Back again after a 9 month quit

[nsd_user663_58787]

I think the nine months kind of gives it away it was a pregnancy quit. Was stupid to go back to smoking after being off them so long but I was arrogant and had become complacent. After all I had one and I didn't want another one straight away in fact it was days later before I took another one. There was no way I would go back to a packet a day again right? Wrong!

So here we go again nine months later and smoking 20 a day. I know I can never 'just have the one'. I'm a hardened smoker and just the one will lead up to a packet a day.

So just reintroducing myself for the second time (hence the name) and determined there will be no wildflowerthethird

On patches this time rather than the cold turkey I did last time and I have to say I've found it a bit easier this time round, even if today was tough. One thing is my face has seriously broken out this morning everywhere, almost like acne and I never even had bad skin as a teenager. I've never had this with any other previous quits!! Argh! I thought stopping smoking was meant to give you clearer skin, not puberty type pimples. Even my eldest asked me if I had chicken pox this morning Thank goodness for make-up.

[nsd_user663_57259]

Congrats on being a mummy again and good luck with this quit! At least this quit is because you want to quit and not because you have to quit.

[nsd_user663_58787]

Thanks Stj13. Yes that is very true, it's not a 'have to' but a 'want to'. This time I'm not doing it for someone else, although obviously they contribute towards reasons for my quit, but a lot for myself also

[nsd_user663_20558]

At least this quit is because you want to quit and not because you have to quit.

I think that's the key. I stopped during both my pregnancies, but started again - like you, with 'just the one', practically on my first night out after they were weaned. I don't think I had ever really tackled the issue of quitting in my mind, so I just slipped back into the habit. And it was shameful, hiding from my kids as they got older.

You're doing the right thing here wildflower. Not one puff ever, it's the only way to go.

One day at a time! Keep going!

Helen x

[nsd_user663_58787]

My eldest knows I smoke and he asked about the patch as he thought it was a plaster and I'd hurt my arm. I told him it was to help me stop smoking and I might be a little grumpy and his words to me were 'but mummy you have to be happy and be healthy' (he's only 5 bless him). With stopping now my youngest will never know I smoked.

You're right. Not one puff ever ever!! Day four I'm ready to beat ya down

[nsd_user663_54332]

My eldest knows I smoke and he asked about the patch as he thought it was a plaster and I'd hurt my arm. I told him it was to help me stop smoking and I might be a little grumpy and his words to me were 'but mummy you have to be happy and be healthy' (he's only 5 bless him). With stopping now my youngest will never know I smoked.

You're right. Not one puff ever ever!! Day four I'm ready to beat ya down

Aww how sweet!!

Good luck, am sure you can do it now your mind's in the right place

All my previous quits have been because I was nagged into it, or guilt tripped into quitting - but this one is the first for me which is partly why I've hung on for dear life, lol.

You should find the patches make it easier, they definitely take the edge off!!

It's fab that you realise you can't have "just the one" too - had an 18 month quit that I wrecked by smoking "just a couple" then thinking I could smoke on nights out but before long was smoking more than ever :/

[nsd_user663_58787]

had an 18 month quit that I wrecked by smoking "just a couple" then thinking I could smoke on nights out but before long was smoking more than ever :/

Oh it's gutting to find out you spent all that time and energy to be back at square one. Still, lessons are learnt. Yes the patches are most definitely taking the edge off thank goodness.

Yes, I'm more determined than I've ever been Max.

I think the secret has been to find I quite loath smoking and I think most smokers do, just nicotine addiction tries to tell us otherwise. Don't get me wrong, with the sunshine out I have the odd 'boo hoo, I feel deprived' moment before I catch myself on and know that I'm deprived of nothing. I think of friends that have stopped in the past, or even people I've talked to that have stopped years and not one single one of them wished they were back to smoking.

[nsd_user663_52535]

What the others say! Not much to add except, please don't look too far ahead, baby steps!!

Fi x

[nsd_user663_58787]

What the others say! Not much to add except, please don't look too far ahead, baby steps!!

Fi x

I won't. Think that thought would overwhelm me. If I can just get through the day, or the next minute if necessary, that's the focus in my mind.

[nsd_user663_52535]

I won't. Think that thought would overwhelm me. If I can just get through the day, or the next minute if necessary, that's the focus in my mind.

Atta girl x