First Mother’s Day as a non smoker

[4real73]

Today sucks. Don’t know why. Had that little voice in my head saying ‘it’s mother’s day, treat yourself, go buy a pack’. Why is staying on course such a continual mind f$@/k. Even with the patch and my cinnamon toothpicks,,, I miss smoking. Makes zero sense to miss something that was killing me, taking time away from my family & costing a fortune. Still,, today is rough. Glad I have my family around to keep me on point. 

[Jennifer-Quit]

Well Congratulations!  Holidays are tough - but you need to get though however you can.  Your profile does not give us much information about you or your quit.  How long since you had a smoke? Tell us a little about yourself.  Best wishes to you!

[4real73]

Thank you for asking! Sorry, was a moment of just unleashing,,

ive smoked for close to 30 years ( quit while pregnant then right back to it). 

I started acupuncture @ 10 days ago - but 24 hrs after I was out buying a pack. 

Moved on to Alan carrs book ‘easy way to quit smoking ‘. I was inspired & confident! Less than 30 hrs later I bought another pack.     ‍♀️

So I’ve developed a trend of lasting a day - smoking - quitting ( over & over).

So today I started the patch & hoping this one sticks. It has to. 

Maybe im more stressed because I’m finally believing that I really will stick it out this time! Only 12 hrs in,, but it’s a start ! 

[Jennifer-Quit]

We all started with the first hour and built on it.  Plan some activities to do instead of smoking - read  a book, take a walk, dance to some good music, take a bubble bath, paint a picture, clean house, etc.  Wishing you all the best!

[crazymama_Lori]

I don't know if you've completed Smoking Trigger Tracker Tool | Guides & Tools | BecomeAnEX , but that's a must do.  then visit Newbie Quitters‌ and read some there and also Best of EX‌.  Therein contains some very useful and timeless knowledge saved to share with those that are serious about quitting smoking and also understanding how nicotine works inside our brains and bodies, How Nicotine Addiction takes over (and what to do about it!) .  Your strongest asset and best helper to quitting is between your ears.  You have to come to grips of I'm quitting once and for all.  Be sure to use the search feature on the right-hand side of your screen to find answers to questions you may have along the way.  I can guarantee you that at some point or another someone at sometime has or had the same feelings you are questioning.  We're just a bunch of former smokers helping other smokers quit and stay quit !!!! 

[4real73]

I should mention I have a fractured heel & cant put any weight on it,, so I can’t walk, run,, but I also can’t drive to the store to get more!! 

[4real73]

I haven’t - but will now ! Thank you!! 

[crazymama_Lori]

I think the light came on for me after about a few months after being quit and noticed I never filled in anything for "what I will do to separate or plan to do or whatever it says.  that's where the behavior modification comes in.  you choose what you think will work for you for each of your triggers.  Choose something different for each one.  and trust me, it works.  Before too long, you're going to be reaching for a stick of gum automatically after each meal if that's what you chose for that certain trigger.

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Welcome to EX.  You have come to the right place for a new day and a rebirth. The idea is to start at the beginning by making a commitment that no matter what happens or goes on in your life that you will not use it as an EXcuse to smoke.  With that philosophy, you will have success on this journey.  No, it is not easy but it is doable by using that principle and educating yourself about nicotine addiction.   If you hang around you will see that quitting is doable, because many of us have.  Look forward to a new day and a new way of life.  It is all up to you.  This is all about you and what you are willing to do to be smoke-free. Quitting smoking requires hard work and determination not to give up.   It can be challenging at times but you will learn that it is doable if you adhere to NOPE not one puff ever no matter what. Start first, by educating yourself about nicotine addiction.  Education is the key to a successful quit.  Read: Freedom from Nicotine My Journey Home and Nicotine Addiction 101         

[MichelleDiane]

Hi 4real73.  Congratulations on your decision.  I am on the patch and chew on spearmint gum.  But there have been times when the urge is strong.  I try to breathe through it and say this too shall pass.  It always does, but it is frustrating to have them.  I am learning to acknowledge them and then let them go.  Keep at it.  After a few days you will be more and more determined not to go back to day one.  

[4real73]

Thank you ! How long have you been on the patch?? I’m actually considering adding nicotine gum to the patch- but I’ve heard that’s just as addictive. 

Family just took me out for some fro yo so that helped!! 

[Sootie]

Holidays are tough.......and that "feeling" that you deserve a "Reward" is so common (CRAZY but common). Sounds like you are in the early days of your quit? Just hang in. The first weeks are hard but they ARE DOABLE----look at all of us. We did it and we are no different from you.

Stay strong

[MichelleDiane]

I used the patch for my quit before this, but after I was done I made a bone headed choice and started smoking.  After two weeks of smoking I put the patch back on.  I am on 14mg now and will be decreasing to 7mg in another 2 days.  I never wanted to use the nicotine gum.  I like chewing sugar free spearmint gum.  For me the patch is very good.  I have been able to work on the other psychological part, so I can be ready for when I am nicotine free.  Take it one day at a time and know that every minute without a cigarette adds a minute to your life.  It's worth it and so are you

[4real73]

Thank you so much for taking the time to share. Truthfully my biggest challenge is being home bound from a fractured heel so the boredom is my trigger. Hoping as soon as I can return to walking again, I’ll be outside with my kids, dogs & more distractions from the constant voices!! 

Thank you all. I can count this day as a success thanks to you all!! 

[Lisaml]

Hello and welcome!;-)  

the reward Center of my brain also feels very neglected at times. I have thrown a few “fits” over that exact feeling. Boredom was/is a huge trigger for me as well. There is a good acronym; HALT - hungry, angry, lonely, tired. 

Most of those triggers are “mine” and recognizing them is half the battle. 

Theres such a huge psychological component, I believe. Once you get past the initial physical withdrawal, it’s really just a mind game. And you CAN come out victorious!;-);-) 

[elvan]

Welcome to EX...it WILL get easier the more days of freedom that you add.  There will be many firsts...yikes a broken heel has to be painful.

Best,

Ellen

[Giulia]

Welcome!

If you're bored, then you need to figure out how not to be.  If you want a cigarette then you have to figure out how to distract that craving thought.  That's your homework on here.  There are many blogs and many suggestions on what to do to get through cravings.  https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex/blog/2008/05/03/things-to-do-instead-of-smoking   All the tools you need are right here.    But you have to spend the time  and do the research. https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex  is a great place for education.

There are days that are gonna suck.  There may be quite a few in a row that suck.  So?  What?  So what?  That's life happening.  You have a choice as to how you deal with that suckiness.  Stay true to the best of you, or give in to the weakest part of you.  YOU are in control.  Unless you want the easy way out, which is to just stick another cigarette in your mouth along with another excuse and another Day One.  

"Makes zero sense to miss something that was killing me,"  Sense has nothing to do with addiction.  That's why it's called an addiction.  However EDUCATION changes our senses, and support lets us know we're not alone. 

You're not alone.  We're on your team.  In all stages of the journey.  Please listen to what we have to say and take what you like and just leave the rest.  

Really sorry about your fractured heel.  Time to learn to stand on your head!  I'm making light of it only because that's another important tool that we need to bring up from the depths of us.  Humor under duress.  Humor takes us out of ourselves for a brief moment and enables a different perspective.  And that different perspective is a life saver.  Or really-  a quit saver.

[Barbscloud]

Welcome to the Ex.  I've been using the nicotrol inhaler.  I'm on day 62 and hardly use it at all now.  Stay close to this site and reach out for help when you need it.   The folks on this site will help you get through the rough times-it's worked for me when I needed it.  If your not doing so, take the daily pledge.  I really helps me get through one day at a time.