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Member Comments
By jklinenyc on November 7, 2009 at 11:57 AM
i started taking Chantix. I took it for a week total but stopped smoking after 3 days.
By Geemage on November 5, 2009 at 09:15 AM
I was a heavy marijuana smoker (college student) with some occasional cigarettes socially. It got incredibly out of hand. Quit that habit now, time for some healthy choices and changing my life.
By tdisom on November 5, 2009 at 11:03 AM
You said some key words, "Choices and Changing." The word choice, to me defines the word change. In order to change any thing, it must be a choice to do so. If you have truly made the choice to change, the changing will be easy. Good luck and best wishes.
By Geemage on November 6, 2009 at 12:22 PM
Thanks Tracey, I did genuinely make the choice this time! I haven't had any cravings. The problem was that it would be a combination with tobacco, intensifying that desire. So far so good, and I'm keeping up!
By angelovearth on November 7, 2009 at 10:10 AM
I was like you geemage. Did both for a long time. One sort of went with the other. It's sooo much better not to inhale ANYTHING. I love breathing deeply! I love my new lifestyle. I thought it would be difficult to live in reality, but it's actually quite...inspiring. All the best to you.
By mellask on November 6, 2009 at 05:25 AM
11 days! - I have made it into the double digits. No turning back now. You cant have just one, that's why they don't sell them individually. I'm thankful I'm not around anyone that smokes. I have no one to bum just one from.
By tdisom on November 6, 2009 at 08:57 AM
You go girl!!!!!!! Time flies when you are having fun and not smoke. I'm so proud of you. You hung in there like a champ, and stood strong til the end. Way to go, You there's no turning back, no need to. Others smokers don't trigger me anymore. The smell of smoke makes me sick to my stomach, literally, and make me cough up motor oil. So any intention I may have had to bum one goes right away. LOL. Also it's makes me sad because I know what they are going through, what they think, and how they act about smoking and there is nothing I can do about it. I'm Glad you made it, I knew you would because you were so determined. Good luck and best wishes.
By angelovearth on November 7, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Oh boy, I remember the days when they did sell them individually. As usual, I was trying to quit, so instead of buying a whole pack for $4, I'd buy them individually for like .50 cents a piece. :( THAT was expensive. I finally saw the flaw in this and went back to buying the pack...hahaha (where was the flaw in THAT? HAHAHA)
You're right, one leads to two, two leads to four, and so it goes. Never take another puff! Great job on coming this far! Put your blinders on and look only straight ahead. No detours, no turning back. You're a non-smoker now.
By Templetree on November 7, 2009 at 05:09 AM
Hey everybody, I almost forgot to update you about my friend's B-day party recently. A lot of people smoked and my husband informed everybody in advance that I quit smoking (I didn't know about that), so only one person offered me a smoke, but I easily declined and didn't have any problems at all. It was a great party and I had lots of fun - smoke free! Yeah!
Thanks for all your encouragement, had to think of you guys, when i declined the cigarette, you're all so sweet!
By tdisom on November 7, 2009 at 07:05 AM
Sweeet!!!!!! Glad to hear that. Declining a cig will get even easier, now that you know you'll be fine if you do. Good luck and best wishes.
By angelovearth on November 7, 2009 at 10:01 AM
Awesome! Home free! I do the same thing. If ever I have the slightest urge to smoke I think of you guys here. I want to encourage, not disappoint.
By tdisom on November 7, 2009 at 08:22 AM
Officially, One Month Today!!!!!
By angelovearth on November 7, 2009 at 09:59 AM
That. is. great!!! No looking back now...
By Anonymous on November 6, 2009 at 03:41 PM
I am 50 days smoke-free today. according to quitnow.ca I have saved some odd $200. I hang out with smokers all day and never have the desire to have a puff. Healthy living is key.
By tdisom on November 6, 2009 at 06:30 PM
Good for you!!!! 50 days is a ways away for me but I'm patient. Glad to see that you are doing so well. If you have any links or advice that could help someone please post it. Good luck and best wishes.
By bonjohen on November 6, 2009 at 04:55 PM
Went out drinking with a friend last night. I've intentionally NOT done this because it is SO HARD to resist smoking when I am out. It's been an emotionally draining week, but I'm happy to say I didn't break -- 45 days so far.
Keep it up folks :)
By tdisom on November 6, 2009 at 06:22 PM
I know what you mean. It used to bother me too, until I went out and didn't drink a couple of times. I watched everyone and how much they smoked when they drank. It was disturbing. I saw three people go through two packs. They were outside more than inside. Since then it doesn't bother me anymore. You are the MAN, 45 days. I'm right behind you. I'm confident your gonna stay smoke free. I know you don't want to go back to day 1 again. Good luck and best wishes.
By lynder on November 6, 2009 at 05:58 PM
well, i "quit" on 28 oct...but last fri found 3 cigs in a drawer..smoked 1 and crushed the other 2...so i guess it has been one week today that i have not had any cigs
By tdisom on November 6, 2009 at 06:18 PM
Don't beat yourself up about that, it's water under the bridge now. Don't let that get you down or make you think you are a smoker again. That only means you chose to have a smoke and chose to crush the other two. A smoker would have smoked all of them. Figure out what to do/try next time. Trust me, there will more times like that. Be prepared. You are on the right track, keep it up. We are all rooting for you. Good luck and best wishes.
By bexgothope on November 6, 2009 at 10:25 AM
i have 37 days without smoking!
By tdisom on November 6, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Good for you! I can imagine how much better life is for you. Good luck and best wishes.
By jemmina777 on November 6, 2009 at 05:08 AM
Met my goal yesterday! A bit worried about today though as i got up pretty early and smoked more than what i'd planned to! Well, I can't live in fear, Make a decision and stick with it. I honor myself but honoring and sticking with the commitement I've made to myself! Constant improvement is the rule of the day! :)
By BrunoD77 on November 6, 2009 at 05:27 AM
Stay strong! you can do it!
By tdisom on November 6, 2009 at 09:10 AM
Well thats what happen sometimes. It's no different than smoking two right before you pull in to work, because you don't know when your gonna get a chance to smoke again. You are trying to Quit. While addicted your body wont let you quit. However, it will let you choose. Choose to not smoke "first" then quit. I don't use the word quit, I use the word "CHOOSE." Once my choices about smoking are where I want them, then I will quit. You are not afraid to choose not to smoke until you choose to smoke again. You are in fear of quitting because quitting is permanent. Don't beat your self up about that/those extra ciggs, it happens. Figure out a new plan, figure out why. Conquer those and you'll make it. Good luck and best wishes.
By BrunoD77 on November 4, 2009 at 08:08 AM
Only 5 more days to go from STEP 1 to STEP 2 on the patch! - I did cheat a little this month, but I am determined to stay smoke free for the rest of my life! With your support, I know I can do it! Thank you all!
By angelovearth on November 4, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Stay determined. If I can, you can!
By tdisom on November 4, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Hi BrunoD77,
You didn't cheat, you simply chose to smoke a few times, your not a criminal. Just figure out why you keep making that choice and be ready for it the next time. Please be carefull because you will end smoking the whole time on the patch and thats not good for your "Heart." You can do this man. I can hear your determination, just turn up the proactivity and you'll be home free. Good luck and best wishes.
By BrunoD77 on November 6, 2009 at 05:32 AM
Thanks angelovearth and tdisorn for your support and suggestions. I will bring a few patches to work - so that if I forget to apply them at home, I have a plan B to follow.
I find that patches do help out, but the "mental" part of it is something I really need to work on.
I want to try again tomorrow because I feel I have overcome the "habit" of it.
By tdisom on November 6, 2009 at 05:57 AM
Thats the best attitude, keep trying. Don't give up. When one way doesn't work try another way. Try watching people that smoke from a far, or a youtube video, and evaluate the entire smoking process. It's so un-natural. Go out to a smoking area when there is no one there. It's the filthiest place around. Ashes and butts everywhere, among other things. I give "you" not even a week to be smoke free. You are knocking at the door. Keep super busy this weekend, weekends are your bigest enemy, when not "WELL" planned. Good luck and best wishes.
By jablw75 on November 5, 2009 at 09:07 AM
I haven't made it one evening without partaking in my "ten minute brake". I never really thought about it being harmful to the kids if they breath it off my cloths. Is it harmfull to them if they smell it on me? I read to my daughter after my cig. break, she always says "you stink!" and makes a BIG production about holding her breath before she gives me a good night kiss!! I've been on my jog this morning and i AM NOT going to smoke this evening. kiss kiss :)
By tdisom on November 5, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Good for you. I haven't seen anthing in writting that says it harmfull when kids smell smoke on you. However, lets assume that it is rather than its not. I hate to be the barer of bad news but your daughter is right, (We do stink when we smoke, you'll see.) Kids do things for a reason. They know smoking is dangerous for anyone, including and especially MOM. The BIG production is her way of saying, Mom please stop I Love you. So after your jog and not smoking tomorrow, give her all the smokefree kiss she handle and see if she holds her breath. When she doesn't that should motivate you for years. Good luck and best wishes.
By Templetree on November 6, 2009 at 04:34 AM
Even I don't know if it is bad to smell smoke on clothes, but I think what might be bad for the kids is that their brains will have the imprint of smoke smell when they grow up and that in turn could establish "familiarity" in their subconscious which might make them smokers easier later in life than children, who have never ever been directly exposed to all the aspects of smoking. Both my parents were chain smokers, I hated it when i was a kid. My mother used to smoke throughout her pregnancy (with me), in those days smoking was totally "OK", imagine. My mother quit smoking after 40 years, my father still smokes and had already 3 bypasses and still smokes along with obesity and a bad lifestyle... I remember I used to throw up all the time in the car when we were traveling because my parents were chain smoking in the car, too. that's where I got my travel sickness from. But still - I started smoking myself one day and it was so easy, never felt funny after the first drag etc...probably my body just "remembered" what used to accompany my whole childhood.
By tdisom on November 6, 2009 at 05:46 AM
Great point templtree. I think if I had coughed up a lung on the first puff, I wonldn't be a smoker today. My entire family smoked at one point, so like you said, it probably softened them up for that blow and the first puff went down like I had smoke all my life.
By tdisom on November 4, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Today is Day 28!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!!!! I can't remember the number of days anymore, so many go by before I realize I have lost count. Now I have to add up from my stop date. I have never been so proud of forgetting something. Today, was one for the books. No urges how ever I did miss the smoke deck crew. So, I went out and said hi. They were at awwwww! "You quit, they asked?" I said, "No, I have just chosen not to smoke for a while. I'm not getting any younger and the cigarettes aren't getting any healthier. I did the math and here I am, Smoke Free." I feel so much better, stronger, and fit it's rediculous. If you are on the fence about stopping, look no further, I am all the proof you need to just go for it.
By angelovearth on November 4, 2009 at 05:16 PM
I'm REALLY proud of you Tracey! You are a great inspiration to me and to everyone here, I'm sure. It's true, every day we get stronger and farther away from the bad thing we used to do. You should treat yourself to something special for getting this far and for everyone you've helped. You deserve it!
By doniu on November 4, 2009 at 07:30 PM
Congrats! There will come a day when you forget that you ever smoked. =]
By Dare2Live13 on November 4, 2009 at 07:31 PM
Congrats Tracey and keep it up!!!
I'm still counting the days but hope to get to the point when I can have a day without cravings so I don't have to count that day.
For anyone who's interested, the benefits of Bikram yoga have really helped me this time around with cold turkey. I also believe that the excessive sweating has helped push the nicotine and other toxins out of my body much faster. It forces me to drink A LOT of water.
By Templetree on November 6, 2009 at 04:46 AM
Awesome feeling, isn't it? And you know another good thing? Next time you will be saying "I stopped smoking so and so many MONTHS ago" instead of days, and then it will be years and finally it doesn't really matter anymore, cos it's just too long ago! Congrats - You rock!!!!
By tdisom on November 6, 2009 at 05:37 AM
Thank you all so much. You all have also been an inspiration to me as well. So many people, relentless at trying to acheive the same goal, is so heart warming. You can't help but be inspired by that. Yes it is an awwwwwsome feeling. It is a feeling that is hard to decribe. Anyone who thinks smoking is in anyway a stress reliever, relaxer, or a great way to pass time, do some research and find out what it really is. I was thinking last night about how much better I feel now and realized I was just feeling worse because of the smokes. This is how normal feels. I won't sit and pretend that this was a piece of cake or say I never think about choosing to smoke again, because I do, it's not that often, but I do. However, I wished I had never taken that first puff. Now I get my wish because no matter what I won't ever "Choose" to smoke again. You all are such wonderful people and I am so glad we met. And as usual, Good luck and best wishes.
By Anonymous on November 4, 2009 at 05:39 PM
Day 2 - A few urges but feel kinda blue, dieting and no smokes is hard but I'm doing it. It will be worth it to just get where I want to be strong and healthy. What will I do with all that mental energy that I have spent on 'need to quit smoking and lose weight? There is no telling what I can do!
.
By tdisom on November 5, 2009 at 08:00 AM
Well that's the right spirit, "Just keep doing it." It's hard and it comes with some inconveinences but the payback is a 1000 times fold. Now is the time to plan what to do with that new energy you are gaining. Believe it or not we called it an urge, but it is energy you didn't have 2 days ago and when you did have any extra energy you used it to go smoke. Now use it for something else. Plan, Plan, Plan. Plan what to do when your energy is up and stay a step ahead of the game. You are in the home stretch and in first place. Now is the time to give it all you've got and don't look back. You can do it. I believe in you, Now YOU believe in YOU and I'll see you at the finish line. Good luck and best wishes.
By Templetree on November 6, 2009 at 04:42 AM
I have the same fears. Don't diet too hard, it will deplete your body of the very precious serotonin resources, and you need every bit of it now. Instead, up your cardio workout to counter the lowered metabolism and it's also great to lift your mood! Just determined walking on the treadmill everyday is good. Don't underestimate the strength you need (mental) to quit smoking, a harsh diet will be too hard on you. Don't punish your body and mind when you need all the strength to stay focused! Good luck!
By louwho30 on November 5, 2009 at 09:07 AM
It's been FIVE weeks and 2 days since I last smoked. I quit cold turkey. I am so proud of myself and don't ever want to look back. I feel stronger. I have more energy. I'm even back to losing weight!! I'm like a new person!!
I don't want to completely candy coat my struggles, there have been times where it has been torture not smoking, but I try to think about how I am going to feel AFTER if I do. And I know I wouldn't feel that great about myself.
By Geemage on November 5, 2009 at 09:17 AM
Congratulations! I personally LOVE the clarity feeling I've started to get. Just makes you feel great about yourself and life!
By tdisom on November 5, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Congrats, glad you made it. I am equally as proud of you. What you have accomplished is not an easy thing to do and everyone who chooses not to smoke should be extremley proud of themselves and what they've acomplished. Stay strong and continue the things that work for you. Good luck and best wishes.
By Templetree on November 6, 2009 at 04:37 AM
Hey, I also stopped 5 weeks and 5 days ago! Yeah! And I couldn't agree more, but the bad times don't matter compared to all the great things. And the longer we don't smoke, the longer the "great things list" gets!!! ')
By john_donut on November 5, 2009 at 04:45 PM
I just keep saying to myself "I don't have to smoke anymore." And I don't. Four days, no smokes.
By cchism on November 5, 2009 at 07:29 PM
Good for you! You can do it. That tobacco demon is toast!
By Templetree on November 6, 2009 at 04:27 AM
Yes, it's great! You are free and no nicotine demon rules your life, your thoughts and your micro scheduling anymore. Keep going!
By cchism on November 5, 2009 at 07:28 PM
I don't even really think about smoking anymore and my husband still smokes. He only smokes outside and not much but even when I smell it, I don't want it. Those few moments when I was tempted like when we were out with friends all sitting around drinking, one friend on my left smoking, my hubby on my right, smoking and another friend across from me, also smoking, of course, we were outside, I tho't about it for a minute but then I remembered how my lungs would feel after a night out smoking and drinking, how tight they were and hard it was to breath, that urge just went right away! So stay strong, and take deep deep breaths, feels good, doesn't it?!
By CANatural on November 5, 2009 at 09:26 AM
Hey tdison,
Thank you for the words of encouragement. You are right, the cigarette and the cocktail allows me time to just sit and relax and do nothing. I did not have a cocktail yesterday but I did have one cigarette. The time change helps because it's dark now after work and not as appealing to sit on the patio. I'm determined to give up the habit. Maybe by the time Spring rolls around again I can sit on the patio and never even think of lighting up a cigarette!
By tdisom on November 5, 2009 at 10:53 AM
CANatural,
You are so welcome. I was at that point once before and encouragement was all I need to at least keep trying. So, I have all the encouragement you can handle (Lol). Don't worry about having the cigarette, if you weren't trying not smoke, you would have smoked it anyway and maybe even more. Just try to figure out what you could have done different to strengthen your will to "CHOOSE" not to smoke. Try this, if you can, download/record the mp3s in the resource page to a Mp3 player/CD. Listen to it on your patio rather than smoke. Read quit smoking literature, brochures, or books. I re-associated my smoking with anti smoking activities. For instance, I'd go out to my car sometimes and smoke before. Instead I'd go out and listen to my Mp3 CD. At home I'd go outside to smoke, instead I'd out and read a handout about what smoking does to your body. Everywhere smoking was considered an enjoyment for me, I did something that told me the truth about smoking. Stay positive and keep trying, your time will come. You CAN do it. Plan for every urge. Good luck and best wishes.
By tdisom on November 5, 2009 at 06:53 AM
Talking About It Helps
When I first started the dare I was amazed at how many people were members. I was afraid to share anything because of who might see what I wrote. I finally decided that not smoking anymore was more important than anything, anyone could say or do to me.
It wasn't until I read my own first serious post that I realized, I had no idea about what I was going through as a smoker. Each post I wrote and read, recorded everything I needed to know to combat urges and it fueled my ambition to make a better choice concerning smoking.
Each time I figured out something that worked for me, I came back to share with everyone in hopes of making Day 1-3 for someone easier than it was for me. Imagine if we all did that. There would be (6425) ways to not smoke.
If I had never opened up and wrote something, I could possibly still be smoking today. A long story short, if you've tried everything and nothing seems to work, try writing about what you are going through and reading it. You'll be surprised what you don't know about yourself and what you do know about yourself but choose to ignore.
Lets talk and Share ideas with each other so we can all make better decisions concerning smoking.
By Holly28205 on November 4, 2009 at 06:01 PM
My stop date was Oct 31st, 2009, I am very excited about finally quitting! I know the journey is just beginning. I smoked for 18 years (1/2 pack to 1 pack a day). I used a self hypnosis program that I downloaded to my iphone and it is working! My nicotine cravings are now changing to exercise cravings! Best of luck to everyone as we go through this journey!
By Dare2Live13 on November 4, 2009 at 07:32 PM
Hey Holly, I just quit myself on November 1. Which self hypnosis program are you using? I'd love to download that to my iPhone and incorporate it into my quitting efforts. I'll do anything and everything to keep me from doing this one thing. Smoking.
By tdisom on November 5, 2009 at 06:15 AM
Could you both give the link to Self Hypnosis downloads for everyone to use. It could help someone get over the hump.