PatienceI

[cpk]

I've been doing some research online - various sites - and one thing I've noticed is that all those into new quits are extremely impatient, including me. All the newbies are asking, "When will this fatigue get better?" "I feel like crap...when will it go away? "My sleep is all off..." and I won't even go into the weight thing. The general sense I have is newly quits are a pretty impatient lot.

 

I think part of it is what I'll call the "freak out" ---

 

There are so many changes going on, good and bad. It's almost like being a teenager. It's just a general freak out, at not having a handle on what's going on with the body, the mind, the emotions, one's responses and reactions to the outside world.

 

As well, teens have more social pressures, increasing responsibilities, heavier workloads...

 

When my son was a teen he'd open the refrigerator door and just stand there...

 

I'd say, what are you doing?, if you want something, get it and close the door...why are you standing there...?

 

He'd act like he was just waking up, would say, I don't know what I want...and he'd close the door, but would be back 20 minutes later and do the same thing all over again.

 

That about sums up this experience for me. I'm like a teenager. I don't know what I want.

 

I think patience would help me see this isn't a bad thing. I'm freaked out because it's all new.

 

I'm uncomfortable a lot. Like a teenager. But hey, being teenager-like at my age is okay for now.

[joe]

Hmmm ...maybe that's why I've stayed quit...

 

I'm a patient man...or so I've been told. :p

[Still winning]

ah we just want it done. We get it.

 

As a smoker, we get used to an immediate fix...

 

as a non smoker to start, we have to work harder and we're not used to it. ....

 

and there's loads of free time...

 

just run with it and it passes. It's much better after a while and you start to use your time more wisely.

 

x

[cpk]

Hmmm ...maybe that's why I've stayed quit...

 

I'm a patient man...or so I've been told. :P

I was listening to you, PJ, even if I was squirming around and fidgeting, like a teenager. :tease:

[JackiMac]

CPK can definitely relate to that, we need to learn to realise that it takes time, we need to adjust to all the changes we are going through, hell its not easy but its so worth it, we want the benefits of quitting to happen yesterday, and can't understand why our brain isnt allowing it!  We want to be where all the long term quitters are, and we want it now, but unfortunately we have to go through the quit process to allow our brain and thought processes to relearn and undo all the bad that we have inflicted on ourselves.

[cpk]

CPK can definitely relate to that, we need to learn to realise that it takes time, we need to adjust to all the changes we are going through, hell its not easy but its so worth it, we want the benefits of quitting to happen yesterday, and can't understand why our brain isnt allowing it!  We want to be where all the long term quitters are, and we want it now, but unfortunately we have to go through the quit process to allow our brain and thought processes to relearn and undo all the bad that we have inflicted on ourselves.

Yes, well, first I heard 3 to 6 months, then 6 to 8 months, then a year to 18 months...which is all a lot longer that 4 weeks, or 6 weeks, or 8 weeks. (Here I'm talking about real physical improvement.) I'm willing to grow with the process, and as a rule I can be patient, and so can stretch that and be more patient. However, having said all this, I need to put some new goals in place, like fitness goals, professional goals, and so on...because continually taking this quit's temperature is going to drive me nuts! So, for me, it's about being attentive, and growing my quit...but also letting it be, too. Does that make sense? Hmmm. I think so. Hope you are doing well, by the way.

[Jenny]

Yes, this is quite true.  It certainly takes time for that "normal" feeling to settle in and when it happens is different for everyone.  I remember thinking I just wanted to get to a point where I didn't constantly have to try to NOT think of smoking or quitting and just live my life again.  The mental part of quitting is so tiring!

 

Now that I have my "new normal" I've found that it is really my "old" normal!  The normal I had before I smoked and it's a pretty darn nice place to be.

 

Keep it moving!  It will happen for you too but a watched pot never boils.  I can see you've realized that already.  Exercise is a great way to keep your mind free of the junkie clutter and also to combat the weight gain that plagues some of us.  If I could do it again I would exercise right from the beginning.  

 

You're doing so well!  Very insightful.  :)

[beacon]

CPK, how true! When I notice nonsmokers in their first year having pain, struggling, even prickly, I always understand.

[Pippa]

CPK - I so understand what you are saying ... It does take time and that can be frustrating ( is it now where I say stop texting, fidgeting, rolling your eyes ... and look at me young lady ?! )

While you are waiting for the great benefits ( and they do happen - I promise ) exercise is fantastic ! It delivers measurable benefits , you walk away feeling fantastic and it is damn near impossible to light a cig with boxing gloves on !! So go to it ... And don't forget t to join us in the exercise thread so we can see how you are going !

[cpk]

Yes, this is quite true.  It certainly takes time for that "normal" feeling to settle in and when it happens is different for everyone.  I remember thinking I just wanted to get to a point where I didn't constantly have to try to NOT think of smoking or quitting and just live my life again.  The mental part of quitting is so tiring!

 

Now that I have my "new normal" I've found that it is really my "old" normal!  The normal I had before I smoked and it's a pretty darn nice place to be.

 

Keep it moving!  It will happen for you too but a watched pot never boils.  I can see you've realized that already.  Exercise is a great way to keep your mind free of the junkie clutter and also to combat the weight gain that plagues some of us.  If I could do it again I would exercise right from the beginning.  

 

You're doing so well!  Very insightful.   :)

Thanks. This was great, and really helped. Thanks, also, for the encouragement to just start right in with exercise. Because I just know I'll get bored with counting quit days, and nothing else, so I'm trying to look ahead, so as to avoid dangerous mental states. Besides, I'm curious to see how much air I can pack into these smoke free lungs. Thanks, again.