Hi group, it is the start of Day 8 of no smoking for me! I really couldn't be any happier at this point. I just wanted to share my experience as so far it has been a great one. I made the decision to quit last Saturday night while I was sitting around with some friends. The discussion came up and I decieded that there really was never going to be a "good" time to quit and that at least trying to quit was worth it. Monday morning came around and I put a patch on my arm even though it was difficult to not have a smoke first thing in the morning. By lunchtime I was amazed at myself (smoked half a pack for the last 13 yrs-starting at age 13) and knew that I might slip but that I was doing good so far. With each passing hour and then each passing day I felt stronger and more dedicated to this mission. I had tons of cravings some worse then others (never became the flight attendant from that zany commercial--Thank goodness!)but I got through it. My attitude was becoming more positive as I could finally see that it was possible and that it wasn't killing me not to smoke, it was killing me to smoke! I loved checking the site every few hours to see my stats which I everyday I amazed with! This encouraged me to continue the quit. Going onto day 8 today I still find it difficult at times but it has definetely gotten easier. My attitude has changed dramatically---I want to be a non-smoker! I don't want to stink, have to worry about where/when I smoke, spending money on smoking, being an outcast, trekking out in minus 30 degree weather to buy a pack. smoking in my own home and again all the money being given to these tobacco companies to only have in go up in smoke. I never realized how stupid I was for spending so much money on something I don't see any benefits from. I am free! Free from each and every one of those characteristics of smoking. I believe this is what is keeping me going at this point. I know I am smarter and stronger to quit than to keep living with the avoidance of how terrible smoking is. I feel like a whole new person and my outlook is positive.
Sorry to ramble on...but if it helps me, I need to do it. Some things that helped me in the last week were: making a list of all the reasons why I don't want to be a smoker. Reading as much as possible on this site (tremendous help by the way) chewing on candy, gum and carrot sticks and lots of water. I talked to as many people as I could and gave my family the heads up so they could encourage me on this journey. Everything else I kept up on my regular routines. One major help has been Allen Carr's Easyway to quit smoking. It really does make you realize that smoking will NOT relax me, make me less bored, help me concentrate or make me a better person in any way! I recommend his books to anyone that needs extra support. It's worth giving a try.
Day 8 has also allowed me to reflect upon timing. I am currently studying to get my mutual funds license and I write the exam on Dec. 11th. I thought I picked the worst timing ever but then realized that I had more time to study and that I could focus more attention to it and that if I could get through the first 7 days studying that I could write the exam (and hopefully pass) without needing to smoke! It's never a bad time to quit! Non smokers deal with just as much stress in their lives as smokers, but they deal with it differently and so can we. Smoking will not take the stress away, you have to learn to cope and deal with things without smoking and it can be done. I can do it! You can do it! Thanks to everyone on this site, some of which I hope to add as buddies as you have had some amazing stuff to say. Keep the quit it is totally worth it. It's like a whole new Freedom!
Thanks again for letting me express how I've been feeling!
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B]11/12/2007
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 7
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 105
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $87.50
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 12 [B]Mins:[/B] 8 [B]Seconds:[/B] 3
