Mona

I think there is a lot of good information in the book but here is the problem that I have with it. In Chapter 1, he talks about his wife sending him to a hypnotherapist for his smoking. After the session, he lost his desire to smoke. To quote, "not only did I stop smoking, but I actually enjoyed the process even during the withdrawal period." So, it seems to me that he did not use his own "Easy Way" (which is not easy by the way...ha ha) to quit smoking. Hypnosis is what worked for him. I did somewhat benefit from reading the book but it is not the end all be all for me.

I noticed that drivers got worse once cell phone became popular. Too many people yapping on the phone and not paying attention. Didn't notice anything different when I quit smoking.

Oh, how terrible @stzr500. I agree with everything you say. I know how bad I have felt when I have accidentally hit a tiny animal with my car. It must be 10x worse when it is a human being. I have no idea what to say except DON"T SMOKE! Smoking will not fix anything and would create a second tragedy!! Be strong.

Absolutely @Ankush! Hope your day 2 is going well!!

Yeah, I don't have any graphics talent. Maybe we have someone creative here?

Ashkickers is a good one!

Hope your quit is a successful one, Steveo1!

16

It seems like her quit is still somewhat fragile. Given that, it may be a good idea for her to stick around. That's all I was really saying. What's so unfair about that? Or are we not allowed to state our opinions here?

I was trying to use NRT but I ended up thinking it was hurting more than helping!

Thank you Ankush. Welcome to you as well! I agree with you that exercise is very helpful. So are the other things that you mention. I'm quitting cold turkey, how about you?

I'm sorry, I don't mean to be mean but what about this? "So, 7 month mark! Glad to be at this point and grateful for ploughing on and for all the encouraging words I received. Thanks so much for that. Its probably time to put the board somewhat in the background. I think i need to push myself in the direction of 'life after quitting'. As glad and grateful as i am, i feel like I should re-focus now." You posted that on March 22 and then, just 10 days later, you're all insecure and wanting everyone to hold your hand. Obviously your quit isn't strong enough for you to fly solo yet. You should stick around the board for a longer period of time. Also, just my opinion, but you may gain strength by helping others. Take the focus off of yourself and focus on the newbies. I hope you don't take what I have to say the wrong way. If I sound grouchy, I am. It's day 1 for me.

Not smoking today, NOPE

17

Hi DizzyD, When I quit cold turkey several years ago, I thought the first month was pretty difficult. After that, things started to slowly get better. After one month, I still had temper tantrums and mental meltdowns once in a while, but the general everyday grumpiness was gone. It took me a while to learn how to deal with my emotions as a non-smoker. Things could improve quicker for you, we're all unique. Hang in there! Regarding brain fog, I didn't have that problem. I actually felt like the fog lifted when I quit. Mona

-1

Congratulations to you and your wife Jimmy! That's a good long time to be quit.

Absolutely Doreen! I mentioned that in another thread. Feeling great as a nonsmoker is the prize! No other incentive is necessary.

Fresh coat of paint

I hope whatever you choose works for you, Lily. Have you ever had a long-term quit? If not, trust me when I say that it's great!

I have nicotine gum. Not sure if I'm going to use it or not. I was using it before but it didn't seem to do much good. Maybe because I got the 2mg instead of the 4mg? Not sure. I'd rather cold turkey it if I can. Just a few miserable days and then things start to get a little better.

Good advice Lily except for the part about telling my family. I'm not telling anyone except for the people here. It would not help to keep me quit so there is no reason to do it. I just have to be tougher, that's all. I've done it before, I can do it again. It's wonderful to be a nonsmoker. That is the prize.

What I would like to have on my sugar-free pancakes is real maple syrup...yum. I don't do that anymore so it will be maple-flavored sugar-free syrup. It's actually pretty good, almost tastes like the real thing.

I am more than happy to cheer someone one on, Doreen. That is what this site is for after all. I just don't care to be labelled as a twosome. Also, I am capable of a sticky quit. Prior to my relapse, I was quit for two years. It's a real shame that I recklessly threw it away because I was really loving being a nonsmoker. My problem is getting through the first few days. I very much dislike discomfort and am very self-indulgent, maybe a little spoiled too. If nothing else, this relapse has taught me a very valuable lesson, not even one little puff is safe! p.s. During my first few days, it will be best for me to stay away from people because I will be cranky and emotional. I certainly would not want to upset another new quitter.

No offense taken, notsmokinjo. I think being quit buddies is a good idea for some people. I don't think it would work for me though. I would feel like extra pressure was being put on me and that would mess with my head. I'll be back once I have 3 days under my belt.