First Blog

[dina-haines]

I quit about 16 weeks ago. In the begining it was easy for me. I felt like I was proving to everyone I could do it. There was wind in my sails and steam in my engine. After 16 weeks however, the novelty has kinda worn off. Its no longer "news", and even though I was quitting for me it was easier when people made notice of it and it was topic of discussion.

Also its a strange feeling because I kinda feel like, "what now?" What do I do now when I used to be having that cigarette. Like after a huge meal? Or driving in the car? Or after the first drink at the bar? Or after sex? There were so many specific times that a cigarette was appropriate, that now often I feel kind of lost. I dont know what to do.

Anyone else feel this way

[chris-s]

It's a bit depressing knowing that we'll get the urge every now and then to smoke, even though it may come years after our quit date.

But hell, all you have to do is check the pictures of people with lung cancer or oral diseases and you'll realize that you made the right choice.

I have quit for 4 Days, 22 hours, 17 minutes and 19 seconds (4 days). I have saved $20.44 by not smoking 98 cigarettes. I have saved 8 hours and 10 minutes of my life. My Quit Date was 5/9/2008 5:25 PM

[eileen2]

Hi Dina- I know exactly what you mean. Every part of me says no to a cigarette except my mind- I guess that's the habit/addiction part. Have you tried some of the techniques given on this site for specific triggers?

[eileen2]

Another thing to keep telling yourself is that you are continuing to CHOOSE not to smoke. After all, if we are totally miserable we can choose to start again. What I found out is that when I started again, it didn't really solve the problems that were encouraging me to smoke like boredom, relaxing, stress, etc. All it did was fill time. It helps me to procrastinate about things I would like to do but don't get started at- Also remember that quitting smoking does nothing for your life except make you a non-smoker. All of our other problems remain. There are tons of messed up, unhealthy non-smokers on the planet. Quitting smoking was a great life move on your part- now plan and DO more great life moves and the "empty" time you used for smoking won't seem "empty"- Do something you've always wanted to do. Surely you must have said "when I quit smoking I'm gonna___________." about a million times. I know I have. Now's the time to begin to turn those dreams into reality. If you read my profile, you'll know I've been down this road a few times and here I am at 54 trying to quit "again" I wish so much I hadn't restarted those times I quit. Good Luck to you!

[cindy25]

Here is my 2 cents. I think its interesting that you said "There were so many specific times that a cigarette was appropriate". I TOTALLY know what you mean....but really, a cigarette IS NEVER APPROPRIATE! Maybe if you examine what you feel is missing ( not just the cigarette), you won't feel lost....boredom, uncomfortable being still and quiet, need a reward after everything, etc.

[dina-haines]

Thank you everyone for all of you great ideas and thoughts. I am still going strong!