It's all gone by so quickly...

[nsd_user663_2481]

I'm almost in Month 3, i'm so happy I have quit now, I feel free of the evil Nic. There are moments when I can feel the draw of nicotene, normally when around the pub while drinking, and i've published my slips on here. But not once have I let the evil Nic back into my life. Acknowledging, and sharing the slips with others helps me digest what happened so I can move forward. Bottling up feelings is perhaps the worst way of giving up - you need to share your problems with others.

When I started my journey, I wrote down a list of things I didn't want that I hoped quitting smoking would achieve. Here is a small excerpt (the full list is elsewhere!):

* That smell

* Phlegmy cough

* Tightness of chest when exersizing

* Reducing the risk of long term illness

* Manky skin

* Slavery to the Nic

* Etc

Do ya know what? Pretty much all have either stopped or changed for the good. Despite my few slips, just re reading my list helps me focus on why I stopped, and thus keeps me away from returning back to old habits.

You never think this when you smoke, but you do actually become happier when you stop. There is a short time when you most certainly are not, this could be down to your brain rewiring itself, some days i almost hit people because i was so wound up! I feel happier in the mornings, not coughing up crap, i feel happier after meals not having to feed my Nic hunger, i feel happier around friends knowing i don't smell, i feel happier for me for treating myself to wonderful fresh air everyday etc etc etc.

Phew just wanted to clear that off my chest. I wish all 'to-be-non-smokers' on the 1st the very best of luck on your new journey, and i hope my little posts help to inspire at least one person in their quit.

[nsd_user663_2443]

There's so much in your post that I can identify with but I really wanted to thank you for your listing of achievements. There are still too many times when I think of the things I miss rather than those I've achieved....and the thing I miss the most is sitting quietly in the fresh air, watching the birds fly around, a beautiful sunset, or star-gazing. These times were mine alone, not to be shared, and I think I miss that element of it too. Now I've written this, perhaps I'll have a go at reintroducing those into my life but I think I'll bookmark this page to remind me of the positive achievements.

Have a great 2008

[nsd_user663_2497]

Well done green, a brilliant post too, which sums up many feelings i'm sure we all share.

In the end you can only be happier once you quit. I totally agree with that.