NayNay

BABS! You friggin' ROCK!!!!! Gives me hope that one day I'll be celebrating 3 years smobriety! Keep it up!

I think I've posted on this very thing not too long ago. I've not had so much the urge to smoke but dreams that I am smoking, or that I'm buying a pack of cigarettes, or actually see myself smoking a cigarette. Upon awaking, I am very disturbed to think that I broke my quit only to realize it was just a dream (or nightmare!). Why is smoking so much on my mind that I am dreaming about it? Could be stress level is just high right now and I used to smoke a lot during stressful times. I believed it was my way of "unstressing" a situation or my mind. I was very wrong about that. So, I feel great relief when I realize I didn't actually buy or smoke any cigarettes and blow my over 1 year quit. Now, how to get my mind off that nasty subject not being aware in the first place that it is there?

Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts and feelings on the "smoking" dreams. I for sure will never give in to them, but just thought they were odd after so long...But to hear that they are totally normal eases my mind as well. I'm so happy to hear from all the newbies, and so happy to be welcomed back by all of my dear friends. Life is so much better without smoking. I'm not missing out nearly on all the stuff I was by having to excuse myself to go have a cigarette anymore. I don't miss the stink, the mess, the cravings, none of it. Now when I smell someone smoking, I feel sorry for that person for being controlled by the addiction. I have been seeing some new commercials about smoking lately and I gotta tell you, some of them are pretty darn scary! I can honestly say that I am not disappointed one bit in the whole experience of quitting. I thought for sure it would be the hardest thing I'd ever have to do in my life, but it wasn't. Giving up carbs was much harder (and still is) than quitting. To all those who lurk or are new, please know that you will never regret the decision to quit smoking and break the addiction to the nicotine. It will be the absolute greatest choice you make in your life.

Hi all! I know I've been MIA lately, and so sorry about that. Got very very busy after the new year, and well one thing led to another and here we are, halfway through another year! I've hit my 1 year quit anniversary, and am working on my 2nd year now. I do have to say I absolutely feel much better without being a smoker, but lately for some reason I'm dreaming that I'm smoking and when awake, sometimes a strong urge hits me. I of course do not give in to the urges or anything, but I didn't think it would do that after a full year. Is that normal? Well, getting ready to head home from work right now, but just wanted to pop in and say hi to everyone. All you new people, stay smoke-free. You will NOT regret your decision to quit smoking. I'm here, I survived quitting and trust me, I never thought I would. Hugs to all! Be back later!

NOOOOOOO....not PITTSBURGH!!!!!!!! Move to Cleveland :)

CLEVELAND!!!!!!!

I pledge Action! I may not be here and comment every day, but I do check in quite a bit. Just been extremely busy, and haven't really been on any social media too much lately. Trying to get the new year started in a positive direction, so it is requiring a bit more of my time. I have made some really great friends here as well, and I would hate to lose any of them! Everyone stay strong, and don't leave too soon. You never know when you might need to post an SOS, or just need someone to talk to, or offer support to another who may be struggling. HUGS

Marti, I can totally relate to how you are feeling. I will get very random thoughts of smoking, and then remember "oh yeah, I don't do that anymore." Im at 7 months today, so don't fret. I think it is totally normal to have those thoughts, and as long as you are able to push them aside and move forward, you are doing exactly the right thing. Stay strong my friend.

I think all smokers at some time or another have/had a fear of quitting. I feared it for a long long time because I found many excuses to not face it. I can't quit now because I definitely cannot afford to gain weight; I can't quit now because I have too much stress in my life right now; I can't quit now because I can't afford to feel sick and take time off from work; I can't quit now for....the list can go on and on. When I was told that diabetic retinopathy was slightly beginning in my eyes and I googled everything I could on how to prevent the escalation of it, everything I read, first thing listed QUIT SMOKING - DON'T SMOKE - STAY AWAY FROM SMOKING. I was more fearful of going blind than quitting cigarettes, so I made a date and I quit on that day, and I've not looked back. I still get strong cravings or urges to smoke a cigarette, and every now and then still have dreams of smoking, but when someone who just had a cigarette comes near me and I smell it on them, it disgusts me now just to think that is what I smelled like. And I probably smelled worse because I smoked at least a pack a day; sometimes slightly more. It also made me feel terrible; I can see that now since I don't feel like that anymore. When an individual quits smoking, it is a unique personal journey, and you must be ready in your heart and mind to be successful. I think before I quit I was actually afraid of relapse, but once I actually quit, it didn't bother me. Again, I think because I made a plan and stuck to that plan and a date, I had time to lead up to it and prepare myself for what was coming. I can honestly say that if I can quit smoking, anyone can quit. I was extremely addicted to my cigarettes, and couldn't imagine my life without smoking. Now I look back and can't imagine my life as a smoker ever again.

Take a deep relaxing soak in the tub with some calm music and candles. I typically go find those chores that I've put off because they are too involved and begin to tackle them. It definitely takes my mind off a craving. Clean out a closet; clean out the basement; clean out the refrigerator; clean out kitchen cabinets. Or take this time to reorganize whatever needs it. I also will go outside and take a short walk. Or, sometimes I take a nap :) That is my most favorite thing to do!

Evelyn, sometimes those cravings in your head can be very strong. I am quit just about 7 months now, and I still get cravings, or urges, in my head. It is just an old habit that is taking its good old time to die off. I just sit back and think to myself what smoking a cigarette at this point would do for me. When I realize how sick I would feel, how yucky it would taste, how horrible I would smell, and how disappointed I would be in myself, I say "nope" and move on. I also take several deep breaths and exhale, knowing that my lungs are better off for it too. You've gone three months now without smoking; don't waste that time. Three months is huge! You've got this, and you are doing exactly what you need to do by posting an SOS. You've got the right mindset going. Don't let it stop. I haven't been on the board in a while. Things have been crazy, but I keep trying to poke my head in here and there. But, if you ever need someone to get you through that craving, I'm always willing to talk it through if I'm here. Stay strong. You got this.

What made me decide to finally give up smoking was when I went for my yearly eye exam (diabetic so have to go yearly) and I did not hear the usual "everything looks great; no sign of diabetes in the eyes." Instead I heard "there is some very slight hemorrhaging from the diabetes in both eyes". When I went home, I researched how to stop the progression of this eye vessel hemorrhaging and everything I read said QUIT SMOKING....DO NOT SMOKE...NO SMOKING. So, since I value my eyesight, I decided to make a plan that day. My family and I were going on a cruise vacation to the Pacific Northwest in mid-May, and I vowed that when I came back from vacation I would quit that weekend. I chose to use an e-cigarette to quit. I had tried every method out there (except drugs like Chantix) and never succeeded much beyond a day or two. I also knew in my mind and heart and soul that I had to succeed this time in order to improve things for my health. I did quit that weekend, and I have not had not one puff since then. I do still use an e-cig; perhaps not as often as I did in the beginning. I do not use nicotine in my e-juice, just the juice. When I'm stressed or just getting a craving (which are getting very weak now), it's there and I use it. I have been nicotine free for 6 months and plan to continue the remainder of my life. I know at some point I will stop with the e-cigarette as well, but until I feel confident I can go without it, I will continue with it. I hope this helps someone out there who is trying to decide to quit or not. Quitting was the best decision and best action I've ever taken in my life. I always thought it would be impossible for me because I was that addicted. But I found out that if you really are resolved to being smoke-free, then you can conquer anything.

Awww, Gee, thanks everyone! I made it half a year!!! Woooohooooo! So, yeah I celebrated my big 6 month anniversary cleaning up leaves in my yard. Had a decent day and the snow we got last week melted, so wanted to get the rest of those leaves taken care of before we get more snow this week. I thought it would only take about an hour, but I was out there for almost 4 hours~!!!! Yeah...I was pretty sore after that so laid on the couch with the dog cuddling. :)

Kristin, we women are so abused from husband and children! But, it is a job we chose to do, so cope and deal is what we must do. I'm so glad you did not give in and drive to the store and buy cigs. Perhaps had you left the house for those 10 minutes and just went for a walk? Get a bit of distance between all the noise at home, take in some deep breaths and clear all that confusion from your head. Also get a bit of exercise! Whatever it is you choose to do, as long as you don't relapse! Good for you. I'm going on 6 months in my quit, and I still get that craving when things are hectic. I just sometimes need to go to a quiet place and meditate for a few moments. That always helps as well. Keep your chin up and fight the fight!