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I am 11 days completely nicotine free. This very moment I feel amazing and empowered. I have had the withdrawal anxiety that feels like it's in my stomach and have though I would give up but I swore to myself I had to go 30 days no smoking to see if it's still.hard with the withdrawal. I must say I think I look much better and my workout strength and endurance is incredibly improved in just this many days. I almost have too much energy and a little afraid how much being a non smoker will change how I live my life. Feel amazing right now zero withdrawal. Hang in there everyone.

I started at 15. Quit numerous times and most effortlessly and for the longest period when I was pregnant. I know that nothing in my life justifies lighting up and I also know that when I'm being beaten down (life altering divorce and abuse), I smoke in a self-destructive manner. But the comfort of smoking when I am addicted is too hard to turn away from. But I need to quit today. I will. I am committing myself to a life that is smoke free and healthy.

When I quit 8 months ago I added about 10 pounds in weight very quickly which was my fault because I didn't want pharmaceutical replacements so I chose to fill the void with food. I am a very good eater, however, so my food was not processed. There were no trips to fast food restaurants. Still I packed it on. I also think your cortisol levels rise and that can be challenging for a post menopause woman! Happy to announce that I have now lost 14 pounds so I am thinner than when I smoked, so about 8 months of craziness for me before the weight would come off. All worth it. I believe the reason it has come off is that my cortisol levels have been kept in check for the past few months (I barely think about smoking now) and the very consistent walking (45 mins most days), plus the 2 x at the gym per week. Just wanted to share that the weight will come off with a bit of consistency later on if you are experiencing any of that. Don't be alarmed.

Update: today, my parents and I went to what will be their new home in November, an apartment in a seniors residence. We were there 4 hours and I went out once for a cigarette.

Their new place, I think, is going to work out just great for me with reducing smoking. There is lots to do instead of smoking and going out for a smoke is uncomfortable.

Before today, I've been in a bit of a depression about my parents moving from their house of 35 years into a small apartment. Today, I felt better about things. I hope the depression is gone for awhile. I guess I've just been sad about losing the life I knew at my parents house. Because I go over to their place every morning and stay till noon their moving has meant me moving too. It will probably take some more time to get used to the change, maybe more emotions to go through, we'll see.

My parents have told me nothing will change, I can still go over to their apartment for every morning. I hope it works out. Take care everyone and be strong.

"Failure is success in progress." Albert Einstein

This is your mid-week reminder that every attempt you make towards achieving your goal to live smoke or vape-free is progress. Use all of the practice, strategies, triumphs and challenges as motivation to keep trying. Your smoke-free, vape-free life is just another step away.

I have 7 days no smoking no nicotine. It's been tough at times getting through the withdrawal but I have really been paying attention to the feeling. I really thought by now I would not have the anxiety stomach feelings any more. I'm determined this time. I've had some amazingly good feelings and sleep well . I realized today that the caffeine in my coffee was adding to the anxiety feelings. I'm taking extra vitamin c and magnesium powder at bed and have used Tapping when having bad cravings. I'm 60 years old and love to be fit. I work out and use a spinner bike and thus smoking hampers everything. I hate it but then want it. Crazy crazy. I'm determined to get 30 days to see if the anxiety will be gone by then .

Started cutting down smoking significantly last night and today I'm not enjoying the cigarettes I do have. I think that I will enjoy the fewer cigarettes I'm having, but I don't. My Quit Coach told me in a phone call that the less you smoke, the less the cravings you have. Today would be a good day for smoking the minimum and resisting the other cravings. I will try to relax today . That usually helps with cravings. I hope this post resonates with somebody, Be strong all. The struggle is worth it.

I started smoking when I was 17, quit when I was pregnant with twins at 27, and didn't smoke again for 4 years. That was 25 years ago. I am noticing it in my health now and just want to be free from it

Keeping a journal of your journey to quit smoking can be a powerful aid in your process of quitting tobacco. Here's why:

Awareness of triggers: By writing down your thoughts, emotions, and cravings each day, you can identify the moments, situations, or feelings that trigger the urge to smoke. This helps you understand your triggers better and develop strategies to avoid or manage them.

Tracking progress: A journal allows you to track your progress day by day. Even if small steps seem insignificant at the time, looking back will show how far you've come. This can be a great source of motivation to keep going.

Expressing emotions: Quitting smoking can be emotionally challenging. A journal is a space where you can freely express how you feel without judgment. Whether it’s frustration, anger, sadness, or pride, writing can help you manage your emotions better.

Reflecting on challenges and victories: When you encounter difficult moments, writing about them can help you overcome them. Similarly, documenting your victories, even the smallest ones, reminds you why you started this journey and keeps you motivated.

Staying committed and accountable: Keeping a journal creates personal commitment. Each day, as you write, you reinforce your determination and remind yourself why it's important to persevere.

Setting goals: You can use your journal to set goals, whether it's to gradually reduce smoking or handle a stressful situation without lighting up. These goals can be adjusted over time based on your progress and needs.

Reinforcing positivity: Writing about the benefits you experience as you move forward, such as better breathing, more energy, or financial savings, reinforces your motivation and keeps you focused on the advantages of a smoke-free life.

In short, a journal can be a true companion on your journey to quit smoking, helping you stay focused, understand your triggers, and celebrate your successes. Stay motivated, and don't hesitate to put your beautiful journey toward a smoke-free life on paper!

Today, I went with my parents to see the apartment in the senior's residence they will be moving to. Found out that the building is a non-smoking building and if I want to have a cigarette I have to walk to the edge of the property to a very busy road.

After the initial shock of what my life will be like without easy access to smoking during the mornings at my parents apartment, I realized that this is actually a blessing. I'm actually looking forward to this circumstance. The place to smoke is down a bit of a hill so after having a cigarette you have to go up a hill to get home. The other great thing is that there is a grocery store behind the senior's residence and my parents will need me to go there to buy them supplies. I want to get a knapsack so that I can walk back and forth to the store carrying groceries.

I may actually get in better shape than I am currently. When I'm at my parents' apartment you have to go for a walk to do anything- go get a coffee, go to Safeway, take my dog for a neighbourhood walk, and when in better shape walk to a park a couple blocks away.

This could work out well even though it sounds hard right now. I've been fearing my parents moving will upset my life, but it could work out well for reducing smoking.

I believe every uncomfortable feeling, and frustrating emotion during a quit is leading towards a successful quit. one of the best benefit I can claim after a short while is my general perspective on life and reality is returning back.

when I was in the thick of quitting my perspective was consumed by this addiction moment to moment

so looking back made me want to share that those thoughts I had of dissapoitment were a big result of my will to quit, as opposed to not doing it first crack out of the box

hope that helps someone. Taker easy, happy fall :) 🍂🍁

Yay I'm at 12 days; I can't believe almost 2 weeks has gone by! BUT I'm feeling really low the past 2 days; like I could cry about anything; is this normal? Is this part of the adjustment? is it grief? or am I simply hormonal and overwhelmed? Thanks.

Update: It's still working to ask myself when I get a craving for a cigarette, "do I really need it? will I enjoy it? And if the answer is "no" then I do something else. Yesterday and today, I slipped up and smoked a lot. It's okay though because something unusual has come up and it's a life changer.

My parents are moving from a house and big yard to a small apartment in a senior's residence, I usually spend half my day at my parents house and have been doing this for the last 20 years. It's a long story. My life has been centred around their house and now that's going to change. When my parents get in their apartment they are going to continue to need my help so I'll continue to go over there for the mornings. I am having to shift the focus of my life back home in my neighbourhood. Do my banking, grocery shopping, everything else in my area, not near my parents' house anymore.

It's going to work out. Most of what I need I can find close to my home now. I'll still do some errands in my parent's new neighbourhood. The shock of this change is subsiding and I feel like I can get back to cutting down a lot on smoking. Be strong.

We often refer to psychological triggers as we embark on our Quit Journey. What exactly are psychological triggers, and why do they impact quitting smoking/vaping?

A psychological trigger in smoking cessation refers to any internal or external cue that provokes the urge to smoke. These triggers often relate to emotions, environments, activities, or situations associated with past smoking behaviours.

1) Stress or Anxiety: Many smokers use cigarettes / vapes to cope with stress, so stressful situations can trigger cravings.
2) Social situations: Being around other smokers, or in environments where you used to smoke can act as a trigger.
3) Emotional States: Negative feelings like boredom, sadness, or frustration; or even positive emotions like happiness, can prompt the desire to smoke.
4) Routine Activities: Certain activities such as drinking a coffee, or taking a break from work, may be strongly linked to the habit of smoking.

Recognizing and managing these psychological triggers is the key to a successful smoking / vaping cessation process. Behavioural strategies, mindfulness, and supportive counseling can all help address these triggers.

What are your psychological triggers?

I wish the best….u can stop. U can live with yourself….u can be smoke free. Luv all.