Start Day

[karenthill]

We'll, today is my quit say!  Last night before going to bed I soaked all remaining cigarettes (21/2 packs) in water, tore them to pieces and threw them, the ashtray and my lighter in the trash!  This morning I got up and took a shower immediately to wash the smoke off my body and out of my hair, then put a patch on. I'm washing the bedding and my clothes and I sprayed the apartment with essential oil room spray, even though I didn't smoke in the apartment. Some smoke came in through the open windows and patio door.  I quit cold turkey over 30 years ago, but couldn't seem to do it this time. Last time I was busy with kids to raise...now we're retired and don't /can't do a lot, so I get bored.  But I'm gonna do this, so wish me luck and/or pray for me!!

[notch9]

Congratulations on your decision to quit. Just take it one day at a time. You've been through this before. You can do it again.

[marciem]

Congratulations on taking your first (most difficult) step on your journey to complete smoke freedom!!

I won't wish you luck,  you don't need it.  Everything you need is within your control.  Attitude, determination, education... all are keys to the smoke-free kingdom.  Education about this addiction and what to expect and how to get beyond it... all are right here at EX.   Support helps too, and that's also what we're here for.  Anytime you're feeling weak or tired or stressed to the limit, be sure to come here and let us help you through it.  All those things pass, and you'll be happy to come out the other side without smoking!

I'm proud of you for trashing all your smoking materials!  That is really difficult for some new quitters.  They want that "just in case" backup which really isn't a good idea.  Be sure to check those 'hidden' places where cigarettes can pop out at you at inopportune moments (bottoms of old saved purses, jacket pockets, behind sofa cushions, back of 'junk drawers' etc.).

Keep reading and posting and grab hands at the Pledge thread too!  (I'm sorry, I'm not sure where to find it... I'm sure an elder will come along to point the way.  If they haven't yet, I'm sure one will be started for June 2019 soon!)

Edit:  I FOUND IT    ...Take the daily pledge 

[karenthill]

Thanks for the support! Everyone here has been very helpful so far! I

quit cold turkey before, but this time was much harder. So far this

morning I'm doing great! Not anxious or nervous at all.

I'm determined to do this!

[marciem]

karenthill ... There's absolutely nothing wrong with using "power tools", as I call it (using NRT, Chantix, Zyban), to build your smoke-free castle!  Don't let anyone make you feel bad about that.  The point is to get free of smoking by any means necessary, no matter what.

[karenthill]

Thank you for that!! Whatever it takes!!

On Sat, Jun 1, 2019 at 11:17 AM marciem <communityadmin@becomeanex.org>

[indingrl]

Yahoooooo GOOD FOR YOU!!!!

[Giulia]

Welcome to the beginning of the new you!  Water water water, drink lots of.  Will help flush those toxins out.  Write down a promise to yourself today.  Stick it up where you're eye will catch it.  Change it tomorrow with a new one.  Chin up!  And....

[YoungAtHeart]

You might spend a few minutes looking at the list of 101 things to do instead of smoke - if nothing on there works, it at least can help you to think of things you CAN do.  Boredom in the early days is the addiction's best friend.  Sipping from a bottle of cold water works, as does taking slow, deep breaths, going slower and deeper with each.  Some here have used Atomic Fireballs, or Sour Patch Kids to keep the mouth busy. 

You've made the decision - now stick to it!

Let us know if we ca help.

Nancy

[karenthill]

Thanks! I have a few things I can do, but I will take a look at the list

to see if there are others I can do.

On Sat, Jun 1, 2019 at 11:29 AM Youngatheart.7.4.12 <