1yr

[nsd_user663_54029]

Hi just a quick post to say I after over 20 years of heavy smoking I gave up cold turkey on the 4th of December 2012. Over the last year I have relapsed a few times, but saw it for what it was i.e. a relapse and never smoked again the next day and made sure there was plenty of water went under the bridge between relapses and now I feel great. I haven't bought any cigs or tobacco since I gave up and don't envisage ever doing so again. It has been without doubt the most difficult thing I have ever done however. I say done, but I don't think I will ever be "done" and it remains something that I have to choose not to do.

For anyone reading who's still struggling it gets much better. It really does. I remember reading this a few months in and thinking "yeah whatever it must have been easier for you than it is for me" but it was very hard but if you push through and realise time goes quicker than you think (although it doesn't feel like it at the time). It is a marathon not a sprint as others have said, and you need to think about it as a long term lifestyle change, not a "not have a fag for 3 weeks and that's it" type senario. I wish it was. For me for instance I have also gave up drinking as it was that which was causing the relapses. It might not be forever, or it might. But right now I feel confident as an ex smoker when sober. And I like being an ex smoker.

Best thing I ever did for myself and really happy with where I am. Still vigilant but smoking isn't something I think a lot about now, and it used to rule my life. Yes I miss it from time to time but it's no big deal. I wish everyone the very best of luck and hope you too find some way to stick it out. It's was all about endurance for me.

Thanks for reading and good luck.

Gladi8or

[nsd_user663_2681]

Well done to you! As a serial quitter ( this is going to be my forever quit) your post is totally inspirational to me as it will be to others I'm sure, I will refer back to this when I am having a sh1t day so thank you very much, and well done again xx

[nsd_user663_53658]

Gladi8tor!!!

I've often wondered how you were getting on and, to be honest, I assumed that you had gone back to smoking.

I'm so pleased for you that you haven't, congratulations mate. It shows true commitment to have quit the pop to help you sustain this quit and stop the relapses as well. You have my respect for stopping the rot.

So huge congrats to you and please pop back to let us know how you're getting on a little more often that once a year

Molly x

[nsd_user663_61136]

That's a good post - realistic. It's alright to admit we miss it sometimes.

[nsd_user663_61153]

Hi just a quick post to say I after over 20 years of heavy smoking I gave up cold turkey on the 4th of December 2012. Over the last year I have relapsed a few times, but saw it for what it was i.e. a relapse and never smoked again the next day and made sure there was plenty of water went under the bridge between relapses and now I feel great. I haven't bought any cigs or tobacco since I gave up and don't envisage ever doing so again. It has been without doubt the most difficult thing I have ever done however. I say done, but I don't think I will ever be "done" and it remains something that I have to choose not to do.

For anyone reading who's still struggling it gets much better. It really does. I remember reading this a few months in and thinking "yeah whatever it must have been easier for you than it is for me" but it was very hard but if you push through and realise time goes quicker than you think (although it doesn't feel like it at the time). It is a marathon not a sprint as others have said, and you need to think about it as a long term lifestyle change, not a "not have a fag for 3 weeks and that's it" type senario. I wish it was. For me for instance I have also gave up drinking as it was that which was causing the relapses. It might not be forever, or it might. But right now I feel confident as an ex smoker when sober. And I like being an ex smoker.

Best thing I ever did for myself and really happy with where I am. Still vigilant but smoking isn't something I think a lot about now, and it used to rule my life. Yes I miss it from time to time but it's no big deal. I wish everyone the very best of luck and hope you too find some way to stick it out. It's was all about endurance for me.

Thanks for reading and good luck.

Gladi8or

Fantastic, many congratulations on your year quit.

All the very best of luck for your second year

[nsd_user663_54029]

This forum was a great source of encouragement and wisdom last year. I didn't post much but I was checking back often. Many thanks to all who take the time to share and offer encouragement. It really helps I can vouch for that. It's really good to know you are not alone and you can do it. And you can. And it's more than worth it. I'm not prone to elaborate prose and talk of rainbows and unicorns but it really is great to feel free and in control. It was rough for a time but now I've never been happier. Thanks everyone

[NicFirth 10 Years Smoke Free]

Its not a good thing stumbling but the important thing is making sure it doesn't take hold again and its amazing how fast it can!

Well done, for hanging in there :cool:

[nsd_user663_51052]

So how long ago did you quit drinking?