Giveintowin

I never touched Chicks or sticks. I didn't want to get addicted. It must be tough for you all.

After 9 months the physical withdrawal symptoms have usually subsided completely. Only 2 and a half months to go!

It's good to read through this thread. My answers are very similar to others. For a long time I thought I didn't want to quit because I liked it, however every now and then I would think I needed to quit because of my health. When I tried to quit it felt so unpleasant, angst, fidgety, irritable etc that I'd end up smoking again quickly. Because of these experiences of trying to quit unaided for a long time I thought I couldn't quit. I also thought I was such a basket case when I quit and couldn't function properly.

NOPE!

Lml are you coming over? ?

NOPE!

Quit Mothers Rock.

NOPE!

Nice post Boo.

Well done. We are cheering you on.

Good post Whispers. smoking eh! It’sucks,

Seeing you got a few hours left over, how about cleaning my place too? ?

NOPE!

Jo you’re a genius but no it doesn’t. Thanks for for the nice words.

I laughed at this because there are moments when this would apply but not all the time. I like having the black cloud go away. Nothing like knowing you are harming yourself, right?

Well done Jo, you are doing great. You are almost half a phart. Something you've always secretly aspired too. ? Don't deny it. Lovely imagery.

Growing up in the 70's and 80's of course I had heard all of the talk about cigarettes being a "health hazard". As a thirteen year old this meant little to me as I snuck around getting cigarettes from wherever I could and hiding wherever I could to get my little fix. I was already addicted and I used to hang my head outside the toilet window and smoke. As if no-one knew. They knew they just didn't know what to do about it and neither did I, even at that early point I knew I was hooked. While I wasn't pleased about being hooked, I did seem to enjoy them. In fact I seemed to enjoy them a whole LOT! First thing in the morning I'd dream of my morning cigarette even before I climbed out of bed. This ritual continued for 30 years. Every now and then I would think I'd need to give up smoking. I'd try, fail and then rationalise that I seemed to be breathing ok so maybe I would get away with smoking without bad consequences. At 40 years old I did regular kickboxing classes and I could kick the asses of a lot of people who were younger than me. I continued to think if I kept physically fit, smoking would not hurt me. I was wrong. At forty I injured my back and then developed a disease that affected my joints. I could no longer work out and walking even was tough at times. I did all of the therapies I could to help myself but struggled with quitting smoking. Seven years on and I am approaching 50. I finally kicked smoking but have lingering effects of 30 years of smoking. I seem to be paying more than the mere monetary cost of cigarettes which mind you is almost the cost of rent at $360 per fortnight for a pack a day habit. My health is not good but it's not quite bad enough to get disability support. I've cut down my working hours so I don't have a full income. I never did pay off a home or save much money due to a lifetime of slavery to an addiction. I've reached a point where I should be slowing down due to health issues yet I can't due to my financial situation. Smoking seriously impacted my finances long term. It is only occurring to me now what all those years of smoking really did cost besides money. Seriously, my health to some degree, my ability to support myself (feel safe and trust in my own abilities). I've not included in this the extra odd wrinkle. If this post sounds negative, I make no apologies. It is reality. Only 10 years ago I thought I had everything sorted, with good health and the ability to look after myself. Would things have been easier if I'd have stopped then? Perhaps, I can't be sure. While I always avoid lecturing people, I think in this area I've somewhat earnt the right to lecture. So youngin's listen up (and us dumb older ones) do not continue to smoke if you are smoking and do not have the first one if you are quit. You may regret it more than you can know at this point in time. I also wanted to mention that I am doing well despite the trials I have had. I have a pretty full life. I work, have lots of friends and am also doing uni. I look after myself with a great diet and am hoping this will serve me into old age. While I don't kickboxing, I do yoga and ride my push bike and the elliptical at the gym.

NOPE!

NOPE!

Slip well done on your 4 months quit. You are doing great. I loved reading your post even if we don't get one for a while, I completely relate. Congrats!

NOPE! Not today. On this day in 2001 I lost my Mum to lung cancer. RIP Mum. Smoking sucks.

Adding my two cents to the conversation above, my confession is I couldn't give two f*cks if someone loves me or not but in summer when I'm not at work, I am donning the thongs. And um my feet are clean!!!! And I clean the feet twice a day!! Clean, happy thong laden comfortable feet.

Lovely plants everyone. Saz I know nothing about sunflowers but maybe those two had a fight and are ignoring each other.

People don't always read socialising threads. If you want to be welcomed post in the introductions section and tell us a bit about yourself.

Good post. It's good to remember that we are doing something good. Thanks