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1. justfortoday

   

   168 posts
   Registered:
   12 Aug 2019
   01 Feb 2020

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   Five months ago I made the decision to quit smoking. And I haven't looked back since.
   
   It is by far and away one of the hardest things I've done, but one of the most empowering things I've ever done for me. I know I can't change what the universe has in store for me, but I've taken what I can controll in my life and I'm proud of the self respect I've found along the way.
   
   Yes, there are moments when it still feels hard and I desperately want to smoke. But they're just moments, and I know I can get through it. 
   
   I stopped using the patch two weeks ago, and although I felt the twinges of nicotine withdrawal, it wasn't that bad at all. My biggest challenge is still the emotional dependency and my cravings are in direct proportion to my daily emotional status ... bad day, I want to smoke big time, a calm day, I barely think about smoking. 
   
   Knowing this helps me to accept the cravings and I remind myself that tomorrow will be better.  After smoking for over forty years, it will take time to totally embrace being a non smoker.
   
   I want to thank everyone here for the support that has helped me get here! You are all so necessary in this ongoing journey. 
   
   Enjoy the weekend and stay strong!!
2. renee, quitcoach

   

   117 posts
   Registered:
   16 Jul 2018
   01 Feb 2020 in reply to justfortoday

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   Hello Justfortoday,
   
   Thank you for sharing your experience. I am happy to hear that you are doing well and I am glad that you have found this community helpful. 
   
   It is normal to want to smoke on your bad days and the fact that you are recognizing that and not giving in is huge!
   
   Have you thought about rewarding yourself for being smoke free for 5 months? You definitely deserve it!
   
   Please don't hesitate to reach out to us and let us know of your continued success. 
   
   I'm sure other members are inspired to hear about how someone who smoked for forty years was able to quit so please keep up the great work!
   
   
   
   
   

   Last modified on 01 Feb 2020 10:05 by renee, quitcoach
3. wandam

   

   241 posts
   Registered:
   05 Feb 2019
   18 Feb 2020

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   Hi justfortoday,
   
   5 months is a huge milestone, big congrats to you! Now you are pushing 5 1/2 months, keep up the awesome work! 
4. treepeo1

   

   255 posts
   Registered:
   06 Feb 2020
   18 Feb 2020

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   Hi justfortoday,
   
   Over five months now - YIPPEE!  I am sooo happy for you!  I know you struggled like mad, but look at you now.  You are a non-smoker and enjoying every moment.
   
   You will continue to get cravings from time to time.  That is absolutely normal.  I quit 3 years ago, have cancer, and I STILL get cravings.  It just goes to show how powerful and far-reaching this addiction really is.  But we are stronger than our addiction, there's no doubt about it.  And yes, there will always be stress in our life, but now we are learning how to deal with it without smoking.  It is great that you recognize how stress and emotions can trigger cravings for you, because once you recognize that, you can deal with it head on.
   
   You are doing an awesome job, justfortoday.  Rock on!  I am really proud of you.  
5. 2020vision

   

   20 posts
   Registered:
   09 Jan 2020
   20 Feb 2020

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   Hi justfortoday,
   
   Wow, over five months, and quickly moving towards six months...Congratulations!  It is a huge accomplishment, and you are such an inspiration on this forum to us newer non-smokers (day 46 for me today).  Thanks for your support!!
   
   Enjoy your smoke-free day!
6. dublinguy

   

   379 posts
   Registered:
   09 Dec 2021
   28 Mar 2022

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   Marking this thread as another milestone I need to and will reach. Coming up on 4 months now and it still feels new but the cravings and urges are definitely letting up... finally. I now only kind of think of actually smoking if I smell it from other smokers; like if Im outside on the street and I pass by a smoker or in a bar outside and people smoke. But its getting different now, I can feel it. This was definitely one of the best decisions we made in our lives... to quit. At 5 months my reward will be buying a return flight to Gran Canaria later in the year. Have to wait for a friend to have a procedure done to make sure we are good to go. Cant wait.