Feeling proud :)

[nsd_user663_56237]

So I was out with friends last night having a drink. You might remember me telling you about my quit buddy (one of my friends) who stopped at the same time as me but decided to continue smoking on a Friday night ONLY. This has been working for her and last night was another of those. I've always been a little envious that she could continue to smoke when drinking, but wake up the next morning and be right back into the no smoking zone.

Anyway, I just noticed a change last night, in myself as well as her. She continued to tell us that she was happy being a "social smoker" when the subject came up, but when she decided she wanted one (she didn't buy any because she usually pinches one or two from a friend rather than having to get rid of the rest of a packet) she really wanted one!! Her mind was fixed only on finding this person so she could go out and smoke with them. Honestly, it was weird to watch, as I remember being like that all the time. But I didn't realise how much it can still have a hold on you, even though you very rarely touch one anymore.

I'm hoping to suggest that she cut the Friday ones out altogether, as last night was also the first time she asked "so, do you not even think about smoking when you drink?" (I was particularly proud to be able to say that it didn't bother me anymore). That tells me that maybe she wishes she didn't crave when she drinks?

She has been quite adamant that it doesn't bother her that she has one or two on a Friday (and not every single Friday), so I don't know if I can change her mind, but I'd like to try!

I suppose the point is that, while the first few weeks were really difficult for me, I'm so happy that I can enjoy EVERY aspect of my life without that hold over me, telling me that it's time to entertain the dirty nico demon xxx

[nsd_user663_53617]

I think that's a very good point Sarah and I'm sure she wishes she was completely free. For me I just could not do that, its all or nothing as one puff may lead me down that slippery slope! I mainly don't think about smoking anymore but occasionally I get a fleeting thought (particularly when drinking) but one of the main reasons I gave up was I hated the hold it had over me ( like the behaviour of your friend on Friday)and that stops me from succumbing!

You must be very proud of yourself that you continue not to smoke even though it must be tempting to do so when your "quit buddy" is smoking! Well done you

[nsd_user663_54332]

You're doing fab hun, I'm glad you're free!!

It's lovely to see you happy and proud of yourself and definitely so much more confident :cool:

Was out last night too, had a fab time with my friends and my patch - nothing else

Didn't even fancy a fag and it was flipping wonderful :cool:

Ooh and you know I said about the guy who stuck a straw in my mouth?

Well he's dead jealous of me - maybe I'm inspiring him to quit as well? YAY

Huge well done hun xxx

[nsd_user663_56237]

Thanks Kat.

I always imagined that I would think about smoking until, one day, I just don't anymore. The truth is that I do think about smoking, and I reckon I always will, but not in the sense that I WANT to smoke. I still recognise it for what it meant to me before, but now I'm really happy NOT to be affected by it, if that makes sense? I look at people smoking and remember that I was one of them, but at the same time am happy to not be one of them. Lol

A bit bizarre, but it makes me feel in control, rather than trying to push the thought from my mind! Xxx

[nsd_user663_56237]

You're doing fab hun, I'm glad you're free!!

It's lovely to see you happy and proud of yourself and definitely so much more confident :cool:

Was out last night too, had a fab time with my friends and my patch - nothing else

Didn't even fancy a fag and it was flipping wonderful :cool:

Ooh and you know I said about the guy who stuck a straw in my mouth?

Well he's dead jealous of me - maybe I'm inspiring him to quit as well? YAY

Huge well done hun xxx

Awwww, if you can inspire someone else then that's great! I think (and this is where I do agree with Allen Carr) that when a smoker see's how positive quitting can be, it removes some of that fear factor.

If we look miserable about it, why would anyone follow in our footsteps? Xxx

[nsd_user663_54332]

Awwww, if you can inspire someone else then that's great! I think (and this is where I do agree with Allen Carr) that when a smoker see's how positive quitting can be, it removes some of that fear factor.

If we look miserable about it, why would anyone follow in our footsteps? Xxx

I'd really like to help him - obviously I can't ask but hey if he sees me happy without the fags it might help!! Anyway, I owe him for keeping me off the fags!!

Know I've said before that one of my friends stopped last year on NSD and she definitely inspired me - can remember talking to her about it and the only reason I could come up with that I still smoked was "because I'm an idiot"!! Don't think I'd have stopped now if it wasn't for her

Am off out later for the second sunny afternoon since I quit (isn't our weather fab? :p) and the first since I didn't inhale anything :eek: but it doesn't worry me YAY

Hope you have a fab weekend hun xxx

[nsd_user663_56712]

isn't it great when you don't smoke! I love being a non smoker now, not having to go searching for that fag or the place to smoke it or to find someone to go smoke with or the lonely smoke...such freedom!

I find it is more of a memory craving now, you know, I would normally have had a cigarette at this point or after having done that , so it is a psychological association (I think would be the phrase??) rather than an addiction as that is well and truly locked away.

Well done for getting to the no inhaling stage, I know you fought the ecigs hard and you have won -only a few weeks and you will be able to say the same for the patches, all in your time:) xx

[nsd_user663_54332]

Well done for getting to the no inhaling stage, I know you fought the ecigs hard and you have won -only a few weeks and you will be able to say the same for the patches, all in your time:) xx

Aw thanks hun

I'm looking forward to being totally free of nic but for now it's just great to be off the flipping e-cig!! xx

[nsd_user663_56237]

Thanks for the encouragement guys xxx