Going to do it this time

[fionaB49]

Hi

Another newbie here. Have just started on day 1 yet again. Stopped in January for 6 months and fell off the wagon about 3 weeks ago. Can't tell you how disgusted I am with myself. Am going cold turkey again this time. Wish me luck! Any tips most welcome, especially those that will help me stay off the ****** things for good.

[nsd_user663_62463]

Hi Fiona

Firstly, welcome and congratulations on taking the best decision ever in quitting.

Don't punish yourself too bad for your last quit, 6 months was quite some achievement - many people take a couple of attempts to quit.

I am only in my 4th week, so by no means an expert. However, I find drinking lots of water, plenty of exercise and reading Allen Carrs easy way book has helped me loads

This forum is great, lots of really nice people to offer support, advice & tips.

Looking forward to your posts

Andy

[NicFirth 10 Years Smoke Free]

The way to stay off them for good is to change the way you think about smoking.

If you see quitting as a sacrifice, depriving yourself of one of life's great pleasures then at some point you will have a sod it moment and spark up.

If however you look on quitting as a positive process regaining health, wealth and control then its an easier ride.

Recognise that its an addiction mixed in with conditioned behaviour i.e. every time you were in a certain situation you smoked so to be in that situation without smoking it feels weird.

Understand that the pleasure derived from smoking was that head spin which you had when you started but which stopped as soon as you were dependent. After that the only "pleasure" is the relief you get from the carvings smoking causes i.e. it causes the pain that you relieve by smoking. I liken it to the pleasure you get when you've been bursting for pee and finally have one. Who would deliberately put themselves in that position to get that relief?

Basically you have to learn to live life as a non smoker, having spent the majority of our adult lives as smokers its an alien concept but life without the smokes is a lot easier and less stressful so a lot more enjoyable as a result, honest.

All the best

Nic

[nsd_user663_2681]

Hi Fiona, I am in no position to give advice as I am still trying to find my quit, I just wanted to welcome you to the forum it's a great place, lovely people and lots of advice and support xxx

[nsd_user663_57407]

Hi Fiona I have quit so many times and have slipped up before with my quit now I have trained my mind to know just one fag does count 6 months is brilliant don't worry you will be fine well done on stopping again everyone on here is brilliant really helped me through the first weeks good luck x

[fionaB49]

Thanks everyone. Been not bad today, except for the after tea fag. Missed that one. Got an app counter thingy which is keeping track of how much money I am saving etc.

I have also quit many many times before but am now at the age (47) where I think I wont get away with it for much longer.

Scary stuff- anyway thanks again

[nsd_user663_60655]

Hi FionaB

I haven't read all the posts, but I am certain we are all rooting that you grow a spine (not meant offensively) and get through the initial weeks. It is not easy - in my regard it wasn't anyway (smoked for over 40 years and smoked over 40 fags a day and enjoyed them all!), but that you have determinedly decided to stop, then stick to it. If you romantically think of smoking (ie not appreciating the harm), there is NEVER a good time - so useless thinking there is a good/right time. You need to stop because deep down you know there is nothing good about smoking. Everyone that is rooting you on has been through this agony and can appreciate your pain. So now believe in your strength, your determination that THIS time it THE TIME.... you shall prevail.

God bless you. Best of luck

Firefly

[nsd_user663_60964]

Welcome Fiona

Very wise words from Firefly there. You & I are in a similar boat actually- I was 49 when I quit and like you, had increasingly been worrying about how long I was going to get away with it. I hadn't made a serious quit attempt previously so it was all or nothing as far as I was concerned. For me, the inspiration (other than all the obvious things such as health and saving money) was not wanting to be still smoking when I hit 50 (and, indeed, I was able to celebrate my 6 months quit a litte over a week before the big day which made me very happy indeed :D) so perhaps you could have a similar goal in mind to focus on when you hit those inevitable difficult moments. If you managed 6 months recently, you know you can do it (and I am sure you will).

Anyway, you'll be on Day Two by the time you read this and well & truly back on the road to freedom.

[nsd_user663_62294]

Hello Fiona, welcome and good luck with your quit. You can do it

[Rex1000]

Don't leave it to late

Hi Fiona have you tried breathing through a oxygen mask while gasping for breath ? I have it's terrible, and why would I do such a thing? Because of the damage smoking has done to my lungs! I no longer smoke but I think I left it to late the damage has been done, but by no longer smoking it will help quite a lot and it will extend my life a little I was not alone in the ward 8 men who had smoked were all wired up with tubes going everywhere so my advice if you feel like smoking go to your nearest hospital and take a look at the people who were dying for a smoke.