Hello, my name is Roisin, and today, I have not smoked for 1 Year, 12 Months, 52 Weeks, 8,760 Days, 525,600 Minutes and 31,536,000 Seconds...... I have re-gained 70 days life expectancy, saved €7,290 and resisted 9,115 cigarettes!
On Wednesday, 17 September 2015, in the early hours of the morning, I put out my last cigarette and never looked back. I did it cold turkey as I just wanted the dreadful poison out of my system as soon as possible so the abuse I done to my body would start to heal straight away.
Week 1 to 4 were by far the toughest physically as my body began its extensive healing process which it will continue to do for many years to come after 25 years of heavy smoking. I went through every emotion there is from crying, laughing uncontrollably over nothing, sadness, frustration, loneliness, despair, panic, fear and anger that I was flying around like a wasp ready to sting all around me!
Week 4 to 24 (6 month mark) was the toughest mentally, from 8 weeks, Mr Nico was sniffing around again, wanting me to take him back, I did think about it many times, had the paranoia that he was making feel that I had left it too late, the damage is done and why was a going through this pain and suffering and if I just gave him one more chance all would be well and that I would feel so much better. I remained strong and resisted the one night stand!
Week 28 to 84 (12 month mark) was the best part of my journey as I was clearly seeing the benefits of not taking Mr Nico back. I feel fantastic and am still noticing things I had not done so since I was a child. Everything tastes and smells so much better. I see nature in a new light, everything looks so much more beautiful smoke free. I have experienced and enjoyed so much better nights out, eating out, holidays abroad (comfortably able to pay for a 4 star holiday), not anxious where I will be able to smoke, improvement in my appearance, smell better, speak better, no embarrassing smokers cough but the main benefit for me is that I really feel I have become a better person. I now deal with stress so much calmly and have overcome many curve balls in the past 12 months. I have gained so much more confidence in myself - I truly believe if I was still smoking, I would not of had the courage to embark on my new journey. My goal now is to continue to get healthier and fitter.
I know I could not have got to my 12 month mark without this community. I really mean it and can’t reiterate enough how much of a support it has been for me.
So, nearly there with my rambling - I can’t finish without giving some special mentions of unforgettable gratitude to some people who greatly helped me reach this milestone:
Hercu and his wonderful inspirational quotes that got me through my journey. Nozmo for being quitting buddies with me and giving me many a laugh with his Geordie banter and humour (which I love) and always being there. Hidden for sharing the same great musical taste as me and always keeping me kicking. Tracey3 for introducing us to a remarkable, strong and caring woman who never gives up quitting and brings a smile to my face with heartfelt unintentionally funny posts.
FordyP for sharing his Irish connections and being one of the strongest quitters here (I will always remember your post during your ski trip where you sat on the slope reflecting just maybe a week into your quit).
The rest I will just name as I have gone on enough but anyone not mentioned I hope to see each and everyone in our community at the Penthouse Party Saturday night! (Music by Nozmo, Drinks by Hercu and Buffet by Roisin!) So thank you for the support from Trem , Linda545 , mushen Lucy1255 Ruthess28 , Madzoya car-d , Putter Harkut ToniR and runmeg .
Will leave ye with this song that has been ringing in my head from I woke up...
Huge CONGRATULATIONS, RoisinO1 . Wow, you made it to the Penthouse. I can 'see' you and Hercu sitting there putting the World to rights. Well done you.
Yes, I'm still here, though not as healthy as I would like, at the moment. I have been lurking but wasn't in the frame of mind to be able to help anyone else.
Today is not only my 100 days smoke free but also my birthday. As you know, it's not easy but fear has kept me on track. I can't count the number of times that I could have killed for a cigarette. Every day, at some point. Even right now. But I won't.
Hello to all my old friends. I read that some of you had hiccups but doing well now. Nozmo and Lizzie. Well done. You're doing great. I'll keep watching you. X
Trasha! Great to know that you're still here....and doing so well!
Congratulations on reaching 100 days and happy birthday too. You're a dark horse, lurking away there as you do. Over the next couple of months it should get easier. I found that after three months the cravings really dropped off, though of course I still got them now and then (still do)
Hope the health issues aren't too bad, you feel better soon...and you pop in more often! It's nice to hear from you.
RoisinO1Administrator3 Years Smoke Free• in reply toTrasha
Ah Trasha I am delighted to read an update from you on my 1 year milestone, thank you so much for the message.
When doing up the badges and seen you were 100 days and that it was your birthday I was really hoping you were around and then I seen this message.
Huge congratulations to you on 100 days, that is fantastic. Sorry to read about your ill health, hopefully you make a full and speedy recovery which will be much more achievable smoke free
Enjoy your party. You have been a true inspiration to me in my quit and I'm trying my best to follow your lead! I truly hope you understand the huge impact you have had on me. Congratulations and have a blast tonight. Hopefully the music by Nozmo 🎤🎸🎺 will be better than the poetry😳.... Lol
Oh Nozmo , please don't be offended. It's RoisinO1 big day and I just want everything to be perfect for her☺️
I'm sure you'll sound might fine on the guitar tho💋❤️
RoisinO1Administrator3 Years Smoke Free• in reply toPutter
Thanks Wanda for your lovely post. Nozmo is actually our very own rock star, heard him playing the best cover I have heard of "Whiskey in the Jar" by Thin Lizzy a few months back...
Whew😅 That was me trying to be funny. Glad it worked this time, I'm not always that lucky. My sense of humour (as you might figure) gets me into some trouble at times😉)
You must have been a heavy smoker! When you see the stats of how many cigs you have not smoked - I'm picturing that amount and almost feeling sick!
You are a fab administrator here and a great help to others even when we fall off the wagon.
Well done. I hope you have a special reward planned for yourself.
RoisinO1Administrator3 Years Smoke Free• in reply tocar-d
Thanks car-d, shamefully I was a very heavy smoker prior to quitting as was in a bad place at the time and really relied on smoking as thought it helped me. What a fool I was but all in the past now
Huge congratulations Roisin, enjoy the celebrations, like Putter please know how much of a help you have been to me in my quit, I know I am still early days in my quit but you seem to take us all under your wing and help even if we fall, thank you so much, see ya for an auld céili later on, hope Nozmo you know some?
RoisinO1Administrator3 Years Smoke Free• in reply to
Thanks Hidden , 1 year does feel fantastic alright.
I'm having a much needed quiet weekend as has been hectic since I finished up work with something on every weekend, between birthdays, all Ireland Hurling final (won a radio competition for the match and a 2 night stay in the Croke Park hotel), our 10 year wedding anniversary last weekend.
Practicing our first assignment of making bread and scones today! If they turn out well, I will post pictures, ye will be my judges / tutors!!!
Hey Lucy1255 see post I created last weekend,changing the picture as I go along, you missed the Irish Soda Bread, Plain Scones and now have the omelette up. Done a farmhouse white loaf last night that I will put up this evening
Wow Roisin, congrats!! Should have been with you celebrating in the penthouse but you're support and advice got me back on the horse, thank you so much. Enjoy the party
1 Year Roisin, congratulations! I don't post often but I do check in every day. You are such a motivator and have a positive attitude here and is a great trait to have in your cooking which I hope is going well for you?
Congratualtions Roisin on your 1 year milestone. You're a star and such a huge influence and motivator for me and the forum, I thank you for that, enjoy the celebrations!!
It is knowing about somebody else's journey and that it can be done that provides others with the impetus to carry on or even to try in the first place.
I should also like to add that the way you look after this group really is brilliant. All the little things you do make a difference (birthdays\Friday Newsflash \pinned posts and so on). These things bring the group alive so you should be congratulated for this also. Take it from me, your hard work and attention to detail do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.
I think you have done a brilliant job of all of it.
Move on up to the Penthouse.
Go girl!! 😃😃😃
RoisinO1Administrator3 Years Smoke Free• in reply tomushen
Thank you for the lovely response mushen , it is much appreciated. You have been one of my great supporters and there for me when needed especially during my hubby's gall bladder op earlier on in the year.... your advice was spot on
To all
what a great set of reply's.fantastic
RoisinO1 is our shinning star.we will always be looking up.
lets all hope we will all be here to celebrate 1 year.
all take care 😊
keep kicking 😎
RoisinO1Administrator3 Years Smoke Free• in reply to
Like so many have already said you are an inspiration to all of us. An amazing administrator that lifts us up even when I'm sure you could use some lifting yourself. Enjoy your celebration! ❤️
Awesome Roisin! Your recap of experiences within time periods is very insightful. Thank you for sharing and congratz again !
RoisinO1Administrator3 Years Smoke Free• in reply to
Huge congratulations. And a big thank you for all that you do on this forum. I don't post much but log in virtually every day. I just passed the 1 year mark earlier this month and the forum keeps me on the right path! Well done yo. 🏆🏆
Good to read Rebecca2015 and congratulations you too on the 1 Year milestone, it feels great! When you can, share your experiences as members love to read about them especially from long term quitters, thanks for the lovely reply
Oh Roisin, I wish I'd looked in yesterday so I could have replied then but better late than never.
Many, many congratulations to you for your massive achievement. I never doubted for one minute that you wouldn't succeed because you handled your quit so positively right from the very start and throughout your entire no smoking journey.
I'm so pleased to read your post and wish you all the very best, especially with your new career move.
Linda x
ps I'm still here and almost 3 months back into my quit after my last little hiccup - still kicking myself for that when I think about it but at least I'm not smoking now and that's the main thing.
pps By the way, I think you are doing a marvellous job on here as well. No stopping you now and that's for sure. x
Thank you so much Linda545 for the post and your kind words, Its great to hear from you and that you are going strong....
Course is going grand, still baby steps for the first few weeks, its fairly full on days and don't seem to have as much time to be on here until the evenings.
Aww wow you did it (I never doubted you) so proud of you, you helped me so much I can't wait to have 1 year under my belt since congratulations again💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
Congratulations - sorry I wasn't around at your 12 month milestone I was otherwise engaged enjoying my smoke free lifestyle thanks to your support and encouragement I am now getting closer to 300 days of freedom xx
RoisinO1Administrator3 Years Smoke Free• in reply torunmeg
Your grand runmeg , great to read an update from you and wow, you will be with me in the penthouse in no time
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
1 Month quit on my cold turkey journey....
At Peace - Will I ever get there?