Tyme2B

Others on QT need you too Evelyn! And sticking close to the board helps to ward off those nasty temptations. Posting & joining in discussions help me to feel that I am a part of a strong group. That strength is helping tremendously!

I'm a new Convert as well Oneistoo! Honestly, it does get easier just as Everyone on this site tells us. Like you, I had thought that just one smoke would help but as one Person on this site said, cigs don't come in ones they come as a pack. Tomorrow is Day 21 for me & the cravings are not nearly as strong. I had a rough time with insomnia the first 2 weeks but that too has settled. It just takes time & lots of support & willpower (which I have never been good at lol). You are doing great with talking yourself out of the cravings and replacing with something that is not deadly. Good job!!!

It sounds like you are a new convert as well Oneistoo. Good for you! It may not be easy but I know it's going to be worth it!

Many Canadians wrestle POLAR bears El Bandito! Lol! This is deffs easier than wrestling those bears....I think???? Will let you know after I take one on.

Many Canadians wrestle POLAR bears El Bandito! Lol! This is deffs easier than wrestling those bears....I think???? Will let you know after I take one on.

I'm trying BAT. One day at a time. I love to sleep & escape. This is normal, right?

Such an inspiring post Babs! You are so right...the key words are "in time"! I can relate to your comments about feeling weaker than other quitters....we all are on an emotional roller coaster....but in time this is going to pass just like other negative memories of the past weaken with time. Learning to cope with stress or even past practices of rewarding one's self with a smoke will be changed....whatever positive mechanism we decide to replace that smoke with will take time to achieve. I'm learning......once we make that choice & stick to it, time will start to reward us. I'm still holding on tight for this ride....Day 16....but I'm way more comfortable on the ride than I was 2 weeks ago! Time is the key.

Hi Rob. I'm still battling some insomnia since quitting but on the positive side I definitely have less of a cough in the mornings & actually feel more energetic despite the insomnia. I think the insomnia is gradually getting better though. You are so right...it IS a life changing decision! A good one. Thanks for the support :)

Going into my third week of no smoking! There are times I "think" I need a smoke but I don't. I am proud I am not smoking! I sure can see where "just one" is NOT an option....at all.....how to ruin a good thing. As one person on the Forum said....cigarettes don't come as one...they come as a pack. Still chewing my gum. Sometimes now just regular gum works. Thanks to Everyone on this awesome site for helping me to stay strong. I am SO glad I joined this group. You ALL understand and provide added strength & motivation :)

Make the next day your quit day Mike....or just don't buy any more smokes. Your wife smokes too though right? So that makes the quit harder for you. It's obviously on your mind or you wouldn't be on this forum. I tried for a month before I finally succeeded. And now I sure don't want to go through hell week again. Stress is a part of life. I too found a smoke or four relaxed me.....like you...but really it was just giving me time out away from the situation. You will eventually win this struggle. Find another way to deal with stress even if it is standing out in the howling wind with a straw! Something that gives you time out.

How are you doing Rob? Are you managing to make it through?

Mike! You can do this! Maybe you need to use some NRT....not really recommended on this site...but it DOES help. Without it I don't think I would be able to make it despite the assurances I really could. Smoking is a habit....a habit that has in my mind... helped me through stress my entire life. That habit does not go away in 2 weeks . This is the beginning of a NEW lifetime, and this time I will learn new ways to cope with stress. Eventuay I will be able to stop the nicotine gum i just need to learn healthy ways to cope....and I will! We ALL can learn change. I am sure of it.

Yes.....I can do this. It's just hard some days. Today was one of them. Day 11. I just need sleep. And decreased stress....my job is very stressful. But that's life! Right?

I had strong craves today but just used the nicotine gum. It beats smoking! I want to get off the gum but I need a little more time. Without it I think I could have fallen off the train today. I have a stressful job....not to say most others do not...and I'm tired from sleep deprivation. It will pass. I just do one day at a time but look forward to no cravings :(

"In summary, most people start to feel better after 1 week, and the symptoms are usually gone within 3 months." Quote I look forward to 3 months!

Hoping I can stop the gum as well as you did Ava. I'm going to try. Smoking is not an option....I will use the gum longer if I need to.

Made it through the evening with no smoking, no gum & just 2 glasses of wine. And I had fun. I didn't even think about smoking till we left the party & some people were outside on front porch smoking. It did not even smell good to me....I can hardly believe I am saying this! I didn't even want to linger to smell the second hand smoke lol! So I am actually surviving without smoking & starting to feel alive again. Hell week was hell, no question and even heck week started off tough but I am coming to grips with the fact I am now a non smoker. My friends are happily surprised as they have seen me try & fail in the past. I guess I was just practicing for the real thing. Now I want to stop the nicotine gum but slowly....no way am I going to take a chance on being without it yet.....I hope regular gum will be an ok substitute. Never know till I try. Sure hope it is seamless like Ava's experience.

Well here I am at Day 10 of quitting smoking. The physical discomfort I was having & the insomnia are nearly gone. I am feeling better so I woke up wanting to smoke today but a piece of nicotine gum fixed that. Chewing very little of nicotine gum & plan to switch to regular gum as that may work just fine too. Going out tonight & will need to stay away from other Smokers right now. Fortunately, few of my friends smoke so it should be fine :)

Thanks! I have to beat this. So greatful for the support.

Rez.....you are inspiring to a Newbie! Thank you! And stay strong.

Mike! Pick the right time ok? You already know you CAN do it. But sometimes things intervene that cause all of us to slip. I didn't plan a "date". I tried to cut down while I browsed sites to see what I was in for. You already know that info. If I have cigs in the house I will smoke them. I ran out & quit.... And it's such a short drive to the variety store. You will know when you are ready. Unfortunately NRT is necessary for me....but it beats a smoke. So many people on this site truly care. You will be ready again soon. Just take it one day at at a time. And message any time K?