Hi H2BM,
I have tried to quit plenty of times and I've been in your shoes. The devil on my shoulder tells me to have just one and I say "I know I won't have just one" as I'm walking into the store to buy a pack. It ain't easy but it can be. Try taking all the information that you have read and focus on three things.
1) It's an illusion - There is no great high and smoking doesn't solve any problems. It helps you when your stressed, it helps you relax, it helps finalize a meal, it picks you up when you are sad, it makes things better when you are happy. A drug that cures everything doesn't cure anything. You associate these things with smoking but smoking doesn't make them better.
When you were a non smoker you didn't need these things to help you but now your addicted so you will tell yourself what you need to. Smoking is like wearing tight shoes for the pleasure when you remove them.
2) We make things as easy or hard as we want them to be - I remember quitting for 3 months multiple times. I remember everyday waking up wishing I could smoke. I remember feeling like I was missing out. I remember making my life miserable everyday until I finally gave in. This time I accepted that smoking wasn't helping anything, I was not missing out, and I would eventually get back to my old self and be stronger for it. I did and I am. It's not so hard once you realize that you've been fooled, that there's really no benefit except what you convince yourself to keep smoking.
3) If you have chosen to fight this battle until you finally win keep going. Giving in, knowing that you are going to start all over again just makes things harder on yourself. Hey, I know we've all been there and it's not easy but it doesn't have to be so difficult. You will eventually be back to your normal self and stronger. How you view smoking will determine how long that will take. If you can't get passed number 1 it could be years before you recover. If you can accept the truth it could be a month. I've done it both ways....The first time avoid anyone at all costs...3 months later I see someone smoking so I'm F*&ked....This time after quitting for a few weeks I was at a party with people smoking around me...Some even said "Let me know if this is bothering you" to which I replied "No, I'm good."
Take my advice with a grain of salt but take something from it. I don't care what anyone says, this battle doesn't have to be
a life long struggle. This may sound corny but the truth really will set you free. All the best. Your friend.
Mr Q
My Milage:My Quit Date: 8/4/2008
Smoke-Free Days: 227
Cigarettes Not Smoked: 5,448
Amount Saved: $1,702.50
Life Gained:Days: 25
Hrs: 7
Mins: 40
Seconds: 47
Deb
