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1. chartippybum

   

   83 posts
   Registered:
   21 Mar 2018
   22 May 2019

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   Hi. Its been over a uear for me smoke free. Everything has been great and my life has improved. Recently i have been having cravings. Ive been dealing with a depression and feeling hopeless in life and it has brought back feeling of maybe smoking would make it better. I am still dealing with quitting smoking its a huge life change. I bet the year mark coyld be a trigger for some people. I remind myself of having these feeling when i was smoking and it being even worse. So i am reminding myself how far i have come and that i dont want to smoke. I am going back to using the nrt gum and inhaler because that is better than smoking. 
   Ive had some life changes i started taking better care of myself and dressing better and doing my hair. 
   It feels good not to smell like smoke. I remember when i started quitting i had to picture myself as a non smoker so i am going to start that again. Just having a hard time coping with out the smoke. I thought i would share. You guys are awesome!! Hang in there everyone it does get better! We'll do this together
2. jenna c, quit coach

   

   58 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2018
   22 May 2019

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   Hi chartippybum!
   
   Thank you for your post and congrats on making a year, that's incredible! Cravings or triggers can occur when least expected, well after quitting. It make sense that if you are dealing with depression or the feelings of hopelessness, you might be thinking of smoking or returning to the all familiar crutch.
   
   It's great how you have handled this by turning towards the nicotine replacement therapy and not letting cigarettes be an option. You have been reminding yourself how far you have come and that you don't want to be a smoker again.
   
   Also, it's wonderful to hear that you are taking better care of yourself and feeling good about your appearance. Quitting smoking not only improves your skin, blood flow, and so many health benefits. If you find that you are continuing to struggle with your mental health, please contact you health care provider.
   You may also contact us at Smokers' Helpline-  1-877-513-5333.
   
   Keep up the good work!
   
   Jenna C

   Last modified on 22 May 2019 15:54 by jenna c, quit coach
3. efreeman75

   

   296 posts
   Registered:
   02 Apr 2018
   22 May 2019

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   Hi chartippybum,
   
   Good to hear from you again, and happy to hear that you remain smoke free.  Awesome!  Sorry that you are going through a rough patch at the moment.  But look how wise you've become, recognizing things for what they are and finding alternatives to smoking.  By now you know that smoking really doesn't solve anything.
   
   You and I quit smoking around the same time, and also like you, I also get cravings every now and again.  Think back to some of those early techniques we used to survive.  Remember the 4D's?  Or is it 5D's?  Keep those positive reinforcing thoughts.  We got this!
   
   E
   
4. chartippybum

   

   83 posts
   Registered:
   21 Mar 2018
   23 May 2019

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   Thank you everyone. Good to see you all again.
   Distract, delay, drink water, deep breath. I think thats the 4 d's. Thank you for that reminder. 
   
   
5. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   23 May 2019

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   Hi chartippybum,
   
   It's great to hear from you again.  A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU for being a non-smoker for a whole year!  Way to go!!!
   
   I'm sorry to hear that you are going through a tough time, but bravo to you for not giving in and turning to NRTs to get you through this rough patch.  As you know in your heart, smoking won't solve any of your problems and will in fact, make you feel worse.  You have come way too far to blow it now.
   
   I have been a non-smoker for over two years now, and I still get the odd craving.  I think that I always will, given that I smoked my whole life.  But no way would I want to start over again, and I'm sure you feel the same.
   
   Like you said, isn't it nice to smell fresh and clean?  To no longer have smoke breath and turn people off?  To breathe easier, without so much huffing and puffing?  To set a good example for people you care about?
   
   Since you quit, you have made other positive changes in your life.  You are now paying more attention to yourself, trying to live a healthier life overall and improving your appearance.  It's amazing how much we neglected ourselves when we smoked, and how that changes little by little when we quit.
   
   Hang in there, chartippybum.  You have come so far, and you can go all the way.  Remember, you are worth every smoke free day you give yourself.  I remember when you were just starting out and struggling, and look at you now.  A real non-smoker!  I am so happy for you, and you should be really proud of what you have accomplished.  Keep living by NOPE, Not One Puff Ever, and you will be fine.
   
6. gail landau

   

   4 posts
   Registered:
   27 May 2019
   28 May 2019 in reply to chartippybum

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   Hi. If I consider having a cigarette I just think how painful inhaling would be . I am 5 years smoke free and a lung cancer survivor. No turning back.
7. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   28 May 2019 in reply to gail landau

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   Hi Gail,
   
   You raise such an important point.  Most of us forget what it was like when we took our first drag of a cigarette.  But the reality is, the smoke burned and we coughed as a defensive mechanism.  And once you quit, if you decide to take a puff, it's not going to feel good.  Again, it's going to burn and make you cough.  But despite the fact that the experience would not be pleasant, one puff is enough to start your addiction all over again.  Crazy, eh?  So truly, there is no going back, and we can't let this addiction try to trick us into thinking otherwise.
   
   By the way, glad to hear you beat your lung cancer.  That is awesome!
   
8. nadia b, quit coach

   

   47 posts
   Registered:
   18 Jan 2019
   28 May 2019

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   Hello Community Members! It is amazing to see all the tremendous support and reflections on everyone's quit journey.  It is important to reflect (especially during those more difficult moments) to remind yourself how far you have come. From 1 year to 2 years to 5 years, you are all champions.
   Always remember to celebrate and treat yourself for the HUGE accomplishment.
   
   Way to go!
   
   nadia b.