Well that’s that then, one whole year without smoking completed. Have to say I really did not believe I could ever achieve that. But I have.
I'd wanted to give up for years. There was really nothing enjoyable left about smoking; the coughing, wheezing, spluttering, embarrassing coughing fits in public, having to get up in the night to drink water have coughed myself awake, - oh no there was really nothing pleasurable to be gained from smoking anymore. But still I persisted, even though the first fag of the day would inevitably lead to an absolute paroxysm of coughing. By the third one I felt fine. I still needed my fags. I envied non-smokers and former smokers alike. I questioned former smokers as to the secret of their success. There did n't seem to be one. I accepted I was an incurable addict, although when people said things like, '...listen, If I can give up, anyone can', it did reach some small spark of hope left inside me. I was a very, very dedicated smoker.
So came the day, June 13th last year, when I started on this journey. I'm not going into the trigger for the quit again, I've done that already. The early days were indeed quite traumatic, not in any sense of physical pain, but the loss of a dedicated forty year old daily routine, was more than just disorientating.
But it became easier.
And it became more rewarding; firstly less coughing, now a lung function that has improved 'immeasurably', according to my doctor.
And after a period of time it became an established daily routine in its own right.
Not sure I'll ever be a non-smoker, occasional triggers for cravings still exist. But cravings can be overcome and their severity lessens greatly over time. One thing I do know is, I'll not smoke today and I'll see what tomorrow brings.
I have n't posted much in here, but I've read a fair bit and it really did help and there do seem to be some incredibly nice people in here. I've probably finished here, but may pop back from time to time.
So to anyone in starting out or in the early days of your quit, all I can say is stick at it. It can be done, and it should be done. You owe it to yourselves and those that love you.
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Congrats on making it to a year and welcome to The Penthouse. It's a great feeling, isn't it, especially when we've overcome some challenges on the journey here. Brilliant!
I am absolutely delighted for you Esso, we are around the same age and I too started when I was 11 However we have proved that this is doable. I hope you will treat your self because you so deserve it. I remember your first few months very well and I just cant believe how quickly that year has gone by. I hope you do pop back every now and then it is always good to hear from you.xxx
Well that’s that then, one whole year without smoking completed. Have to say I really did not believe I could ever achieve that. But I have.
So to anyone in starting out or in the early days of your quit, all I can say is stick at it. It can be done, and it should be done. You owe it to yourselves and those that love you.
Oh well done you! Like you, I never thought that I could achieve one day never mind ten weeks! You really are an inspiration! xxx
Well done Esso on the year mark. Here's to the rest of our years smoke free
You comments very much match my thoughts. Isn't it nice to be able to take deep breaths without coughing and spluttering and also not to have your wheezing waking you up in the night.
Your a leg end m8 and so are any that make it to one whole year, we are all climbing that mountian and hope to get where you are at one day, pat yourself on the back, you've done what a lot of people cant do, feel proud and know you can go on and beat this thing forever
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