🏅📆Missed my 2 and a half years milestone....📆🏅

[RoisinO1]

which was last Saturday, St Patrick's Day, but was away and only thought of it now ☘

I have been remembering back to reaching my 6 month milestone and how it was such a huge target for me to reach (think I drove ye all mad with my impatience to get there Nozmo & Hercu ), it seemed so far away from I put out my last cigarette on 17 September 2015 and now I am 920 days smoke free today!

I never thought I would last a day never mind all these days that have passed by. I was smoking VERY heavy prior to stopping so I truly believe and promise, once you set your mind to stopping, no matter how tough it may get and how impossible it may seem, it will get better and easier to reach such a remarkable life changing achievement 💪🚭✴

[lagatachocolate 2 Years Smoke Free]

Congratulations my lovely 🥂🎊

[Jwk1962 1 Year Smoke Free]

That's super RoisinO1, you are a real success story...🚭🔡 Jeff ..... Cold Turkey .... On your terms

[Exsmo]

Mazel tov! Didn’t realize our quit dates were so close to same day(2yrs apart). Good to know you may have driven some nuts too like i feel I must have you! Thanks for every help.

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

Must be something about September Stoppers Hope you are keeping well Exsmo ??

[Exsmo in reply to RoisinO1]

It got cold again here so am ok. Got a taste of warm weather & old smoking & landscape days when warm scare. Its going to be a challenge til its not ,anymore i guess. Not looking forward to craving again. Have started a walk & swim in mornings & hoping to lose some & be able to afford this. We shall see. Hava friend from recovery group going w me in mornings.

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

Good to read Exsmo and that things have settled down and improving for you, not long now to the biggie

[Exsmo in reply to RoisinO1]

Yes!!!! Funny day after is 26weeks so that kinda figures at 6&1/2 months according to weeks. Still am holding out til 30th to say 6months & allow myself an “exhale” ( from movie, “waiting to exhale” ) Can you say when and how lomg it usually takes someone to lose their quit weight? Have gained 40lbs now! Hair is falling out too though so am sure it’s part of thyroid issues Dr needs to figure out. Will my metabolism go back to normal at 6months or is it always going to be affected by my having smoked?

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

Hey Exsmo , everyone is different to the weight gain and really depends on the individual when they start themselves to get any weight gained off, for my hubby, it was about a year and a half from he stopped that he lost the weight and his metabolism settled down but like I said, everyone is different. Alot of it, I personally think is getting into bad eating habits when we stop, so start maybe working on that and getting out of the bad habits without necessarily dieting and putting undue pressure on yourself and your journey, with spring/summer coming, it will be easier to do to get more exercise in

[Exsmo in reply to RoisinO1]

Will do. Thanks for advice. Am exercising & stuffing my face too! Need to get that in check. As i busy for high holy day meals and intense cleaning am surprised pleasantly that am not wantung a cig reward more! Was worried about this trigger and so far so good! This is finally getting so much easier! Am keeping defenses up though. Congrats again. Am sooo glad you got admin of year. Says even more about you bc we are a smaller group. Very proud o ye.

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

Whohoo 6 months today Exsmo - get that massive milestone achieved post up!!

I did promise ya things would get easier, you fought hard to get this far and will be no time before you are joining us in the penthouse. I'm proud of YOU!!

[Exsmo in reply to RoisinO1]

RoisinO1 you & i would be fast friends forever if we lived close. You have inspired, encouraged. Uplifted me when i was soooo down & never thought i could make it! Just had Passover Seder with a true dream of a man and hit my 6month all in one day. Am exhausted and so very happy. Thank you for being you and as it’s said ...may God bless and keep you. May He make His face to shine on you and give you peace.

You my friend are an exceptional woman and I don’t think I could’ve made it here without you. I will forever be indebted to one of the kindest most patient hearts for strangers ive ever known. Thanks. I feel a bit proud today & it feels GREAT!!!! Now to make it to the penthouse. Luv how you keep a goal going. You Rock lady! Am sure you WIL have a special place in heaven a loooong long long time from now.

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

Ah thank you Exsmo for your kind and lovely words. You should feel VERY proud, you achieved this 6 month milestone, we just helped you along a bit

[nettynoono Valued Contributor]

Well done Roisin😁😁 it's amazing how important these badges are to us all, I remember feeling so proud every time I got a new one and I think at one point I was getting ahead of myself when trying to be ever so patient!! I think (hope) I will be getting a shiny new 2 year badge next month!! Sooòooo exciting!!! X

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

Thanks Netty Have extra shiny 2 year badges especially for you next month!!

[Hidden]

That’s so awesome Roisin and you are doing faboulous what a great inspiration you are to all of us ! 😘

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

Thanks Karina, likewise to yourself to our members here

[Exsmo in reply to Hidden]

Ditto

[Hercu Valued Contributor]

Roisin...I am hounoured to have walk this path with you and Nozmo...We were there for each other, each on their own method of quitting but with the same state of mind....Thank you for a wonderful journey so far and thank you in advance for the miles to come.....

Huge congrtats ...soon it is 1000 days and then 3 years....and so on and so on....Yes in the beginning we all wished for fast forward buttons but luckly there was no such a thing otherwise we wouldn't understood the suffering and hardness of the new quitters..and that is what we are here for, to support and understand...

Once again Roisin..well done and thank you for the enourmes and excellent work on administrating this forum..!

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

As always Hercu, thanks for your heartfelt and kind words

[Exsmo in reply to RoisinO1]

You, Nozmo and Hercu are a fabulous team. Many of us woukd not still be here w/out y’all. Thank you!

[Nozmo Valued Contributor in reply to Exsmo]

Thank you Hercu and Exsmo! Sorry I haven't been around for a while, looks like I've missed a lot!

Congratulations on half a year Exsmo...HALF A YEAR! Brilliant achievement. You really living up to your name.

[Exsmo in reply to Nozmo]

Thank you thank you... am taking a bow and revelling in this- for JUST a moment- half a year does sound pretty awesome!! Aaaaaaaaw did it! Ok now onto new goal. 1year...got to make it through the warm weather craves. So used to chain smoking while landscaping (just didnt go out in sept/oct to quit so it will be a new challenge). SO GRATEFUL to know y’all are gonna be here when they hit! Thanks for

All your encouragement. HALF A YEAR! Seems impossible still...its really true

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

I promise Exsmo - the next 6 months will really fly by......as long as you are mentally prepared for potential curve balls, it will be a lot easier to deal with them.....

[Exsmo in reply to RoisinO1]

Thanks RoisinO1 have to admit am terrified to try landscaping backyard. Feels like first quit (maybe bc its what i did when first quit & now weather is same as then?) plus i have some really bad neighbors and can’t move. They are seriously bad (criminal actually). That helpless feeling, re them and getting backyard done, had me stumped and not wanting to go out adding to depression and weight. Am a bit sick

Today so it may be contributing to bad/hopeless mood.

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

Exsmo - my granny who passed away back in 2009 and who I loved so dearly and think about every day, always said to me, never loose hope, it will always get you through anything and has been my motto in life, I know at times, things do seem hopeless but the sun always comes out eventually

Are your neighbours tenants or own the property, if tenants they will eventually move on due to not paying their rent - I know from experience in our area over the years, we had our fair share of unpleasant neighbours but only lasted a couple of months. I understand that this can bring you down but try not to let them make uneasy in your own home. When the weather improves, maybe get some help with the landscaping from family or friends so at least you won't feel alone.

Our weather here is still bitterly cold - expected to reach -5 tonight But, there is good news, suppose to have a mini heatwave at the weekend and temperatures to sour from 15 to 20 degrees, what is going on in the world!!!

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

Hope you ok Exsmo ?

[Exsmo in reply to RoisinO1]

Weather is odd here too! Drove home in blizzard last Saturday now it’s spring like. We are getting another storm. CraY weather. Thanks for your Granny’s advice and i will adk help im yard. That should be a huge improvement! Hope someone will want to Thanks for caring. Gifts come In funny packages. Was a bit worried as it gets warm about those craves... well I probably have bronchitis right now. Miserable as i may be i KNOW i will be sooo thankful for clear breathing g when this is over it will help banish ANY/ALL

Craves. Feels like someone beat up my ribs. Cigs being gone 6months am hoping this will heal

Faster than normal

[Exsmo in reply to Exsmo]

Am LOVING being able to say ciga gone 6 months ❣️ I quit for 6 months! Can hardly believe it. Makes it even better learning your wuit was sept too! How does 2.5 years feel RoisinO1 ?

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

At over to 2 and a half years smoke free, it is now part of my life as an ex smoker, feels like I never smoked, but still comes into my head now and again but able to just shrug it off immediately. I do now appreciate life, food, nature and not wasting money on buying cigarettes but I still get all the feelings of being down in the dumps occasionally, illnesses, life's curve balls and stressors that a non smoker gets and as times passes by smoke free, I can deal with all of them so much better, which you will too

[Putter 1000 Days Smoke Free]

Such an inspiration ❤️ Congratulations on another huge milestone 🎉

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

Thanks Wanda, hope you are keeping well?

[Putter 1000 Days Smoke Free in reply to RoisinO1]

Yes RoisinO1 I am very well. Almost 2 years smoke free, I’ve shed a few pounds and have started a new job. I’m happy 😊

Wanda

xo

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

Ah congrats on the new job and shedding the few pounds Wanda, well done!

[Chinnup 1 Year Smoke Free]

Congratulations on a huge achievement

[Jared01 Valued Contributor]

Huge congrats Roisin, you are such an inspiration, well done!

[taurean7 2 Years Smoke Free]

Many congrats Roisin, on your 2 and a half year milestone, and on your admin award. Enjoy!!!

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to taurean7]

Thanks taurean7 , hope you are keeping well?

[Lanark Valued Contributor]

You do not need those milestones now. Earlier on when you were starting down the road those milestones (a week, a fortnight, a month even a year) were important. Those milestones and waymarkers kept your eyes on the route you were travelling.

You have just told yourself that you no longer need them.

You are completely sure of your path now, the road can rise, fall, get muddy, rough, unpaved and downright disappear... but there is no doubt you know the path you are on.

Wonderful. Stay true and love life.

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

Thanks Lanark as always for your wise words Hope you are keeping well?

[Lanark Valued Contributor in reply to RoisinO1]

Struggling through Roisin. Months of repeated respiratory infections due to reduced lung capacity due to my Scoliosis. Kicking through though. When the snow stops I'm going fishing. Plump the cushions for me - this old soldier could do with some comfort!

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

I hear ya about the snow, sooooo sick of winter at this stage and still no sign of spring/summer coming yet here in Ireland, given a very cold week and we are in April, seasons so messed up and to make matters worse I am not working at the moment so making winter even longer, hopefully we both get some fine weather very soon and shake off these blues

[Nozmo Valued Contributor]

AAAAAAAAAARGGGHH. Sorry Roisin I've been off here for a while and I don't get notifications so I missed your milestone.

Huge congratulations on two and a half years! I echo the sentiments here - you've been a big inspiration to hundreds on this forum and I'm glad you finally got some physical recognition with the "Admin of the year" award.

It doesn't seem like that long ago since we were struggling along on the old forum does it? Tempus fugit...as we always say in South Shields

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

You're grand Nozmo - thanks for your kinds words as usual, hope all is well and you and family had a nice Easter?

[Nozmo Valued Contributor in reply to RoisinO1]

We did thanks, despite the rotten weather!

[Cashierlady]

Roison, it's so hard to picture you going through the same issues and craves and crazy and seeing how you are always so warm to everybody and consistently checking in. So proud for you to knwo how far you have come. A big congratulations to you indeed

[Telboy61 4 Years Smoke Free]

Hey you yes you girl welldone what a inspiration to others Roisin01 congratulations for being there for others and for hitting your goals 👍fab work keep at it 😎

[RoisinO1 Administrator 3 Years Smoke Free in reply to Telboy61]

Hey Telboy61 good to hear from you and thanks for your kind words, hope you are keeping well?

[Telboy61 4 Years Smoke Free]

All good thanks Roisin01 just popping on the site from time to time looking at some of the great comments 👍I'm still hard at my gym workouts , but hurt my foot playing football and being in goal so decided to kick the post instead of the ball 😭😭😭so had to lay off the runs 😭but the good news is I'm still smoke freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee I'm heading to 2 years on the 1st of July yayyy 💪all the best to you , your doing a FAB job X I'll catch up again soon take care x