Stories & experiences

HI Pisces24,
Your forum friends do understand and are willing you on.
You also have to give yourself ALOT of credit for writing posts and helping others along the way. You also need to be commended for your willingness to listen to all advice and every point of view. You are the champion here and doing so well, so lets go through day 6 tomorrow with good grace and your head held so high that the past addiction will never-ever hold you back again.
We'll debate about the use of nicotine patches later. Possibly after your 21 day mark, (I'd suggest) or wait and talk to your doctor about that.
Sorry for getting ahead of the mark here, because the patches are normally recommended as a 12 week, 3 step down process, but know people that stopped the patch within a month. I also know of others that just decide to stop cold turkey. It doesnt really matter what method is used to Quit.
But I am sure you have got yourself in control of your situation.
AND
THAT IS YOU DONT SMOKE
WELL DONE YOU

Good Morning to you Pisces and to another beautiful smoke free day. I thank you for the nice post and you are muchly welcome. You deserve all the credit because although you had your own plan, you were open minded enough to see that it was not the best plan and took the well meant advice. Everyones quit is different of course, but drugs are drugs and although you would think more would help, less is better. That is not to say hasten the nicotine patches because in my opinion, you may as well just get comfortable with life as a non-smoker first which is getting over the voids smoking leaves and actually enjoying life without it. A patch is just there, something you put on and forget about like an antiperspirant..... Once it's on, no sweat.

People worry so much about coming off of the nicotine which is no more than cravings that you have had and only last for about three days. Just thoughts at intervals that you ignore and go on with your day. The scary part about nicotine addiction or any addiction is that we are susceptible to getting hooked again with one puff and awakening the sensors once again. These sensors actually shut down in about 3 weeks and remain dormant until awoken. That is how Champix works, it causes you to dislike smoking so that you stop and then time takes over while you do your part and adjust to life as a no-smoker. That is why you will find that even the cease smoking products all advise to get counselling with their products for better results.

No drug can do the quit for you. It only helps you to cope while you do the work, the adjustment. An open mind , willingness to learn and acceptance of the journey itself are all vital. You have embraced this journey with a huge bear hug Pisces. One day at a time. Take pride in yourself and rejoice for every smoke free day for it means a future with hope and good things.

That is fantastic:) Keep up the great work! I'm just onto day four now myself and one thing I've been doing that may help is simply... breathing! Once in a while, while I'm working, or reading a book, for lying in bed, I'll take a big deep breath just for the heck of it. And I pay attention, and I notice that the air tastes better than it has in years. And every time I do that, I'm further motivated.

Thank you PuffNoMore, Happiness and TryingTK. your comments made me cry. I'm a bit EMO these days.
It's funny you say breathing TRYINGTK. I'm so sensitive to smell of smoke especially. I'm overwhelmed.
how.awful it is.
Day 4 is awesome TryingTK.iTo me its kinda hump day where you know it can be done. The worst 3 days are done. It's the first time you know it's possible. I'm not ever going back to DAY 1 and resetting my Quit date. I've done that hard stuff and now know it's possible.
I CAN DO THIS!
Just one would take me back. I.NOPE. Not One Puff Ever!
A week ago I never EVER would've thought that I could be a non smoker.
Look at me now!
I'm not kidding myself that I have an easy road ahead but EVERY day that passes makes it so much better.
We're lucky to have each other as friends to support and comfort each other.
I couldn't do it without you guys!

Even though I've been smoking for almost 50 years I smoked less than 10 a day. BUT EVERY DAY WITHOUT FAIL!
I started on 15mg Nicorette. Almost finished the 1 pack!
I think 8 - 12 weeks on that level is needed. Stability and being calm and in control is what's important for me.
The triggers are what's weird. It's almost like The Devil trying to get you back. I tell myself it's only a memory and a thought that used to happen repeatedly and that s why you are reminded of the times that you had a cigarette in the past.
I think that might decrease but more than likely won't go away. 50 years of smoking is hard to forget.
I wish I cared about myself more. I might have felt better about myself f. I guess I thought I wasn't strong enough and t h at I was too weak.
NOPE
I CAN QUIT

Even though I've been smoking for almost 50 years I smoked less than 10 a day. BUT EVERY DAY WITHOUT FAIL!
I started on 15mg Nicorette. Almost finished the 1 pack!
I think 8 - 12 weeks on that level is needed. Stability and being calm and in control is what's important for me.
The triggers are what's weird. It's almost like The Devil trying to get you back. I tell myself it's only a memory and a thought that used to happen repeatedly and that s why you are reminded of the times that you had a cigarette in the past.
I think that might decrease but more than likely won't go away. 50 years of smoking is hard to forget.
I wish I cared about myself more. I might have felt better about myself f. I guess I thought I wasn't strong enough and t h at I was too weak.
NOPE
I CAN QUIT

Yes you Can!

You were not weak, you were brainwashed by the use of nicotine and the thinking that quitting smoking was hard to do. It can be hard, but with a few mind tricks it can be easier than imagined.
How do you feel when you get up in the morning to do something you have been putting off because you don't enjoy it. (Drag my butt out of bed)
How do you feel when looking forward to doing something you want to do. ( Up and ready to go)
When you don't want to do it, it likely takes longer to do as well. ( did the cursing and muttering under your breath make it go faster?)
How many times has something pleasurable been over before you know it, or wanted it to be? (that was great, rewarding, fun.....)

Ok , that might be stretching things, quitting smoking is never fun, but it is rewarding and you will feel great and be so happy that you took the time and effort to do it right. With the right mindset it is sustainable, especially if you visit a forum on a regular basis. You will also find that the cravings will diminish in frequency and intensity as you go along. A few months from now there will be fleeting thoughts on rare occasions. They may surprise you, but not be of concern if not dwelt on.

Keep up the positive attitude girl. You've got this.

You are doing great as well TryingTK. I am so proud of you both, and happy that you are helping each other along. Encouragement and support at this stage are very motivating. Building the belief that you can do this is paramount. You can get through this knowing you are never alone.

Hi Picses24,
Dont get derailed. Stick with the plan. Get through tonight and you will bee counting weeks rather than days.
Just continue a day at a time.
That vaping chat group did shock me a little at first lol, But i guess they meant no harm. I dont think they belong on this site? But not to worry, you're doing the right thing

Hi Picses 24. Well done you. I quit using patches and i found that you dont need them for very long at all. The makers want you to stay on them for 3 months so that they can make more money. I started on step 2 and cut them in half. I only used them for 1 month and then threw them away. Didnt miss them at all. I didnt use anything else. I joined this forum i got so much support and friendship, that i didnt want to let my new friends down by smoking again. The very thought horrified me. Strange really. We will probably never meet each other. Some dont even live in the same country, but we all have the same goal. If i felt a bit down, i would read some stories and it would make me feel a lot better. We are here for you too mate and are really lroud of you 😙

Oops I meant proud of you

stick with not smoking.
you have this all sorted.
i dont really understand why that group of vapers targeted us, although, they have some valid points.
dont take any detours.
you are winning.
YOU DONT SMOKE and that is all there is to it.
stay strong

Well said PuffNoMore

Thanks to all my positive friends like PuffNoMore, Happiness, Nuts, Red-67 and TryingTK Day 7.
1 pack of Nicorette down!
$100 in my pocket and a spring in my step as I walk.
Went on the treadmill for 2.1k yesterday. I'm not an exercise person so big achievement
Had a relaxing swim , spent most of the time gloating and daydreaming
And a spa.
Different things.
Good things

HA HA! meant Floating but gloating to myself

HA HA, you may as well gloat. Your doing good things for yourself. Keep it going.

:) See that smile, it's as big as it gets... and gloat all you want... you rock :)

LOL. your doing great. Take the good vibes into week 2. Leave the doubts of last week behind.
Stay with your plan its a proven and legal way to remain smoke free..
Keep busy, eat well and continue your exercise

Also we need to unwind and relax.
Let the feel good emotions guide us through this week.
Still take a day by day approach.
Your resolve will get you through each day.
FREEDOM is the purpose .

Might go for a float and a gloat tomorrow. R.E.L.A.X.
Thank you all for your support especially PuffNoMore and HAPPINESS.
I'm on the winning Team!

Yep,
The aim is total FREEDOM from Smokes