Quitting smoking....

I see we have a few new members to our no smoking club

Well, firstly - 1 week no smoking!

Lesson learned - It DOES get easier!

When you are battling a craving and you think it will never end - it does! Keep yourself busy - I find physical activity (such as walking) does wonders! Or wait 5 minutes...

Secondly, The physical effects of withdrawal pass after the first couple of days - it's the compulsion to smoke at certain times / events thats the killer. Distract yourself. And avoid situation where you would normally smoke.

Lastly - enjoy the new effects on your body - Breath deep, exercise, feel fantastic! I cant wait to see the effects further down the line!

BTW, the night before I gave up, I smoked 15 cigarettes You don't need a prefect track record to quit...

Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

Well, today is not a good day for me.

I've smoked 5 already, and am aiming for 3 or less for the rest of the night.

I'm going to put 8 in my pkg for tommorrow (that's part of my prob right now. I have been just grabbing them out of the bag instead of putting them in my pkg. When I do put them in my pkg, I smoke less because I'm more away of how many I have).

I know I said Monday to get back on track, but I changed my mind. Tommorrow there will be 8 available, and I am aiming to smoke less than that.

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Today is not a good day for you? Because pain, stress or is it how many smokes you've had? I think you're doing great! Good that you changed your mind about waiting until Monday. I think 8 is fantastic! It sure beats 20!! I'm wondering, is having access to more than a few smokes a temptation to smoke more? Should we only keep like say, 5 in the house at a time? I don't know?
I'm trying to push myself to go further like go that extra 15 minutes or half hour AFTER I feel like I absotively need/want one! I've still only had those 2 smokes today and just ate dinner. I'm here motivating myself by reading this thread all over again so I don't want that after meal ciggy. I didn't use to smoke after I ate but since cutting back so much, now I do.

For the quitters and for the cutter downers!

Ooohhh, and most importantly...

One day at a time... I have no idea what will happen tomorrow... but today I will not smoke!

to all!

Originally Posted by Julianne

I see we have a few new members to our no smoking club

Well, firstly - 1 week no smoking!

Lesson learned - It DOES get easier!

When you are battling a craving and you think it will never end - it does! Keep yourself busy - I find physical activity (such as walking) does wonders! Or wait 5 minutes...

Secondly, The physical effects of withdrawal pass after the first couple of days - it's the compulsion to smoke at certain times / events thats the killer. Distract yourself. And avoid situation where you would normally smoke.

Lastly - enjoy the new effects on your body - Breath deep, exercise, feel fantastic! I cant wait to see the effects further down the line!

BTW, the night before I gave up, I smoked 15 cigarettes

You don't need a prefect track record to quit...

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I didn't see this post probably because I was busy posting lol
I hope you're right about it getting easier...I'm banking on it! I can't do the walking excersizes but I can do the deep breathing. I think a lot of trying to quit is attitude. Being positive really helps!

Originally Posted by lil maggie

I'm trying to push myself to go further like go that extra 15 minutes or half hour AFTER I feel like I absotively need/want one! I've still only had those 2 smokes today and just ate dinner. I'm here motivating myself by reading this thread all over again so I don't want that after meal ciggy. I didn't use to smoke after I ate but since cutting back so much, now I do.

For the quitters and for the cutter downers!

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Hey that is awesome! Only 2 cigs ! That has to make you feel good!
I also think that it's great you look to TCS for support and distraction from those evil thoughts ....... Plus I know how hard it is, but it can be done! I am hardcore proof!

Yesterday I had 10 smokes.

Today will be less, although I hurt like heck, we'll be going to my hubby's parents place for a bit today, and I don't smoke around them.

Have a good day folks.

I did pretty good on Sat.....I only had 5 smokes. It really helps being out at my in-laws. I don't smoke there, and never will. Let's just say I don't want my FIL to see me smoke... I know he knows I've been smoking after the 2yr quit, but I don't want to see the disappointment if he were to see me smoking.

Sunday I had 8.

Today I've had 8.... part of the reason, I went over to a friends this morning, and had 2 with her (that I wouldn't have had if she didn't want a smoke).

Tomorrow, I will actually put 6 in my pkg and stick to it.

I really wish my surgery would have been the original date.... the longer I'm going before the quit date is making it harder.... my initial motivation/excitement/etc has died down and I need to get that back otherwise I will not be successful in this being a final quit.

My hubby is away again this week, which doesn't help.....I smoke less when he's here...partially because he doesn't smoke and also because I know he'd prefer if I don't.

I definately KNOW I will be needing the support. I'm not as prepared now, as I was a couple weeks ago when I was down to a wk before my quit date.

I have 2 wks till my quit date now.

Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

.... my initial motivation/excitement/etc has died down and I need to get that back otherwise I will not be successful in this being a final quit.

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I know I haven't been posting much. It's like I only want to post when I'm doing good but not when I'm sliding backward. I was so excited with you and lately, like you, I don't have the motivation like I did. I finally got down to 3 a day but now back to 10 Each day brings a different challenge and all I can think of is lighting a smoke. I wake up each morning thinking, TODAY I'm going to do great! I do try. Instead of lighting a smoke, I need to light a fire under my butt to get re-motivated!!

I'm rooting for you Chris! Rooting for all of us here! April 7th will be here in no time, we have to do it! We just need those positive vibes!!!

Well, I went 3 1/2 days without a smoke and then broke down and bought a pack. Why? The carnival was in town and you can't go to the carnival without your smokes! So, this morning, I'm starting the quitting process again! COLD TURKEY...1 day at a time!

Originally Posted by lil maggie

I know I haven't been posting much. It's like I only want to post when I'm doing good but not when I'm sliding backward. I was so excited with you and lately, like you, I don't have the motivation like I did. I finally got down to 3 a day but now back to 10

Each day brings a different challenge and all I can think of is lighting a smoke. I wake up each morning thinking, TODAY I'm going to do great! I do try. Instead of lighting a smoke, I need to light a fire under my butt to get re-motivated!!

I'm rooting for you Chris! Rooting for all of us here! April 7th will be here in no time, we have to do it! We just need those positive vibes!!!

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Today you ARE going to do great.... You won't have as many smokes because you will write them down

Same with me, I will write them down, that in itself will help me. And I will quit grabbing out of the baggie.

Today I will try to get back on track.

Snake Lady - I'm sorry about the surgery re-sched and how that is affecting you. Have you considered quitting early then? If you are feeling the push I say go for it! I didnt overthink my quit (which is unusual for me) and just went for it! Fortunately, it "took" and is working out.

Aww...whiskey. I'm sorry you have to go thru day one again. You are a strong one. THe main thing that keeps me quit is so I do not have to do the first three days into the first two weeks ever again! I dont think I'd live thru it a second time.

Yosemite...how you doing? How long has it been now?

to the quitters!

Bumping because my quit buds must keep in touch

Originally Posted by CDubbie

Snake Lady - I'm sorry about the surgery re-sched and how that is affecting you. Have you considered quitting early then? If you are feeling the push I say go for it! I didnt overthink my quit (which is unusual for me) and just went for it! Fortunately, it "took" and is working out.

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I have, but I don't have the "push". However, if they reschedule surgery again, I am still going to use that April 7th as a quit date. (although I may change it to April 4 or 5th instead...a weekend instead of a Tues) because I KNOW that if I keep putting it off (if surgery gets postponed again) I will never quit.

"overthinking" the quit has not been a good thing. I am not near as motivated as I was at the beginning of this thread, but I still plan on giving it my all.

I've had 2 cigs so far today, 1 was a need, the other was not. I was over at my friends, and had 2 there.

Today I am going to stick with 8 cigs or less. I am NOT going to keep going to my baggie of smokes. I have 6 left out, and if I smoke em all before bedtime, I will NOT reach in that bag.




PS: thank you for the bump. I know that both Cat (LilMaggie) and I are having difficulties posting to this thread.... somewhat avoiding it when we're not doing well. We both know we need to quit doing that.

I know I need to take account for my actions, and quit trying to hide when I am not doing well.

Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

I have, but I don't have the "push". However, if they reschedule surgery again, I am still going to use that April 7th as a quit date. (although I may change it to April 4 or 5th instead...a weekend instead of a Tues) because I KNOW that if I keep putting it off (if surgery gets postponed again) I will never quit.

"overthinking" the quit has not been a good thing. I am not near as motivated as I was at the beginning of this thread, but I still plan on giving it my all.

I've had 2 cigs so far today, 1 was a need, the other was not. I was over at my friends, and had 2 there.

Today I am going to stick with 8 cigs or less. I am NOT going to keep going to my baggie of smokes. I have 6 left out, and if I smoke em all before bedtime, I will NOT reach in that bag.




PS: thank you for the bump. I know that both Cat (LilMaggie) and I are having difficulties posting to this thread.... somewhat avoiding it when we're not doing well. We both know we need to quit doing that.

I know I need to take account for my actions, and quit trying to hide when I am not doing well.

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2 so far? That's awesome! 8 or less today? Awesomer! Way to go! I'm betting you'll smoke less than 8!!
If you change your quit date although I hope you don't because that means your surgery is postponed yet again let me know? I'll still quit with you! I don't have a reason for any specific date but I think it works better to quit with someone, like partnering up Not that there isn't some wonderful support in this thread, there is! But some of you have quit some time ago and I'm afraid when I do quit, I'll feel left behind somehow and won't be able to keep up? But, to all those quitters and supporters, if I havn't expressed my appreciation before -THANK YOU!!!!!

I've been having trouble getting past 10 (or more) again. Yesterday I smoked an entire pack BUT, today I've only had 2. PHEW, it's very tough! I need to take it just 1 day at a time. I'm going to try for 8 today, if I don't succeed and smoke 9 or 10 I'm not going to beat myself up over it. I think feeling guilty about it makes you stress and want to smoke more. I'm going to try hard though!!!

BTW, I agree Chris, we BOTH need to post even on difficult days ... not just you

I'm going for 8 today!

Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

PS: thank you for the bump. I know that both Cat (LilMaggie) and I are having difficulties posting to this thread.... somewhat avoiding it when we're not doing well. We both know we need to quit doing that.

I know I need to take account for my actions, and quit trying to hide when I am not doing well.

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No - you do not have to hide when you are not doing well! We totally accept you as is! We are addicts and this is a very hard thing! I do not judge you for a moment! I think it helps to talk about what you are going thru - because we completely get it!

I'm glad you are keeping the quit date regardless. I keep seeing "Quitting wasn't nearly as bad as thinking about the quit and what it would be like!" I think that is a good thing to remember.

Originally Posted by CDubbie

No - you do not have to hide when you are not doing well! We totally accept you as is! We are addicts and this is a very hard thing! I do not judge you for a moment! I think it helps to talk about what you are going thru - because we completely get it!

I'm glad you are keeping the quit date regardless. I keep seeing "Quitting wasn't nearly as bad as thinking about the quit and what it would be like!" I think that is a good thing to remember.

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I know I don't have to hide.... but I do feel guilty or ashamed persay. More because I've disappointed myself, and if I talk about it, it brings the disappointment up..... so if I hide from it, then I just feel guilty, instead of as disappointed.... does that make any sense?

It's 10pm, I've had 6 cigarettes so far. I will probally smoke the last two.

But it definately helps me, to put out my "allotted" amount of cigs, and say that is all I have for today, so I have to ration.

I just quit today. I have seen what 10 years of smoking has done to me and I don't like it. Not to mention the health of those around me. I have tried so many times before, so I am hoping that I will finally kick the habit this time.

Originally Posted by babygirl2000

I just quit today. I have seen what 10 years of smoking has done to me and I don't like it. Not to mention the health of those around me. I have tried so many times before, so I am hoping that I will finally kick the habit this time.

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Good for you.

Please join in on this thread as often as you want....

How long have you smoked? Did you go cold turkey or are you using NRT?

If it helps to post, keep on posting.

I'm glad to see so many quitters, and soon to be quitters, and all the support from the non-smokers, and reformed smokers.

Originally Posted by babygirl2000

I just quit today. I have seen what 10 years of smoking has done to me and I don't like it. Not to mention the health of those around me. I have tried so many times before, so I am hoping that I will finally kick the habit this time.

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Yay! Another quitter!! You WILL kick the habit and for good! Look how many supporters are here for you!


I'm happy! I had 8 like I decided instead of grabbing that extra one or three

I just now read this thread...but you don't want me in here. I'm one of those annoying ex-smokers that picks on people that smoke (mostly because I want them to quit for their health). I quit smoking 13 yrs. ago and now the slightest bit of cig smoke makes me gag. I have the hardest time going out to the bar. I can't breath, then afterwards I can smell it all over my clothes and in my hair and it disgusts me. I'm hoping Michigan goes smoke free in public places soon! *crossing fingers*

Can you get to that point, where it disgusts you? You said you enjoy smoking, right? Can you try telling yourself over and over again how unhealthy and disgusting it is? Would that help?

Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

But it definately helps me, to put out my "allotted" amount of cigs, and say that is all I have for today, so I have to ration.

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Have you also tried breaking it down into little habits? Examples: 'smoking in the car habit', 'smoking at work habit', 'smoking after you eat habit'. That's how it worked for me...and the hardest one to quit was 'smoking at the bar habit'.

Just don't quit quitting. You are stronger than the nicotine addiction! If you REALLY want to quit and you're REALLY ready and not just because your surgery is making you, then you'll do it and not pick it back up after the surgery. YOU CAN DO IT!

Ok...climbing down off my soapbox now.