The 2nd May, one month, four weeks, one day and eighteen hours ago I stopped smoking.
According to my health software thing I have gained two days and eight hours of extra life.
I keep telling myself the craving will pass. It does, then you do the same each time. The cravings do get less in number. Lately, I am having really strong cravings, the closest I have been to starting again. The one thing that helps me stay on track is the memory of a young man I worked with shortly after I stopped. The sound of this younger man's cough (brought on by smoking) was horrible and reminds me of the time I used to cough. My cough would start when I breathed in deeply, when I laughed for instance. It was embarrassing, and I couldn't speak. The man is twenty years younger than me, and I am now much fitter than him. Since the day I stopped, I can take a deep and sharp lovely breath of air whenever I feel like it without the slightest hint of a cough. I get the aches and pains which come with aging, but I think they are easier to cope with because I don't smoke. When you get a craving, take in a deep breath and remember you might not be able to do that if you start again.
6 Replies
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Hey John, congratulation on 2 months! Great job! You know, your recent cravings could just be down to it being your quitaversary - I always got craves when I reached a milestone - all the way up to 12 months but easily batted away at that point. I can't remember, are you cold turkey? If so, now in to your 3rd month, all those extra receptors in the brain that got switched on by nicotine are rapidly declining and your addiction is making a last effort to get you back hooked. Don't fall for it! Keep remembering how much better you feel. Congrats again
That is wonderful. Although my heart hurts for that young man you speak of , we probably all have at least one of those young people in our lives to maybe look at and remember some of out reasons for quitting. I wish you strength to get through those wicked cravings and enjoy those big deep breaths:)🤗
Hey John, I am really delighted to read an update from you and that you are still going strong, well done! As you approach your huge milestone of 3 months you are almost over the final stage of the icky threes as your brain continues to re-wire. Hang in there, it will get easier when you get over this final stage, I promise
Oh, I,m so liking your post, not least because, it truly helps, when when we realise the damage we are doing to our bodies. For that we have to be very greatful.
Welcome John...In a direct translation.."You talk my tale"...Means your story is the same that I experienced...The age pains is there because getting old is not for sissies but since I stopped I can keep up with younger guys and sometimes surprise them..
I am very cross with myself and should have stopped 39 years ago..
Well done and hope the younger quitters read your post and take to heart..!!
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Busting Nicotine cravings.
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