Ready to Quit -- Wanted to Say Hello - Smoking Cessation Message Board

StenoLady1 · 09-20-2005, 09:48 AM

Hey All

What a wonderful support board!

Just wanted to introduce myself and get acquainted. I have a feeling I'll be dropping in over here quite a bit

Next Monday, 9/26, is my quit date. I've been a smoker for 20 years, mostly one pack a day, the last two years around two packs a day. My mom, hubby and best friend are quitting, too, on the same date.

I use a behavorial program to wean myself down to about five to seven cigs a day, then I start the patch. I started my program last Monday, and I smoked 38 cigs. Yesterday I smoked 17. Ashtrays are going out on Friday, only smoking outside with a jar for the weekend. Then Sunday night, that's it.

I'm hoping cross-stitch, several walks a day, lots of water and iced herbal teas help to break the habit and addiction.

I don't know if this is the right word, but I'm sort of scared. Aside from very young childhood memories, I don't remember not smoking. I'm really tired of it, the money, the smell, the stains and burns, the cough, the way colds last forever when you smoke, the way I feel like these little white things have control over me and my life. Plus, I'm on the road in other respects to getting "healthy" and it just makes no sense to still smoke. I just can't help but wonder what life will be like after I quit and when will I begin to feel normal as a non-smoker. I suppose this is different for everyone. Luckily, aside from the folks I mentioned above who are quitting with me, I'm hardly ever around smokers. We're definitely in the minority here.

Anyway, any suggestions or advice is welcome.

Kindest regards,

Lysne

luci · 09-20-2005, 11:32 AM

I'm so happy for you that you are deciding to quit. I think it is really hard, but here I am still after 62 days!!! I can't believe I made it this far, but I think that it's possible since I post here and read everything everyone has to say. That makes a ginormous difference!!

Anyway, I think if you can just "force" your body and mind into not smoking for at least two weeks, you will be surprised at how much simpler things become after that. I mean, it still sucks, just not as bad!! I was a smoker for 14 years, and I quit for maybe 2 years combined in that period. But it is like having a relationship with someone, this addiction to ciggies. Then you "break up" and you just don't feel quite all there. I still feel lonely for my ciggies, but not nearly as bad as two months ago. And just think of how happy you will be when you say those words.

So, hello to you too and best of luck.

L

DaVinci · 09-23-2005, 06:39 PM

Good Luck StenoLady1! It should be very interesting atmosphere in your home on Monday.

angel_light · 09-26-2005, 04:22 PM

Good Luck! You can quit! If you have the will you will have the strength! Keep us updated!

A.S.