So this is what six months looks like

[nsd_user663_32615]

These milestones are important, because if all goes well, there is no ultimate finishing line.

I can now say with confidence that I will never smoke again. I’m not being complacent or arrogant when I say this, but I know that it’s true. I don’t need to smoke, and I don’t want to smoke. There is nothing that could happen to me that would make having a fag seem like a good idea. I’m done.

This quit has always felt different from previous attempts. The fear of withdrawal and deprivation that kept me a smoker for decades has completely flipped. Now, I have an irrational fear that if I were to have one puff, it would hurt like crazy. My logical side knows that this wouldn’t be the case, but so what? For once, fear is working in my favour, so I will just let it be.

It has been interesting on here to see that while we are all trying to achieve the same goal, there is no single “right way” to get there. CT, NRT, Champix – all methods have produced winners and losers.

I have seen a lot of you successfully quit by telling yourselves that not smoking is a choice, and one that needs to be reaffirmed one day at a time. The way that my mind has always worked, when I have tried to make that choice every day, it has inevitably become a numbers game. One day, for whatever reason, I would make a bad choice. And from that point, each choice becomes more and more difficult.

In my case, what made a difference this time was an absolute conviction that I can never smoke again under any circumstances – all choice is gone. For me, this removed the endless struggles and internal debates that were features of my previous efforts. So now for the first time in 40 years, I can truly feel free and calm.

It’s great seeing so many new members joining the forum – I really wish you all the best, because there is so much to be gained from going through those difficult times. I can’t tell you how to do this, but I hope that you find a way that suits you.

And while I am at it, a heartfelt message to those of you who have blipped or stumbled – please don’t do what I did and walk away for years before trying again. I spent so much of my life believing that I was that hopeless case who was too addicted, too weak and too far down the line to make this happen. I can’t begin to tell you how much I regret that now. If you lapse, get back on that horse and ride like your life depended on it. If it gets scary, just shut your eyes and hold on tight until things ease. Trust me, the view from here makes it so worthwhile.

[nsd_user663_4558]

Well put T

[nsd_user663_36288]

Thanks Mrs T - I often think of my quit as a road I'm travelling on, and posts like these remind me of people standing along the route, cheering me on!

So pleased for you,

x

[nsd_user663_20591]

congrats on your 6 months!! so wonderful what we have learned!

this is awesome!

[nsd_user663_20558]

Congratulations on half a year Mrs T. Don't think there's any doubt that you will be pulling up a seat at the penthouse bar in another six months.

I'm one of the 'voices of choices' - I do understand where you're coming from though.

Helen

[nsd_user663_32615]

Thank you all - I must admit that I felt quite excited about hitting this stage!

My challenge now is to focus on exercise. Nothing too challenging, but I have started going out for a walk every day for at least 20 minutes. Some days, I almost enjoy it.

Good luck to all of you, too.

[nsd_user663_9987]

Great News!!!!

Wonderful News Mrs T.

Isnt It Great Not To Need/Want To Smoke Anymore.

Kindest

Douglas.J

[nsd_user663_42755]

You are really singing my song, Mrs T.

I quit for six months, but after failing, I have returned to thinking that I am the one who will never succeed. My fear of withdrawal and deprivation are right back with me as if they never went away.

I am so pleased for you because you sound stronger than I was. I so wish that I could get back into this mindset.

[nsd_user663_33894]

Well done Mrs T!

I think you're mentally already in the Penthouse - I thought you'd been quit for a longer than you have, which is probably because you come across as so serene in your quit (does that make sense?!).

Jen

[nsd_user663_32615]

Thank you all.

Douglas - well done to you too. I have always kept my eye on you and Una up ahead of me, leading the way.

Billy - I have shared "Mrs T's cutting down tips" on your thread - you can get this back again.

And Jen - You are not far behind :). I think that I found a new serenity as part of this quit, and I love it! I was never this calm as a smoker.

[nsd_user663_20978]

well done mrsT there was no doubt in my mind that you would make it you are strong and inspiring keep up the good work

boo

[nsd_user663_38091]

t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn...

Mahoosive well done to you Mrs T :0)

[nsd_user663_24115]

Thanks for your post mrs T . you have a real solid quit going for you. its good to hear such conviction from someone who completly owns their quit.you know it from every angle there are no holes in it the stitching is double stitched. it will never fall apart no matter how many times you wash it. Its quits like these from real people that we come across on this forum that remind me of how do-able it all is. its not theory cos your walking your talk and im hearing you. your message is sinking in and one day soon my quit will be as solid cos i know that what you say is true. high 5 to you mrs T

mash x

[nsd_user663_1658]

6 months is great Mrs T , ive loved reading your posts of your quit so far! you have done so well, and should be super proud

[nsd_user663_32615]

Thanks Boo, Michelle and Kit Kat. And Mash - you have a superb way with words! High five to all of us!

In the early days of my quit, time went so slowly that it was sometimes unbearable. I'm operating back in real time now, and as an over fifty, that means that the days and the weeks just fly by. I have now passed the seven month stage and that penthouse will be opening its door to me in no time at all.

[nsd_user663_42755]

Thanks for your post mrs T . you have a real solid quit going for you. its good to hear such conviction from someone who completly owns their quit.you know it from every angle there are no holes in it the stitching is double stitched. it will never fall apart no matter how many times you wash it. Its quits like these from real people that we come across on this forum that remind me of how do-able it all is. its not theory cos your walking your talk and im hearing you. your message is sinking in and one day soon my quit will be as solid cos i know that what you say is true. high 5 to you mrs T

mash x

Haha Mash! How right you are. But you are also doing pretty well yourself - so high 5 to you too! I think we will all reach that point where our quits are up for stone blasting! Roll on.

I know what you mean about the time thing, Mrs T. Each minute seems to last a life time at the moment. But this too will pass.