially when someone lights up in front of you.
So I have had a victory in saying no tonight to smoking and I will keep going and saying no each time. I will no doubt have more cravings but this time I feel more prepared and I know they are just thoughts that are persistent. Thank you to all who participate on this site We can do this together ! 🙂
Hi Cuba,
I have been coming on here to read others stories to keep strong and free from smoking. Good on you for having that temptation and not giving in. The longest time I haven't smoked is 11months. It's bloody hard.
Hi Liz87,
Thanks for your comment. Yes you’re right it is bloody difficult. At the moment I’m trying to reach that stage of certainty that I will never smoke again. I’m still in 2 camps as there’s a part of me that wants to smoke and at times I do miss it. That’s great that you were able to quit for 11 months that shows you can do it. I understand though that it is very difficult. For myself I’m just going to try my best. And try hard not to have any more set backs as they make it that much harder to stop entirely. Are you thinking of quitting again ? Please let me know how you are going with it as maybe we can help each other ? I’m not going to judge you at all if you are still smoking as that’s what this forum is for.