Stories and experiences by: Cranky76

Day 52 and cruising along. It's been an exceptionally busy week and I found, as per my previous posts, that my juggling skills are not what they used to be. I was losing my mind a little (ok, a lot) and it dawned on me what the difference was. I was not escaping the stress every hour and breathing deep! 53 days ago, every hour or so I would go outside, breath nicotine into my lungs in deep relaxi...

Alright, I'm going to make a Big call here - I feel like I may have jumped the 'nasty part' hurdle. The last few days I haven't thought about smoking, haven't had cravings and I've been around smokers. Now I'm in no way stating that I'm past the danger period- that would be foolish, I just feel like I've turned a page and I'm more comfortable with myself as a non smoker. Interestingly enough it g...

6 weeks! It's actually gone quick. I've learnt a lot in this time about addictions and myself. I'm still on a roller coaster of sorts but it has slowed down some. I've noticed there are a new people signed in and struggling with those horrible cravings. Hang in there, it is worth it. Try and put your issues, which will seem huge, into perspective. Step away and remove all emotion for a moment and...

Well 40 days have been and gone, stress beyond the norm, crying, being snarky, laughing like a loon, eating everything in site ( will be resembling a pale Oompa Loompa soon!) and feeling like a lot of challenges have come my way In this short time. Somehow I'm still smoke free and I don't want a cigarette as such just crave nicotine. I know this craziness will end, just breathing deep until it do...

I know our medical system in Australia is brilliant in comparison to some other countries but I was very frustrated and tested to my limits with it today. The urge (exceptionally humongous need) to smoke hit me so many times today I lost count. We drive over an hour to wait in uncomfortable chairs for 9.5 hours for surgery (he's finally gone off to theatre), a rude man stole the park I had obviou...

Well non smokers I have really been put to the test this week and surprisingly I have passed. And I don't say that lightly. I got a call Monday evening to say my 17 year old son had been in a car accident, he was the front passenger. Well, the first thing I did was panic, then I reach for my bag to get my smokes. What a shock it was to me to realise/remember that I didn't smoke. I craved one s...

Well I was on my Drama Queen throne today blaming the quitting smoking for all my ailments and problems. I ranted and I raved and carried on until a friend, who was most likely fed up with me, reminded me that I had pain my foot, sinus problems and also gallstones before I quit smoking. I took a step back and realised that she was right, I am no worse off here at all, its all bonuses now. I find ...

Ok so we can hold off on the straight jacket, I had a good day. I was nice and chatty and found my singing out loud - what a different gal.. Nice to also hear from others on previous posts that not being able to recognise myself and my behavior is quite normal. Its bizarre as sometimes I feel totally out of control and this is when I'm sober! I shake my head. It's 4 weeks tomorrow and I'm feeli...

I find it confusing and also frustrating that one day I will cruise along smoke free and quite normal and the next I am a teeth grinding, miserable, teary, snarly, people hating, impatient, sarcastic wreck. I mean really! If I was someone else watching me I would think that some serious therapy and possibly an exorcism was in order.... How is it that nicotine has such a hold that even after 25 da...

Another day down another $25 (or so) richer. Interesting weekend with some cravings popping up and my first time being in a social situation with alcohol and no smokes. I passed! (who would have thought) Being unwell and unable to drink more than 2 drinks may have had a rather large impact on this but I'm glad to have gotten through it. I was on guard and will be for a long time to come, I don't ...