I think it's getting a bit easier

[nsd_user663_42755]

If anyone asks me, I still say that not smoking is a real struggle, the most difficult thing I have ever done, I am amazed that I haven't caved.

But when I sit and think about it, this isn't really true. It hasn't been that bad. No physical pain. No descending into mental illness. No suicidal thoughts.

Uncomfortable occassionally. Feeling a bit low for a moment. Sometimes irritated with myself for being a smoking idiot for so long. But that's about the sum of it, really.

It's not that dramatic, is it? Hollywood isn't going to be interested in this little story. People passing in the street don't even notice. It's just about riding those difficult little moments, and not letting those define your whole day.

Good luck everyone. Let's hang on in there.

[lefoy123]

Good Morning Billy O just read your latest post,there is a hell of a lot of the truth in it. I'm also a recovering alcoholic of 21+ years and the initial stages were easy compared to the early days of stopping smoking. Myself I'm almost 62 days nicotine free one hour to go. you might ask how can I be so precise. Easy it was the time of admission to hospital, that's what nicotine had done, brought me to my knees. Over the last almost 62 days I've experienced every recorded feeling kown to man and I pretty sure some that aren't.

As you said you've just got to grill and bear, it as it does get easier.

At the smoking cessation course I attended, they stressed the need to keep yourself occupied/busy which can be difficult 24 hours/day. The withrdawals have effected me round the clock, particularly when I should be sleeping.

I live on particularly busy main road in Glasgow next to a busy police station.

Johnnie Law who work there must say to themselves does that basket sleep.

However it's the bottom line that counts it is getting easier thank God

Michael Glasgow (aka:-lefoy123)

[nsd_user663_32615]

Really well said Billy, and I am so pleased to see how well you are doing.

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If anyone asks me, I still say that not smoking is a real struggle, the most difficult thing I have ever done, I am amazed that I haven't caved.

But when I sit and think about it, this isn't really true. It hasn't been that bad. No physical pain. No descending into mental illness. No suicidal thoughts.

Uncomfortable occassionally. Feeling a bit low for a moment. Sometimes irritated with myself for being a smoking idiot for so long. But that's about the sum of it, really.

It's not that dramatic, is it? Hollywood isn't going to be interested in this little story. People passing in the street don't even notice. It's just about riding those difficult little moments, and not letting those define your whole day.

Good luck everyone. Let's hang on in there.

Brilliant.

But, we're going to have to let this be our dirty little secret, okay? Personally, I like milking my friends for their pity on how hard my quit must be, and how well I'm doing.

Seriously, I don't really do that. And it is pretty amazing that it isn't that dramatic, just a matter of stringing together a million little moments of success.

I haven't been quit for that long yet, just, um, approximately 11 days, 9 hours, and 11 minutes, if I were to hazard a guess.

What astonishes me more than the time that's passed, however, is that I would have smoked 228 cigarettes in that time. And almost all of them without much conscious thought, except I really should stop this smoking thing one of these days. followed by You're really a weak, idiotic person, aren't you? followed by Perhaps. That's why this cigarette is going to feel sooooo good!

I meander.

Ride those little moments, everyone! We can do this!

[nsd_user663_42769]

What astonishes me more than the time that's passed, however, is that I would have smoked 228 cigarettes in that time.

That amazes me too. I know I deliberately ignored that and the cost of it. Now I can't believe I was so stupid.