Forums / My journey / Reaching out

Reaching out

31 posts, 0 answered
  1. Val H
    Val H avatar
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    23 Apr 2019
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    I haven’t been able to put a quit together for more than a couple of days since my last post on here. So I’m back again and reaching out for support. I plan to quit smoking tomorrow morning. I really want to make it work this time.

    I want to quit smoking because:
    1. I want to be free from this terrible addiction. I want to free my mind and time from the constant cycle. 
    2. I want to feel better about myself, not ashamed of my habit or my smell. 
    3. I want to be healthy and not inhale toxic chemicals into my lungs. 
    4. I want to live each day fully for as long as I can. 
    5. I want to enjoy my time with my grandson and other loved ones.

    So tomorrow is the day I start my journey of recovery. I plan to go cold turkey this time but have the patch handy if that isn’t working. 

    quitfriend
  2. turningpoint
    turningpoint avatar
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    23 Apr 2019
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    I hear you quitfriend.  efreemans's post gave me a lot to think about.  He said (increased) maturity, self-respect, and accountability were factors in his success at quitting smoking.

    I firmly believe that my only hope for a better future is to remain permanently a non-smoker.

    I can't do it alone.

  3. sarah, quit coach
    sarah, quit coach avatar
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    23 Apr 2019
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    Congrats on coming back to quitting, quitfriend!
    And writing down your reasons for quitting is incredibly powerful & valuable ....and brave. Thank you so much for sharing, and we appreciate your openness.
    Will be thinking of you tomorrow, and please drop in here if you feel like you need a listening ear or someone to cheer you on.
    Warmly
    Sarah
  4. efreeman75
    efreeman75 avatar
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    24 Apr 2019
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    Hi there quitfriend.

    Glad you're here and reaching out.  Your reasons to quit are quite compelling.  And there are many reasons not listed just waiting for you to discover.

    Remember the reasons you are quitting, and do not give in.  I promise you it gets easier.  Be proud of every smoking urge you crush. 

    You are not alone, and no one gets left behind.  We're all here rooting for you.
  5. Val H
    Val H avatar
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    Thank you all for your replies. They are really appreciated.

    This morning I had to destroy the last few cigarettes in the house after not being able to resist them. While I destroyed them I repeated my reasons for quitting. I feel good about giving myself an improved chance of success but I also feel a little anxious. I just said goodbye to what I have known for the most part of 30+ years. I need to remember that I just have to do this one day or even one hour at a time. 
  6. efreeman75
    efreeman75 avatar
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    25 Apr 2019
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    Hi quitfriend.

    How courageous of you to destroy your last remaining cigarettes and rid yourself of that temptation.  It's the dawn of a new lifestyle.  New things can be scary, but it can also be incredibly exciting.  Keep looking forward, ever anticipating each and every new experience as a non-smoker.
  7. Val H
    Val H avatar
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    Thank you efreeman for the inspiration. Yesterday was full of anxiety and cravings for me. I gave in to the urges once my husband got home with his cigarettes. I am such an addict. Today I decided that I needed to start again but this time put the patch on. I feel much better and I feel hopeful. I also picked up some vitamin d and yogurt which is suppose to help with anxiety and now I am off to get some exercise. 
  8. merline, quit coach
    merline, quit coach avatar
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    25 Apr 2019 in reply to Val H
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    Hi Quitfriend,

    Sorry to hear that yesterday was full of anxiety and cravings for you.
    I'm glad to see that today is a new day for you because you have decided to start again but this time you will put the patch on.

    I like it when you say “I feel much better and I feel hopeful” because it's good to know that things are starting to get better for you. Congratulations because you've been proactive by getting some vitamin D, yogurt and now you will do some exercise.

    If you have any questions or concerns about quitting, you can call Smokers’ Helpline at 1-877-513-5333 (toll-free).


    You are not alone Quitfriend in your process of quitting we are here for you!
    Regards,
  9. treepeo
    treepeo avatar
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    Hi quitfriend,

    I admire you for not giving up.  Quitting is hard, there is no question about it.  And when you have a spouse who continues to smoke, it's doubly hard.  I totally get it. I think the thing you have to focus on is yourself.  You have to do this for you.  Your husband will make his own decisions.  But if you can pull this off, the sky's the limit for you.  

    I'm glad you are using the patch and feeling hopeful.  Trust me, there is always hope.  You can quit, you really can.  And I am rooting for you.  We are all rooting for you.  Keep the faith.  You can do this.  Believe in yourself.
  10. turningpoint
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    Congratulations, Quitfriend, for continuing your efforts!  How motivating to believe the "sky's the limit".

    I too have been using the patch (now on step 2) and making steady progress toward my most treasured goal which is to be a non-smoker for the rest of my life.  The patch is a great help if you stay with it.

    Last modified on 25 Apr 2019 22:16 by turningpoint
  11. Val H
    Val H avatar
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    Thank you all so much for your encouraging replies. So far it has been 9 hours since my last cigarette. I successfully made it through several craves today and the nerves have calmed too. 😀
  12. turningpoint
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    WTG quitfriend!  Sounds like you're on your way.
  13. brieffree
    brieffree avatar
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    27 Apr 2019
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    Hi Quit friend

    Congrats in 1 day smoke free!

    You are doing a great Job! Victory is yours!

    One day at the time!
  14. Val H
    Val H avatar
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    Thank you all for your support. I am still trying but I am back at day one today. A puff lead to a cigarette which lead to a relapse. Go figure. I need to make NOPE my motto and I just need to get through today. 
  15. efreeman75
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    14 May 2019
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    Hi quitfriend - your tenacity is admirable.

    Day 1 is where we all started.

    Slips are common, don't let them get you down.  But I think you should ask yourself if it was really worth it.  Did that first drag solve anything?  That first cigarette really relieve any stress?  We all know too well the downhill slide of feeding our addiction even one little drag.

    Don't dwell on yesterday, for it is gone away.  And don't waste today worrying about tomorrow.  Concentrate on now.  You got this!

    E
  16. rex13
    rex13 avatar
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    14 May 2019
    14 May 2019
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    I made an account just to tell you that you can do it.
    Some how supporting you supports me.
    I'm on day five of making the decision to quit, but only day two with actually quitting. I had a few smokes on Sunday after making it three days.
    I don't feel discouraged, but rather I feel like I better understand how hard it's going to be. 
    So.. if I am one day ahead of you, then I can tell you what to expect tomorrow, and maybe it'll help both of us.
    Tomorrow is going to be brutal. Cravings are tough, not knowing what to do with yourself is going to be tough, trying to learn how to do everything again without a smoke is going to be tough.
    Not aggravating your friends, significant other, and family is going to be the hardest part. Luckily my friends and significant other is very supportive and take up conversations with me at my times of need. My friends also accompany me on many walks.
    The absolute worst thing is focus. I read alot about losing focus (and I have lost all ability to focus on work for longer then fifteen minutes). However, contrary to the warning of losing focus, I actually have been more focused on smoking now more then ever. This is were you have to find some positive distractions. 
    Somehow, we're going to be better in the long run rather then "feeling" better in the short term, and maybe that's what we need to focus on?

    I think the thing that is keeping me from smoking the most is the idea of repeating the suffering I am going through, which I have now put myself through twice in five days. 
    Anyways, to bring this full circle, you got this and you will survive another day because I have survived another day.
    Now we just need to find someone that is a day ahead of me to tell me what to expect tomorrow..
    Good luck, and keep at it.
    Let us know how it goes, and don't forget, you're not alone and never feel discouraged about little slips. Take them as a learning opportunity! 

  17. Val H
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    Thank you both so much. So far today I have focused on my reasons for quitting to get through some nasty cravings. Lucky me, I have a little reminder of why I want to do this. I am babysitting my 15 month old grandson. Posting on this forum and reading your replies has helped me too. 
  18. nadia, quit coach
    nadia, quit coach avatar
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    14 May 2019
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    Hi everyone,

    This thread is so great, like quitfriend said, it's so encouraging to read all the replies!
    Support is one of the key component to a successful quit and I am so glad that we are all here rooting for you!
    Like efreeman75 mentioned, take it one day at a time... you can learn from yesterday but each day is a new opportunity!
    Continue focusing on the reasons why you quit in the first place and strategies on dealing with cravings. Whenever you want to talk to someone, we are just a call away- 1-877-513-5333.

    Cheers to another smoke free day!
  19. treepeo
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    Hi quitfriend,

    Children are such great motivators, aren't they?  Firstly, you want to set the best example for them.  And secondly, you want to be around for them for as long as possible.  I remember that when I smoked, I was absolutely racked with guilt every time I smoked outside and a young child passed by me.  That was not the kind of example I wanted to set for any child, whether they were part of my family or not.  So I completely understand how you feel about your little grandson.  

    I admire your tenacity, quitfriend.  Despite the obstacles, you refuse to give up.  You keep trying.  Good for you! 

    There is one thing I'd like to tell you.  When you finally quit for good, it will fill you with a real sense of pride and accomplishment.  And it may open the door to other things for you.  For most of my life, I thought there was no hope for me, and that I would be a smoker forever.  But one day I realized that it didn't have to be that way, that I could quit if I firmly set my mind to it.  And part of the reason I came to that conclusion was reading the posts from the other members on this site.  Because in terms of our addiction to smoking, none of us are really unique.  We are all going to struggle as we try to get on top of it, and it's never going to be easy.  But boy oh boy, is it ever worth it.  Relatively speaking, it is a bit of pain for a lifetime of gain.  And if you can quit smoking for good, you may discover that you are capable of doing way more in other areas of life than you thought as well.

    Keep your goals in mind, quitfriend, and remind yourself that you are stronger than your addiction.  If you can get past the first few weeks when the cravings are the worst, it will start to get easier, and it won't be so hard to stay motivated. And do try to live by NOPE, Not One Puff Ever.  If you make a conscious decision not to take that first puff, you can beat this addiction for good.

    I am rooting for you!!!
  20. treepeo
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    14 May 2019 in reply to rex13
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    Hi rex13,

    I get it when you say that your slip helped you to better understand how hard quitting is going to be.

    I remember that I only made it to 7:00 p.m. the first day of my quit, and then I lit up.  I knew it was going to be hard, but I was astounded at how badly my lungs ached.  It was a real eye opener.  And although it was scary, it helped me to mentally prepare myself for the battle ahead.  So two days later, I tried again and that was the beginning of my smoke free life.

    It was great that you reached out to quitfriend.  The two of you are at virtually the same point, so you can really help each other through this process.  If nothing else, you can keep each other accountable.  Feel free to vent as often as you like.  We are all here for each other.
  21. atp
    atp avatar
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    15 May 2019 in reply to Val H
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    Quitfriend and Rex,

    Way to go keeping at it with your quits! Don't let a few slips keep you from your end goal of becoming a non-smoker. I did the cold turkey method and after about 3-4 days the nicotine was out of my system and the cravings were starting to become more mental than physical. After a week I didn't want to smoke because I didn't want to go through the withdrawals again.Your quit becomes more valuable with every day. It really does. Yes you'll be irritable, tired, thirsty, hungry, unsettled and not sure what to do with yourself for the next few weeks, but look for the good things. You smell better, food tastes better, you'l probably start to breathe a bit better soon. 

    I'm 4-1/2 months quit now and I feel better than I have in ages. Tomorrow I leave for a trip to Europe, using some of the $1900 I've saved not smoking, and I'm not even stressed about the flight as I don't smoke anymore. 
  22. treepeo
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    15 May 2019 in reply to atp
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    Wow atp, has it been 4.5 months for you already?  Way to go!

    Have a wonderful trip to Europe.  And yes, you will actually be able to relax while waiting at the airport and enjoy the flight without having to deal with cravings.  I remember my first time flying as a non-smoker.  It made such a huge difference, it was incredible.  I still marvel at how grateful I am that I quit every time I travel.

    Bon Voyage!
  23. Val H
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    Thank you all for the encouragement. Atp, have a great trip. 

    This morning is tough. I have been eyeing up the smokes that were left here. Instead of smoking though I had a quick shower and popped in a gum and changed my patch. One minute at a time. I will get through this and be better off for it. 
  24. atp
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    15 May 2019 in reply to Val H
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    Those first few days are tough. In past quits i never threw out my smoking stuff, it like i wasn't committed. Around day 3 or 4 of my last quit I decided to toss all my smoking related stuff, get rid of all butt cans, clean everything, lysol spray, the works. I then realized I was committed to quitting. Cleaning up and tossing everything was a concrete affirmation of my quit. It felt good and motivating. 

    And I am looking forward to venturing back to Europe - and this time as a non-smoker. 
  25. Val H
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    15 May 2019 in reply to atp
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    I should have had my husband take his cigarettes with him. Knowing they are there is driving me nuts. Maybe I would be struggling anyhow. It is only 23 hours and 20 minutes into my quit. 
  26. brieffree
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    15 May 2019 in reply to Val H
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    Hi Quitfriend

    Hold on there! you are doing a good job to be   free! Do not fail into the crave! Look other way!
    Remember why you quit!

    You can do this!
  27. Val H
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    15 May 2019 in reply to brieffree
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    Thanks brieffree. 
  28. efram, quit coach
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    15 May 2019 in reply to Val H
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    Hi quitfriend,

    We are all rooting for you over here! If your husband's cigarettes are too tempting, you could always do what you did a few weeks back when you destroyed the cigarettes in the house while revisiting your reasons for quitting ...  just a thought!

    Regards,
    Efram
  29. Val H
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    22 May 2019
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    Thank you for all of the encouragement I have received. I have read through various posts on here to learn and encourage me. “Never quit quitting” and “I am committed to changing my life for the better and I choose not to smoke” are a couple of things I have picked up. I have switched up my patch to step 1, 21 mg and am quitting today. I feel determined. My reasons for quitting haven’t changed, except I add to them that I don’t want to post on here that I have tried and failed again. Lol
  30. jenna c, quit coach
    jenna c, quit coach avatar
    58 posts
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    22 May 2019
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    Hi quitfriend,

    We are impressed with you tenacity and drive to not give up quitting. Know that it can take several attempts to get it right!  Each time you try you are learning from it and this is going to
    help you right now.

    I really like that you are committed to changing your life for the better and you will be successful with this attitude. We are all here for you every step of the way quitfriend.

    Again remember your reasons and stay positive!

    Regards,

    Jenna C
31 posts, 0 answered