back for the umpteenth time

[Suzinut]

I'm back again.  Quit date is Sunday, July 3, 2022.  I have just retired from teaching!  Ready to begin the next chapter of my life.  No more excuses.  I used the stress of my job as the reason for me to smoke.  I quit twice.  Once because of the desire to be healthy.  That lasted 3 months.  The second was for a health scare.  That lasted 50 days and when all was well, I said just a little longer-5 a day- and went back.  Now back to over a pack a day.  I have so many blessings in my life.  And I need to get healthy because of these blessings.  I see all the commercials and say I will quit before then.  Then I see they are ME.  I know this is going to be one of the hardest things I have to do.  Been there.  Gotta get through hell week and heck week....and I know for certain that it takes much more time than that to not only physically but more importantly PYSCHOLOGICALLY to get me through this and over this.  Both times I quit I said "just one"  when I thought I had it.....people told me that doesnt work.  I read it doesnt work.  But I knew better....NOT!  So here I am again.  55 years old...recently retired teacher....and a person who wants to enjoy her next chapter in life as healthy as I can be.....thanks for reading.  ANY OLD OR NEW ADVICE IS MORE THAN WELCOMED!  I know I am not alone in this battle....THANKS!

[sweetplt]

Glad you are getting back in the journey @Suzinut do the work and plan like no other…and no more excuses, just choices…

You can do this….Happy Friday ~ Colleen 1306 DOF 

[Barbscloud]

@Suzinut I'm sorry that smoking is the  reason that you're back, but I happy to hear you've made the commitment to make this your final quit.  I certainly remember you.  It will be a pleasant having your around again.

Go back to square one, read all the material again and have your plans in place.  The psychological part of quitting is definitely a challenge. Those memories last much longer and encompasses all aspects of our thoughts, emotions and activities.  But you can do it do by learning new behaviors.  This link will help to get you started again.

https://www.becomeanex.org/guides/?cid=footer_community_linktobex

Don't forget about taking the Daily Pledge to stay on track one day at a time.

We're still here for you, so reach out anytime we can help.  And remember to reach out before you smoke not when it's too late.  It works!

Look forward to celebrating with you on the the 3rd..

Big congrats on your retirement. This will be a great way to celebrate new beginnings.

Barb

[Cousin-Itt]

Glad you're back @Suzinut 

   My last 2 cigarettes were on the way to the ER.  My first 5 days at the hospital I don't remember I was on a ventilator. I decided to quit when I woke up tied to the hospital bed my wife and sons looking down at me.  All total I spent 2 weeks in hospital with Lung, heart, and kidney problems.   

  I knew nothing about sites like this for help I knew nothing about how to quit.   I just knew I wasn't going to smoke again. I promised myself that. 

  My advice is you need to dig deep. You have to make that promise to yourself.  Not like a New Year's Resolution but a true commitment to fighting with everything you have. 

My whole attitude was, come hell or high water I wasn't going to fail.  I wanted it and I was never going to smoke again 

  When I got home from the hospital physically, I wasn't able to do much. What helped me most in the beginning and still does is music.

Attitude   

[Daisy44]

Been there many times. I also recently retired and mentally have gone back thinking just one or just for this or that. I put a reminder in my phone for the reason I want to quit and the benefit, it automatically shows up every 3 hrs, the first week, I did it every hour and read it (the key).  I stole it off this site somewhere lol

“Once I quit using tobacco, I know I will feel better physically which will enable me to do more of the things I love. I will also feel better emotionally and psychologically, as it will be such a relief to put down that weight I carry around every day of acting in a way that goes against my values.”

working the plan right along side of you

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome!

Congratulations on your retirement!  It is the best, and even better as an ex-smoker. ! I don't know  how much you have read or remember, so I will provide my usual welcome information.

The most important thing  you can do to get ready to quit is to educate yourself on the addiction. Having a PLAN going forward will reduce the anxiety of quitting and increase your chances for success.   Get busy learning and preparing, and I think you may actually start to look forward to quitting.

The important thing you can do right now is to understand what nicotine does to your body and mind. To that end, I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.”    You can purchase a digital version online or borrow it at your local library.  Here is a video to inform you further about nicotine addiction: Nicotine and Your Brain

I quit almost ten years ago on my first and only attempt at it, and I base my overall recommendations on my experience and that of others over the years. if you decide to use a quit aid, I recommend those that don't let the addict control the dose such as Rx drugs and the patch. Each cigarette you smoked contained about 1 mg of nicotine. If you use more than one form of NRT, be sure you aren't getting more than when you smoked.

It will be informative if you do the tracking and separation exercises recommended here on the site. As you track each cigarette smoked, note its importance, and what you might do instead. Put each one off just a little to prove that you don't NEED a cigarette just because you think you do.

The idea is to change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced.  Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand in a place different from when you smoked. Maybe switch to tea for a bit.  If you always had that first smoke with your coffee, try putting your tennies on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN your coffee! .  Take a different route to work. Take a quick walk at break time where the smokers AREN'T.

You need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game.  Keep a cold bottle of water with you. Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. You might visit “Games”: The active ones are at the top of the list going down the left side of the page.

Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of smoke if you need some fresh ideas:

101 Things to Do Instead of Smoke - EX Community

The conversation in your head in response to the "I want a cigarette" thought needs to be, "Well, since I have decided not to do that anymore, what shall I do instead for the three minutes this crave will last?"  Then DO it.  You will need to put some effort into this in the early days, but it gets easier and easier to do.

You might want to join other site members by taking the daily pledge when you quit. IT helps to hold yourself accountable and also accountable to others here. Find it at Home (top left), then first blue box.

Stay close to us here and ask questions when you have them and for support when you need it. We will be with you every step of the way!

Nancy

[LucyLu_22]

@Suzinut - I firmly believe that you only fail if you quit trying.  I am impressed by the number of days/ months that you had on previous attempts.  I am sure you learned so much.  I appreciate you posting this because I got a lot from it and the responses.  Wishing you strength!

@Daisy44 - thank you for that, I copied it and put it as a reminder also.  Great idea!!

@Cousin-Itt - just wow!! What a story! Firms up my commitment! 

[tburton1004]

@Suzinut , good morning! Congratulations on retirement — what a great time to do this NEXT awesome thing for yourself and quit smoking!

I busted my previous quit on a “just one, I got this” bit of noodle-headedness. Since I started my current and last quit 46 days ago, NOPE is one of my go-tos so I don’t try to pull that stunt again. Now I get it. So that was a huge lesson.

I also paid more attention to my quit plan, especially digging more deeply into my triggers. That’s helped me to actually plan ahead when I know I’m going into something that may be triggering.

Most of all, I have spent WAY more time with the Ex community here. It’s part of my morning routine now to check in, read, write, and be inspired. Everyone has been so supportive and caring.

You’re absolutely right — you’re not alone! Let us know how you’re doing on the 3rd and going forward. You got this!

Cheers, Terry 

[Suzinut]

Thank you Terry!  I am so nervous, but i will come here often...thanks for all your advice...much appreciated!❤️

[Suzinut]

Thank you all for welcoming me back!  I am excited and scared for tomorrow.  I have been on this road for so many times and I want this to be my last time.  I want to join all you good people and be a helpful source to others.  I will be here often...and will be bitching.  lol!  But you all understand!  Love you all!