aurora
94 posts
Registered:
08 Mar 2018
06 May 2018
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Hello Everyone,
I haven't been on the site for a few weeks. Yesterday was two months of me breaking free of my addiction to cigarettes, and it has been a journey!
It took me a year to build up to my latest quit, and I have much experience as a long time smoker and several quits.
I'm feeling strong. When I quit the first 2 to 3 weeks was physical withdrawal - headaches and sleeplessness. My strategies were to avoid any and all triggers to the best of my ability.
The second month was tougher for me.
I had to engage more with the rest of the world. Going to out to celebrations where people are drinking and smoking. Being around smokers. The weather is nicer and each and every time I used to go out, I would have a smoke. So now going outside, especially just to sit outside to enjoy the nice weather, can be a trigger.
I've found that this last month, I've had more cravings than the first month, mostly from having so many unavoidable triggers. That is part of my quit journey - accepting that I cannot avoid everything, and standing strong in my new freedom. I've fought so hard to quit, to break free, to have even one puff is not an option. NOT AN OPTION. People around me have told me it's an option. But I know from experience that it is NOT for me.
During the tough times, I think about that fight, how I've fought SO hard. And it is not worth it.
I think about how free I feel - one of the best things about being smoke free is the Freedom! I love the freedom from smoking.
I am learning to be outside and to REALLY enjoy the fresh air. Deep breathing is something I've done from day one, and now I take that deep breathing into the fresh outside air, and feel the difference in my lungs and in my body.
I've also had some challenges with physical symptoms such as sinus pain and headaches in my second month. I remind myself that after decades of abuse, my body is healing, and it will take time. This too shall pass, and I have a better chance of staying well and getting well if I give my body the chance to heal.
I've had two people close to me who have been diagnosed with cancer in the second month of my quit. An aunt with double lung cancer and a friend with brain cancer. Both are non smokers.
I remind myself that smoking does not decrease my stress - in fact it increases the stress and strain on my body, and that I will do healthy stress release. There are many things I do for healthy stress release. Challenge my thoughts; deep breathing; watch a self care video; take some natural stress relief drops; drink water; get busy; exercise; distraction
I remind myself that there are 4000 chemicals in cigarettes and that will not help my stress or my body
I remind myself how the shame and guilt of smoking will not help me feel better or reduce my stress
I remind myself that I want to spend my money on living; not dying
I remind myself of all the reasons for quitting - and the top 2 - for me to live better and hopefully longer; and for my young son who is watching me and learning from me - I want to be there for him for as long as I am given - and to do my part to make the most of that time