Hello!

[Laureenc]

I'm exactly seven days in now. Single, broke mom and full time student. 34. It's hard at times because I am so isolated by my situation and smoking was the only thing that kept me from realizing how alone I am. I love my little girl and I did it for her as well as myself. Staying positive most days, but stress keeps mounting. I know smoking wouldn't help. Just feeling the withdrawals and the loss.... but I don't forget the gains!

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free]

Huge welcome Laureenc to our community and congratulations on 1 week smoke free, that is great Really admire your story and I can promise you that you'll never regret this and will make you so much stronger to deal with life curve balls smoke free.

I stopped smoking over 2 years ago cold turkey as knew they were slowly killing me, I had to do it even though I was brain washed into thinking smoking was getting me through a very dark place in my life at the time, but I was pleasantly surprised how strong and able to deal with life's pressures so much better smoke free and gained so much confidence in myself, as I was made redundant in August 2016 and working in an office job for 20 years, was devastated when it happened, but turned it around and went down a completely new career path and followed my dreams and passion for cooking. I went back to college as a mature student (42) to do a Professional Cookery course, it was the best 9 months I experienced since I was a teenager and like stopping smoking, wish I done it sooner.

I hope you get the same and achieve your dreams and a healthier, happier life for you and your daughter. The feeling of loss and the withdrawals are perfectly normal, grieve the loss, it will pass in a few days, be kind to yourself, nice bath, paint your nails, watch a good comedy and lots of girly nights with your daughter with her new freshly smelling Mam

Stay close to us and we look forward to reading your progress. Below is a link to some pinned posts worth a read if not already done so:

healthunlocked.com/nosmokin...

[Laureenc 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Congrats on two years and taking on a cookery course. As a mature student myself it's always good to know it's better to be late than not at all. Thank you for your kindness it does mean a lot. And I'm glad you still stick it out here after two years, to remind those like me to keep fighting. Thank you.

[laura6 1 Year Smoke Free]

Good evening. First off be proud of what you have achieved so far in your life. I know life might seem tough now but by giving up smoking you are saving money and an inspiration to your little girl.

Im a few days behind you and have been smoking about 32 years it is hard. Im taking some herbal Kalms they have a calming effect. Bottled water the suckie type and cough sweets , they give some heat to the back of your throat abit like that hit you get when you smoke. Read up and try and things that would work for you for distraction.

Join forums play games on your phone. Keep your mind busy.

[Laureenc 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to laura6]

Hey, glad you're here too! Def take your suggestions. Hope symptoms aren't so bad for you?

[laura6 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to Laureenc]

Im using Champix so it does take the edge off quitting. However it can have side effects one being having the weirdest of dreams which are so vivid. It does make you feel abit sicky hr after taking but its bearable.

[Laureenc 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to laura6]

I've not been nicotine free, I'm on the patch myself. I did try chantix before with bad effects, sorry about the sickly feeling. I know we are in for it soon with the detox but I'm hopeful it will get better. Congrats on taking a step!

[Hercu Valued Contributor]

Laureen....Lovely , fantastic positive post and it seems that you understand the following quote perfectly

“You need to spend time crawling alone through shadows to truly appreciate what it is to stand in the sun.”

― Shaun Hick

You wiil be in the light soon just keep on with your positive thinking ....!! (Never forget the gains ..it is huge !!!!)

[Laureenc 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to Hercu]

Thank you and thank you again for that beautiful quote. I'm going to keep that one handy and jot it down. It's so inspiring to see people still here on this site with two years in. I'm very excited to continue this journey, just don't want to fall victim to my self pitying over other factors in my life. Thank you and have a great day.

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to Laureenc]

Hows things today Laureenc ?

[Laureenc 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Today's a better day, so far any cravings that have come up I remind myself why I quit. It's almost finals week and that was always a good excuse to chain smoke. So far, I keep reading everyone's posts both new and old daily, sometimes hourly, and it helps. I hope today is a good day for you? Thanks for the support I can't tell you how much it really means to me. Thank you.

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to Laureenc]

Miserable day here in Ireland weather wise, bitterly cold and misty rain the whole day, winter seems to have officially arrived, other than that, I'm grand thanks.

Best of luck with your finals, bet you will do better in them smoke free

PS This community was my savior in the early days too and still is in fact

[Laureenc 1 Year Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Ugh, sorry about the dreary weather, but glad it hasn't gotten you down. 👍