No more night watch

[nsd_user663_5598]

I realised last night I hadn't seen a fox, badger or frog for ages.

It was one of the things I used to love when I was standing outside in the dark having a smoke. If it was wet there would always be a few frogs hanging around the patio...since having grandchildren, every year I get some frogs spawn from next doors pond and we watch them turn into tiny tiny froglets and then put them back in the pond (oh they are sooooo cute!!!). I always liked to think they were coming back to say hello (yes I'm the batty old dear that talks to frogs!!!). Then there's the foxes who come through a hole in the trees, trot right past me and then down the side of the house to god knows where...it's all fenced in!!! Then there's my dodgy paving stone at the side of the house. You always know when someone's walking round the side as you hear it 'clonk'. Was standing outside having a smoke one night when I heard the 'clonk'. Knowing I was the only one at home I wondered who the hell was coming from my back garden??? Well, it was the biggest badger you'd ever seen!

Anyway, I'm missing all this now. Perhaps in a few months time I can try standing out there without smoking and see how it feels....bit early yet to give it a go!

[nsd_user663_5028]

I realised last night I hadn't seen a fox, badger or frog for ages.

It was one of the things I used to love when I was standing outside in the dark having a smoke. If it was wet there would always be a few frogs hanging around the patio...since having grandchildren, every year I get some frogs spawn from next doors pond and we watch them turn into tiny tiny froglets and then put them back in the pond (oh they are sooooo cute!!!). I always liked to think they were coming back to say hello (yes I'm the batty old dear that talks to frogs!!!). Then there's the foxes who come through a hole in the trees, trot right past me and then down the side of the house to god knows where...it's all fenced in!!! Then there's my dodgy paving stone at the side of the house. You always know when someone's walking round the side as you hear it 'clonk'. Was standing outside having a smoke one night when I heard the 'clonk'. Knowing I was the only one at home I wondered who the hell was coming from my back garden??? Well, it was the biggest badger you'd ever seen!

Anyway, I'm missing all this now. Perhaps in a few months time I can try standing out there without smoking and see how it feels....bit early yet to give it a go!

Hi JJ

you should go do it tonight get a nice warm brew and watch the wildlife if you miss them i bet you wont miss that fag because you will be too busy looking for everyone to appear ,.... beside Mr Fox might be pleased to see you,

[nsd_user663_5401]

LOL JJ but I know what you mean. Funny how much ours lives have changed since we quit.

Our office is part of a commercial estate and people in the other businesses thought I'd left because no-one sees me wandering with my ciggie several times a day.

However I am the only person on the estate who knows everyone, because I used to stand outside a lot. I kind of miss my chats.

[nsd_user663_5598]

It really has changed things Christine...I haven't seen my neighbours for 8 weeks now!

I think the neighbours either side of me thought I lived on my bench...in fact sometimes I found it embarrassing as I'd always be sat there having a fag when they came out and especially first thing in the morning when I was in me pjs, dressing gown and hair not combed...loverly!!!

Up until last year I worked at a private school and we had an outside area within the grounds where we smoked, but unseen by anyone but ground staff and the smokers. When the no smoking policy came in that was it..no more smoking there! So there was all of us fag ash lils lined up on the pavement outside this prestigeous school puffing our heads off! They were working on a solution for this when I left! I'm popping in there tomorrow with some mince pies, they won't believe it when I tell them I don't smoke now

[nsd_user663_5956]

Hi JJ

Think your story about watching the wildlife great, do go out next dry night and look as withouth the scent of cigarette smoke you will see far more than you use to. But on second thoughts wait for the spring as this weather is c..p.

So pleased you are doing well, great news.

Dee

[nsd_user663_4121]

Anyway, I'm missing all this now. Perhaps in a few months time I can try standing out there without smoking and see how it feels....bit early yet to give it a go!

Oh I think you should get out there! It's all about breaking the associations but if you hide from them, they will stick around and your anxiety about it will even intensify them. I agree with Bradders.... get a nice cup a hot tea, and sit and do some nice deep breathing..... or maybe a glass of wine instead Don't worry, you'll be fine! xx

[nsd_user663_6570]

wait

if going out is going to be a trigger.... wait till you feel stronger..... the animals will still be there when ur ready. you on the other hand wont be if you carry on smoking..... sober thought.

i am only 12 days in and have tried 4 times, longest time being 18 months... saw a mate at a conference today go for a cig, mmmm a trigger. but after a second of thinking I miss that I didnt...... I could not have gone outside and chatted however as I would have been too tempted...

keep up the good hard work you are doing

Sue