April's Quit Journal - Smoking Cessation Message Board

April R. · 09-02-2006, 02:05 PM

Today isn't Day One. Tomorrow will be Day One. I can't really count today as the first day without a cigarette because I had a few this morning. I've decided to use the patch and I intend to use this journal as a crutch instead of the cigarettes.

Feel free to post here in my journal and give me praise when I'm doing well, and a sound conk on the head when I'm not.

Onward...

Deda · 09-02-2006, 02:40 PM

Okay April....good luck..you can do this! As an almost 30 year, 1-2 pk a day, stupid, puffing fool, I know if I can, anyone can!

and that's the truth!!

I'll for one be checking here every time you post...as I'm sure others will do the same, as well. That's what we're all here for--to support one another.

Good luck tomorrow, and don't be embarrassed or ashamed to ask.. or tell us anything, at all. Slap on that patch, and fight those urges with all of your might! Keep your mind as busy as you possibly can...just distract yourself constantly at first...(work, exercise, relaxation, [meditating], and other activities)

Cheers...
Deda

mommieoftwo · 09-02-2006, 03:40 PM

Good luck April! See you tomorrow....

April R. · 09-03-2006, 07:32 AM

Day One...

Deda - okay, I slapped on that patch, as you said, and I'm still a bit edgy. More on that later. Thanks for your encouragement. I'm looking forward to you checking in on my progess.

Susan - I'm here and this is Day One. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

I'm feeling all kinds of emotions this morning:

Sadness; because I really do enjoy smoking and I know that I won't be doing that any longer. I have never smoked in the house -- not now, not ever -- why foist my unhealthy habit upon my fellow house dwellers who don't smoke? So, I am sad each time I go outside on the back desk with my cup of coffee that I don't have a lit cigarette in my hand. I feel like I've said goodbye to an old friend.

Anticipation; because I'm looking forward to the change that will happen and am kinda excited about this new venture.

Anxiety; because I really don't know if I can do this.

Resolve; because I really think that I CAN do this.

Edginess; because I am fighting the habit to run out to the back deck and light one up, even though I'm not craving one. It really is just a habit, at this point. I know that the absolute cravings are yet to come, and I really, really dread that.

So, I am running the gamut of emotions just now while I sit here typing this post, and feeling the patch on my arm tingling away. I'm taking deep breaths and my lungs feel tight. I'll be glad when that feeling passes. I've been coughing a lot this morning.

Onward...

mommieoftwo · 09-03-2006, 07:57 AM

April - your journal could just as well be mine. I felt all of this as well and still feel some of it. The sadness doesn't go away - I've read that you are supposed to just take it one day at a time and not to think about NEVER having another smoke - that seems way too final and let's face it - "we enjoy our smoke". So I've done this - I don't think about the future - just concentrate on making it through each day. Anxiety - this will go away and can be caused in part by withdrawal (which is over in 72 hours). You CAN do it! The edginess comes and goes but definitely does get better. I too never smoked indoors and love to be outside. It's been very awkward sitting on the porch - but that's starting to change. I sit in a different spot now and usually take a glass of water or tea with me to give me something to do. Hang in there. I really felt like giving up yesterday because my husband and I had a fight. I got in the car and drove to the store to buy smokes, but something just kept me from doing it. I'm pretty stubborn and I just couldn't imaging starting smoking again because I was mad at HIM!!! That would just be awful. But I will tell you - there are MANY MANY excuses that will present themselves to enable you to begin again. Just be prepared and take them one challenge at a time. See - this feels so good just to get it out - doesn't it? Go occupy your mind and just don't think about it today. Talk to you later April.