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One week

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9 posts, 0 answered
  1. Val H
    Val H avatar
    164 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    13 Jan 2019
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    I am one week smoke-free. I saved $85.68 and 21 hours and 49 minutes of my life. It has been tough at times but so worth it. 
  2. steven, quit coach
    steven, quit coach avatar
    40 posts
    Registered:
    12 Sep 2018
    13 Jan 2019 in reply to Val H
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    Quitfriend:

    Congratulations, that is fantastic! What have you been doing that seems to be working for you so far in this quit?

    Sincerely,

    Steven
  3. atp
    atp avatar
    501 posts
    Registered:
    31 Dec 2018
    13 Jan 2019 in reply to Val H
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    Congrats on making through your first week!!!!!

    I'm almost at week 2 and it does get better after the first week. For me the withdrawal passed (I went cold turkey and dropped the nicorette after 3 days) before the end of the first week and that left me with feeling 'empty' and missing the habit part, which I am still dealing with, that and learning how to be a non-smoker. 

    It does feel good to look at the dashboard and see how much we have been saving. Make a point to reward yourself for getting this far.  
  4. Val H
    Val H avatar
    164 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    13 Jan 2019
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    Thank you Steven and atp. I’m glad to hear that it does get better. I have noticed some progress already.
    At first I struggled to do anything in the morning and couldn’t sit still in the evenings. That seems to be better. I started on step two of the patch and had given it a boost with a couple of pieces of nicotine gum per day during my most difficult cravings. Yesterday I didn’t have any of the gum. I still had cravings but they were manageable.
    This time around I am not letting the cravings get to me and convince me that I don’t really want this. I’m more accepting of them as a normal part of the process. I feel more determined and trust that sticking to Not One Puff Ever will get me to the freedom I want. I remind myself often of my reasons to quit. I talk more about how I am feeling also.
    However, I still feel like a smoker who isn’t smoking. At times I have only a one hour attention span. I trust that will improve with time also. 
    Have a great smoke-free day!
    quitfriend
  5. treepeo
    treepeo avatar
    832 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    13 Jan 2019
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    Hi quitfriend,

    WooHoo, congrats on your first week smoke free!  Way to go!

    You are absolutely right.  Cravings are just a normal part of the quitting process.  They can be tough to deal with.  However, the more you resist, the easier it gets.  You have to teach your mind and your body that it no longer needs or wants all those chemicals and that smoke.

    As for your mind set, right now you really are a smoker who isn't smoking.  That's okay and is only natural.  It takes time to change our perception of who we are.  You will face a variety of situations where you used to smoke, but now you will not.  Eventually, you will start to see yourself as a non-smoker.

    And don't worry.  Your attention span will improve.  This is all part of the withdrawal process.

    You are doing great, quitfriend!  I am so happy for you!

  6. Val H
    Val H avatar
    164 posts
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    13 Jan 2019
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    Thanks treepeo for your encouragement and words of wisdom. It is so much appreciated. 
  7. efreeman75
    efreeman75 avatar
    296 posts
    Registered:
    02 Apr 2018
    14 Jan 2019
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    Hi quitfriend,

    Congratulations, you made it through "Hell-Week".  The fight isn't over, but, as your dashboard indicates, you are well on your way.

    I totally agree with your analogy of being like a smoker who doesn't smoke.  It is so true, and such a strong set of emotions of habits.  Your identity will continue to evolve from ex-smoker to non-smoker.  There will be so many 'firsts' as a non-smoker - it really is quite exciting.  For example, I just had my first birthday on Saturday as a non-smoker since gradeschool.  I went for a walk late at night to reflect and passed another couple who were both smoking.  I felt free!  I think this experience and cycle is why it is often necessary to be quit for a year so that we can experience all the normal seasons and celebrations before we truly feel like a non-smoker.  As much as one can, I know I look forward to my birthday next year, as a non-smoker of course!
  8. Val H
    Val H avatar
    164 posts
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    14 Jan 2019
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    Thanks efreeman for the support and for sharing your experience. It has reminded me to have patience through this process and is so much appreciated. 
  9. Val H
    Val H avatar
    164 posts
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    29 Nov 2017
    14 Jan 2019
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    Oh! And happy birthday efreeman!
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