Quit 1 month 2 weeks ago
posted 1 week 4 days ago
Taking it one day at a time. Day 38, so, just over one month.
Today I find myself thinking about a cigarette more then usual. Again like I lost my best friend.
I do feel much better, my sinuses are clearer and no more cough or spitting when I first wake up, yuk!!
NO more wheezing in my chest.
I remember my aunt wheezing and I watched family that eventually had to rely on oxygen because of the Nico demon.
At this point I have NO intentions of smoking. I feel too good about myself and my progress. I know it is just thoughts and I can get passed them.
This app and forum helps me so much with all the support.
I read daily the reasons for my quitting, I write in my journal and I look at my greatest reason for quitting my grandkids.
Thank you everyone for your wise comments, it makes it much easier for me to keep going knowing I have all your support and I am not alone. I am truly grateful.
Today I find myself thinking about a cigarette more then usual. Again like I lost my best friend.
I do feel much better, my sinuses are clearer and no more cough or spitting when I first wake up, yuk!!
NO more wheezing in my chest.
I remember my aunt wheezing and I watched family that eventually had to rely on oxygen because of the Nico demon.
At this point I have NO intentions of smoking. I feel too good about myself and my progress. I know it is just thoughts and I can get passed them.
This app and forum helps me so much with all the support.
I read daily the reasons for my quitting, I write in my journal and I look at my greatest reason for quitting my grandkids.
Thank you everyone for your wise comments, it makes it much easier for me to keep going knowing I have all your support and I am not alone. I am truly grateful.
Quit 1 month 1 week ago
posted 1 week 4 days ago
Well here I am 26 days smoke free! Some days are harder than other but all around this hasn't been as bad as I was anticipating. I have smoked since I was 15 and now am 46.
My husband has quit too and between us we have saved almost $800! The signs are showing up everywhere that this was the best choice we could have made for ourselves. I look forward to the rest of my life being healthy!
My husband has quit too and between us we have saved almost $800! The signs are showing up everywhere that this was the best choice we could have made for ourselves. I look forward to the rest of my life being healthy!
Quit 9 years ago
posted 1 week 5 days ago
Smoking is not just an individual habit. It is deeply influenced by cultural and social factors that shape how we view and engage with it. Understanding these influences can make a significant difference in the journey to quit and create a healthier future.
In many cultures, smoking is tied to tradition, identity, or social norms. In some places, it may symbolize adulthood or maturity, and in others, it may be associated with specific gender expectations, where smoking is acceptable for one gender but frowned upon for another. Media representation also plays a role, as movies and advertisements often portray smoking as glamorous or rebellious. These narratives can make smoking seem normal or even desirable, which may create a barrier to quitting.
Social influences also play a significant role in smoking behavior. Many people take up smoking as a way to fit in with their peers or to bond with others. Smoking may also become a social activity at events, helping people feel less anxious or more connected. Family environments can further reinforce smoking behaviors, as children who grow up around smokers are more likely to pick up the habit themselves. These social factors often make smoking feel tied to belonging and connection, making it harder to let go.
Quitting smoking requires rethinking these cultural and social narratives and building new habits that align with personal health goals. Surrounding yourself with non-smoking friends or finding a support network can help redefine social norms and provide encouragement. In social settings, replacing smoking with healthier alternatives like drinking water or chewing gum can break the association between socializing and smoking.
Reflecting on the messages you have internalized about smoking can also help. This may include questioning whether smoking is truly tied to maturity or success or simply a habit that no longer serves your well-being. Building new routines, like mindfulness practices or engaging in hobbies, can provide healthier coping mechanisms for stress.
Quitting smoking is not just about overcoming physical dependency. It is about challenging the stories we tell ourselves and creating a life that prioritizes health and empowerment. By addressing the cultural and social factors tied to smoking, it becomes possible to reclaim freedom and inspire others in the process. Every step taken toward quitting can make a difference, not just for personal health but for the well-being of those around us.
In many cultures, smoking is tied to tradition, identity, or social norms. In some places, it may symbolize adulthood or maturity, and in others, it may be associated with specific gender expectations, where smoking is acceptable for one gender but frowned upon for another. Media representation also plays a role, as movies and advertisements often portray smoking as glamorous or rebellious. These narratives can make smoking seem normal or even desirable, which may create a barrier to quitting.
Social influences also play a significant role in smoking behavior. Many people take up smoking as a way to fit in with their peers or to bond with others. Smoking may also become a social activity at events, helping people feel less anxious or more connected. Family environments can further reinforce smoking behaviors, as children who grow up around smokers are more likely to pick up the habit themselves. These social factors often make smoking feel tied to belonging and connection, making it harder to let go.
Quitting smoking requires rethinking these cultural and social narratives and building new habits that align with personal health goals. Surrounding yourself with non-smoking friends or finding a support network can help redefine social norms and provide encouragement. In social settings, replacing smoking with healthier alternatives like drinking water or chewing gum can break the association between socializing and smoking.
Reflecting on the messages you have internalized about smoking can also help. This may include questioning whether smoking is truly tied to maturity or success or simply a habit that no longer serves your well-being. Building new routines, like mindfulness practices or engaging in hobbies, can provide healthier coping mechanisms for stress.
Quitting smoking is not just about overcoming physical dependency. It is about challenging the stories we tell ourselves and creating a life that prioritizes health and empowerment. By addressing the cultural and social factors tied to smoking, it becomes possible to reclaim freedom and inspire others in the process. Every step taken toward quitting can make a difference, not just for personal health but for the well-being of those around us.
Quit 10 years ago
posted 2 weeks ago
How to create an environment that supports your quit journey? Creating a smoke-free environment is a powerful way to reinforce your commitment to quitting and celebrate the progress you make every day. Here are some easy steps to transform your space into a sanctuary that supports your smoke-free journey:
Clean and refresh your space: Wash curtains, bedding, and clothes to eliminate the lingering smell of smoke. Clean carpets, upholstery, and walls if necessary. Add fresh flowers, essential oil diffusers, or candles with calming scents like lavender or citrus to make your space feel vibrant and inviting. Use an air purifier to ensure clean, fresh air in your home.
Declutter and replace: Get rid of ashtrays, lighters, and any remaining cigarettes. Replace these items with things that support your journey, like a water bottle to stay hydrated or a stress ball to keep your hands busy.
Create smoke-free zones: Make it a rule that no one smokes inside your home or in areas where you spend most of your time, like your car or office.
Incorporate motivation: Use visual reminders, post motivational quotes, pictures of loved ones, or a list of reasons why you’re quitting in places you see often, like the fridge or your bathroom mirror. Use a calendar or journal to track your progress and smoke-free days. Celebrate milestones with small rewards like a new book, a special meal, or a relaxing bath.
Engage your senses: Find some relaxing activities, set up a cozy corner with books, music, or crafts to keep yourself occupied. Keep fruits, nuts, or other healthy snacks on hand to combat cravings and keep your hands busy.
Involve Others: Encourage friends and family to respect your smoke-free space by not bringing cigarettes or smoking in your home.
Redesign trigger spots: If smoking was a habit on your porch or balcony, transform that space into a cozy reading nook or relaxing area. If you smoked during certain breaks, replace that ritual with a new one like having a healthy snack, drinking tea, or taking a short walk.
Celebrate your progress: Reflect on how your environment is evolving with you and how it reflects your dedication to a healthier, smoke-free life. Remind yourself daily of how far you’ve come and how creating this sanctuary is a gift to yourself.
Your environment can become a powerful ally in your quit journey. By surrounding yourself with positivity and healthy alternatives, you’ll find it easier to stay motivated and focused on your goals.
Clean and refresh your space: Wash curtains, bedding, and clothes to eliminate the lingering smell of smoke. Clean carpets, upholstery, and walls if necessary. Add fresh flowers, essential oil diffusers, or candles with calming scents like lavender or citrus to make your space feel vibrant and inviting. Use an air purifier to ensure clean, fresh air in your home.
Declutter and replace: Get rid of ashtrays, lighters, and any remaining cigarettes. Replace these items with things that support your journey, like a water bottle to stay hydrated or a stress ball to keep your hands busy.
Create smoke-free zones: Make it a rule that no one smokes inside your home or in areas where you spend most of your time, like your car or office.
Incorporate motivation: Use visual reminders, post motivational quotes, pictures of loved ones, or a list of reasons why you’re quitting in places you see often, like the fridge or your bathroom mirror. Use a calendar or journal to track your progress and smoke-free days. Celebrate milestones with small rewards like a new book, a special meal, or a relaxing bath.
Engage your senses: Find some relaxing activities, set up a cozy corner with books, music, or crafts to keep yourself occupied. Keep fruits, nuts, or other healthy snacks on hand to combat cravings and keep your hands busy.
Involve Others: Encourage friends and family to respect your smoke-free space by not bringing cigarettes or smoking in your home.
Redesign trigger spots: If smoking was a habit on your porch or balcony, transform that space into a cozy reading nook or relaxing area. If you smoked during certain breaks, replace that ritual with a new one like having a healthy snack, drinking tea, or taking a short walk.
Celebrate your progress: Reflect on how your environment is evolving with you and how it reflects your dedication to a healthier, smoke-free life. Remind yourself daily of how far you’ve come and how creating this sanctuary is a gift to yourself.
Your environment can become a powerful ally in your quit journey. By surrounding yourself with positivity and healthy alternatives, you’ll find it easier to stay motivated and focused on your goals.
Quit 1 month ago
posted 2 weeks 1 day ago
Two days now that I've gone back to walking and it's going well. It feels good to be walking again, I was born to walk with a dog. I'm smoking less too.
I have another motivation to reduce my smoking. I started dating someone since Christmas. She doesn't drink, smoke or do drugs. I only date people who are interested finding a life partner and she is that. Our relationship is strong and honest and I love her crazy. She told me to not be stupid and try to quit she loves me whatever I'm doing, but I'm not a lone ranger anymore and I need to get in the habit of making decisions like not smoking much for two people instead of just for myself. It's hard to reduce, but for the sake of us I need to reduce. I need to do some deep thinking about this. Any advice someone has would be greatly appreciated. Advice about love is good too! Take care all,
I have another motivation to reduce my smoking. I started dating someone since Christmas. She doesn't drink, smoke or do drugs. I only date people who are interested finding a life partner and she is that. Our relationship is strong and honest and I love her crazy. She told me to not be stupid and try to quit she loves me whatever I'm doing, but I'm not a lone ranger anymore and I need to get in the habit of making decisions like not smoking much for two people instead of just for myself. It's hard to reduce, but for the sake of us I need to reduce. I need to do some deep thinking about this. Any advice someone has would be greatly appreciated. Advice about love is good too! Take care all,
Thinking about quitting
posted 2 weeks 2 days ago
Hnot ey I'll give it a shot what the hell not getting any younger
Quit 1 year 11 months ago
posted 2 weeks 2 days ago
It's been 1 year, 10 months and 27 days since I quit smoking. I'm 55 years old now and I've saved $11,848 so far.
I can report the following:
Food has actual flavor again.
I can walk up a flight of stairs without being winded.
My skin looks and feels better.
I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in 10 years during the holidays and he said I had never looked better.
Quitting smoking is hands down the best decision I have made in decades.
I hope this helps inspire anyone who's thinking they are too old or it'll be too hard.
If I can do it... So can you!
I can report the following:
Food has actual flavor again.
I can walk up a flight of stairs without being winded.
My skin looks and feels better.
I ran into a friend I hadn't seen in 10 years during the holidays and he said I had never looked better.
Quitting smoking is hands down the best decision I have made in decades.
I hope this helps inspire anyone who's thinking they are too old or it'll be too hard.
If I can do it... So can you!
Quit 1 year ago
posted 2 weeks 2 days ago
Hi it has been awhile and I just wanted to wish everyone a happy new year to come and good luck to you all. Where there is a will there is a way.
Quit 1 month ago
posted 2 weeks 2 days ago
Things didn't work out at the weight room for me. I strained a muscle just doing small numbers of reps on the machine. I can't go any lower on the machine.
Instead, my goal is to walk my dog twice a day. I'm very out of shape, but I've been a dog walker for the last 20 years. Currently, my walks with my dog are about 3 blocks long round trip every 3 or 4 th day, I want to walk every day like I used to.
Walking is the only exercise I've been able to do for the last 20 years so why not get back that healthy habit. I don't like to smoke after taking my dog for a walk. And I would feel better on my walk if I didn't smoke before it also.
Today, I want to think of more healthy things I could do to crowd out smoking. Take care everyone.
Instead, my goal is to walk my dog twice a day. I'm very out of shape, but I've been a dog walker for the last 20 years. Currently, my walks with my dog are about 3 blocks long round trip every 3 or 4 th day, I want to walk every day like I used to.
Walking is the only exercise I've been able to do for the last 20 years so why not get back that healthy habit. I don't like to smoke after taking my dog for a walk. And I would feel better on my walk if I didn't smoke before it also.
Today, I want to think of more healthy things I could do to crowd out smoking. Take care everyone.
Quitting in 2 weeks 5 days
posted 2 weeks 2 days ago
Tired of the habit and want my life to not be controlled by cigarettes
Quit 3 weeks 1 day ago
posted 2 weeks 3 days ago
So thankful to have a forum and caring people helping. Day 4 for me with the aid of NRT transdermal patch. Feeling the "best friend loss" and deep cravings that leave me feeling anxious and hollow. After eating is my biggest trigger and it's unavoidable. For me, thinking of how lousy smoking makes me feel and the chance of deadly disease because of it, keeps me motivated.
Staying away from Smokers, until I can fully handle it, is important for my success. There will be many "tests". Today, a man was smoking leaned against his vehicle, next to mine. The enticing smell was all around me while loading my vehicle with groceries. It was incredibly challenging to my existing cravings.
I made sure not to have any cigarettes upon quitting because that's temptation. I drove away questioning my ability to cope.
Then, all I had to do was think about how lousy I felt smoking... and paying for it! Every test I pass gives me strength to persevere and I hope it stays that way. People say " you got to want it". I do... badly but it's incredibly difficult, at times. Yes, with time it becomes less difficult but at this moment, it's taking every ounce of self control I have.
Failure is not option, for me. Imminent health risks and less then optimal quality of life isn't something I'm risking anymore. My loved one's don't need to see me unhealthy and shortening my life. It's ludicrous! I will do my very, very best and avoid triggers I can. I look forward to clean lungs, more energy and loosing the hold it has on me.
Hoping I have what it takes to keep going. It's overwhelming at times.
Staying away from Smokers, until I can fully handle it, is important for my success. There will be many "tests". Today, a man was smoking leaned against his vehicle, next to mine. The enticing smell was all around me while loading my vehicle with groceries. It was incredibly challenging to my existing cravings.
I made sure not to have any cigarettes upon quitting because that's temptation. I drove away questioning my ability to cope.
Then, all I had to do was think about how lousy I felt smoking... and paying for it! Every test I pass gives me strength to persevere and I hope it stays that way. People say " you got to want it". I do... badly but it's incredibly difficult, at times. Yes, with time it becomes less difficult but at this moment, it's taking every ounce of self control I have.
Failure is not option, for me. Imminent health risks and less then optimal quality of life isn't something I'm risking anymore. My loved one's don't need to see me unhealthy and shortening my life. It's ludicrous! I will do my very, very best and avoid triggers I can. I look forward to clean lungs, more energy and loosing the hold it has on me.
Hoping I have what it takes to keep going. It's overwhelming at times.
Quit 1 month 2 weeks ago
posted 2 weeks 3 days ago
I have the strongest urge to smoke today! I have on my NRT patch.
I'm hearing just one cigarette.
I also feel so blue, I have no joy and I hate it.
Not sleeping well so I am exhausted too. Is there going to be more days and weeks like this? It's only been just over one month!
Is it because I am so tired cause it really sucks.
How do I get out of this funk?
I'm hearing just one cigarette.
I also feel so blue, I have no joy and I hate it.
Not sleeping well so I am exhausted too. Is there going to be more days and weeks like this? It's only been just over one month!
Is it because I am so tired cause it really sucks.
How do I get out of this funk?
Quit 3 months 1 week ago
posted 2 weeks 5 days ago
40 years smoking and stopped Nov 1. I've been getting extremely strong cravings lately. I'm not sure what that's about. I don't have any additional stresses so I don't know where this is coming from. Any advice would be appreciated. It almost feels like day 3 not day 80. I'm not going to cave, but I can't keep eating like this either. :)
Quit 1 month ago
posted 2 weeks 6 days ago
Have been taking varenicline since Dec 31 2024, completely smoke free since Jan 8th. This is probably the first time in over 40 years I have zero nicotine in my body.
All other quit attempts were using NRT so still on nicotine those times.
I am feeling pretty good and damn proud of myself. This drug certainly helps quite a bit with not wanting a smoke which is what I need since I work in a store that sells them. That made it so easy to relapse previously, this time I just don't want them.
Only side effect so far is trouble sleeping, keep waking up all night so I am going to try changing the time I take the second dose to give more time before bed after taking it. If that doesn't work will talk to my doctor or pharmacist about it.
Other than that this drug has been amazing.
All other quit attempts were using NRT so still on nicotine those times.
I am feeling pretty good and damn proud of myself. This drug certainly helps quite a bit with not wanting a smoke which is what I need since I work in a store that sells them. That made it so easy to relapse previously, this time I just don't want them.
Only side effect so far is trouble sleeping, keep waking up all night so I am going to try changing the time I take the second dose to give more time before bed after taking it. If that doesn't work will talk to my doctor or pharmacist about it.
Other than that this drug has been amazing.
Quit 4 weeks ago
posted 2 weeks 6 days ago
Good morning all! Here's to another day smoke free! I'm one week today. No cravings at all yesterday, though I know I'm not out of the woods. Feeling very proud! Keep the quit! 💪🙏🥳