It starts today

[nsd_user663_61953]

Here I am. Ready to start from the bottom. Been up for a few hours now and already I feel like something isn't quite right. I'm going to try and keep myself as busy as possible today and power through. Looking for some support and being supportive to others who are starting today. Anyone looking for a quit buddy?

[nsd_user663_61793]

Yes! I started today too... Although, my day is almost over.... But can I still be your quit buddy?

[nsd_user663_61953]

Hi Hootabelle, that would be great. I just think it gives me someone to be accountable to when temptation sets in.

[nsd_user663_61793]

Definitely! We can do this together

[nsd_user663_59644]

Hi, great to have you with us, and best decision ever to quit.

Yes it's such a shock to out body's when mr NICO is no longer wanted. It plays havoc with our minds,

But you can do this!!!

Please post and read often, think everyone on the forum benefits big time, as we all support each other.

Good luck,:)

[nsd_user663_61953]

Thanks for the advice tractorgirl

[nsd_user663_61320]

Welcome bigfella

Fantastic decision to quit and you've come to the right place. Are you going cold turkey or using nicotine replacement?

[nsd_user663_61953]

I'm going cold turkey, for better or worse.

[nsd_user663_61320]

Loads of people have quit that way on here. It's definitely the quickest way to get everything out of your system. Hope today goes well for you.

[nsd_user663_2681]

Good luck to you Fella I will be right there with you come 11ish tonight x

[nsd_user663_61953]

Reached half way mark of today.

Feeling very positive but having occasional short intense cravings.

[nsd_user663_60964]

Hi Bigfella,

A big welcome to the forum from me too.

So glad that you and Hoot have teamed up. It really does help, I think, to have a quit buddy or three. I do admire you going CT as I know I couldn't have made it through those early weeks without a little help. It does get you down the road more quickly though, so all power to you for going for it.

As TG and Tracey have said, distract yourself as much as possible and do whatever it takes not to smoke. Ice-cold water really does help and some people swear by frozen grapes. Sugar-free gum is good and I found the more active I was the better things were (exercise releases the same feel-good chemicals as nicotine did with the added advantage of being somewhat better for you. :D) If it really gets too much have a bath or go to bed.

Keep posting, keep reading and here's to your success. I think you and Hoots are both going to make it.

[nsd_user663_61728]

Welcome to the forum, as everyone else has said post and read as much as you need to, it helps us all. I don't think I could have come this far without the support of the lovely people here so you're in the right place.

I wish you the best of luck with your quit x

[nsd_user663_60655]

You can do it!

Good you know it is not going to be easy........ because it isn't! You were addicted to the cancer sticks after all. Get into the mindset. I don't know if you do any exercise. Start something, it really helps (I walk the socks off my dog). I found an exercise rather than 'a hobby' because it follows that after having exercised, it would almost be criminal to light up. On that point, you have to admit there is nothing in their favour. So if you remain smoke-free, it is win win for you.

You will have your highs and lows. But you will congratulate yourself that you got through another hour, another day, another week........

I am still in the beginning (past the 5 month mark) and am looking forward to a time that I don't think of them constantly - this in spite of having such resolve.

Believe in yourself. Be strong and very best of luck. And same goes for Hootabelle!

Firefly

[nsd_user663_61953]

Hi Firefly, thanks for the advice.

Can't believe you have been quit for 5 months and still think about them constantly. I find that a rather daunting prospect.

[nsd_user663_61573]

Hiya BigFella everyone is different mate, I've been quit for six weeks now

and I don't think about them that often. I do sometimes get a crave but easily batted away. Like others have said keeping busy is the key in the early stages and just keep reminding yourself why you want to quit, there is absolutely nothing positive you can take from smoking..so don't do it! Best of luck with your quit.

[nsd_user663_61250]

Hi Firefly, thanks for the advice.

Can't believe you have been quit for 5 months and still think about them constantly. I find that a rather daunting prospect.

Hi thebigfella,

Welcome to the forum

As MartyH stated - everyone is different.

I'm also past the 5 month stage but no longer crave or even want to smoke.

Don't let comments like that put you off - each to their own and we have to respect their point of view.

My father-in-law was an ex-smoker and he always said he still fancied a cigarette after 20 years.

Now that innocent comment put me off trying to stop for years - as I always thought - what's the point?

Also took years for me to realise that I'm quitting for myself and no-one else

[nsd_user663_60655]

As Finally! said, each to their own. Don't let what I said scare you.

I live in a country where attitude to smoking is a tad lax (suffice to say smoking still goes on where I work). I probably think of them out of habit as well. I really do not want to smoke again. And just because I think of them, doesn't equate to wanting to light up.

At the end of the day, you just have to turn the thoughts into positives because you walked away from the addiction....... YOU PREVAILED.

Hang in there and 'bestest' of luck.

[nsd_user663_61793]

Don't think about 5 months down the track, mate. Remember; One day at a time.

"I will not smoke TODAY"

[nsd_user663_52101]

Welcome bigfella

Keep reading and posting that seems to help in the early days

And expect the bad days with the really bad days:)and take it all a day at a time.....you can do this,you just have to believe it

Anyone just stopping I downloaded my last cigarette app and found that a great help to see how your doing on a daily basis.