Well am here, 18 months, the next significant milestone for me since the end of May earlier in the year when I actually reached my 1 year quit.
Do I think of cigs - no not really, can't say that I have in a long time and even when I do it's a passing thought and not a massive crave. Although alcohol for me is a real challenge especially when smokers are around so need to continue to be aware but at least I'm still quit - truly if I can do it anyone can.
The secret - for me, I really wanted to quit this time, not like the previous times when I wanted to quit but not if it took any willpower from me. It was hard and easy, I just had to live each day and each day it got easier. A full cycle around the sun and I've reprogrammed most associations but there are still a few specials waiting in the future - so have a weary eye to the tiny nicodemon that still exists.
So if you are just starting out keep going, it is worth it and when the crave comes do anything but give in, each crave faced is another one conquered - you'll never have to do it again. Every day it gets a little easier until you need to read day 1 to remember - so to you all - you come too.
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Hi MAH
Firstly congratulations on your quit - every story I read like this one encourages me to reach for the next milestone.
I have a massive task in front of me before I get to the 18 month barrier but each step is a step closer so here's to my journey to, and your continuing smoke free life!! :D
I absolutely love the 'you come too' post and I don't think there could be a more appropriate link for this post of yours.
It really does make everyone who reads it (well, at least me!) to hang in there in the hard times and enjoy the good ones because life is great after quitting
Mah, Congratulations, seems such an insignificant word when you have managed to not only pass the 12 months milestone, but to have now hit a fabulous 18 months its fantastic , you are an inspiration to us all and you still sound as if you are glad you have quit.
I worry sometimes that after I reach the 12 months I will have to start working harder to keep my quit in place, but seeing posts like this does help so for all those that have got past the year mark keep posting to give some of us “newbies” inspiration
Firstly congratulations on your quit - every story I read like this one encourages me to reach for the next milestone.
I have a massive task in front of me before I get to the 18 month barrier but each step is a step closer so here's to my journey to, and your continuing smoke free life!!
Good on yer
Good luck to you John, in the early stages keep your head down and read read read, education is the best chance, look at some of the links in my signature.
Those last 6 months kind of flew .... and grew :cool:
It is rewarding to get to the 'occasional but easily brushed away' time of a quit. Feeling settled is good, so to is going back and remembering why.
A nice reminder to have along the way, cheers.
Congrats for you 18 months Mx
It is nirvana isn't it - finally being at the easily brushed away stage. The stage dreamed of in day 1 and month 1, eh Pol?
I absolutely love the 'you come too' post and I don't think there could be a more appropriate link for this post of yours.
It really does make everyone who reads it (well, at least me!) to hang in there in the hard times and enjoy the good ones because life is great after quitting
Thanks MAH, lovely to see you're well.
Cheers Sofia, good to see you keeping on, keeping on too. That journal entry from Woofmang (Kevin) really has been a little gem worth passing on to the people coming behind, offers hope, praise and recognition, the things we neeed as the earlier days of the quit are behind us and the normalising stage begins.
M
well done MAH!!
Going great guns there Claire and well done to you too, I've noticed you helping so many newbies, keep it up, it keeps your quit strong too.
Marg, you stalwart you, hope you are doing well, thanks for the special congrats too, you know just how to make a person feel spoiled.
Mah, Congratulations, seems such an insignificant word when you have managed to not only pass the 12 months milestone, but to have now hit a fabulous 18 months its fantastic , you are an inspiration to us all and you still sound as if you are glad you have quit.
I worry sometimes that after I reach the 12 months I will have to start working harder to keep my quit in place, but seeing posts like this does help so for all those that have got past the year mark keep posting to give some of us “newbies” inspiration
Jam, old fruit, you know where I am, understand your fears, not long for you now, keep strong is my advice. Strangely, given how you've battled your way through alomost a year, the fact that it is nearly a year can produce challenges of it's own - be aware. A friend who gave up years ago said that after a year he stopped keeping count as for him that was it, on the other hand my grandmother knew how long it was since she quit for years after. We're all different, do what you need to stay quit and ignore the noise of others. Nobody knows you like you do.
Hey! Thats an awesome quit. 18 months of a very inspiring quiter and many more to come. I hold my hands up and clap most enthusiastically! X x
Following along behind you Fi, closing in on two years for yourself, bloody grand eh?
Brill Mah, give yourself a well earned pat on the back.
Jackie
Cheers Jackie, how time flies - or at least it does after the battle is won.
Great milestone, great quit, great amount of sense...as you made along the way too :cool:
D'ya want a push on da swings? You can go higher cos the snow makes falls softer
Yay swings and roundabout and then.... who can get their tongue closest to the icy frozen churchyard railings without getting stuck - I dares you........
I know exactly what you mean it's a wonderful contrast to how were were 12 months ago, and really helps you truly see just how evil a drug nicotine actually is.. it blinds you of this truth, and once you can see clearly again .. its something you won't never want to lose.
Just keep a mindful eye out for the triggers you've not faced yet, I suspect however you will do just fine.
hope you are enjoying your new and rather refound life.
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