Newbie

[buMbLeB]

The moment you stop smoking is the moment you stop being stupid, so thankfully you and I have put that nonsense behind us. I hear ya about the conflicting advice... the truth is, I got drunk every night of the first week of my quit (as far as I remember) and I STILL have that last unsmoked cigarette somewhere in a back closet, moldering away. But it's also true that I developed something of a drinking habit which was probably not the most healthy. And I live overtop a 24hour 7-11, so removing temptation was never possible anyway. 

 

I guess my point is just to do what works for you, and sometimes it's a trick to figure out. I think you're doing it though, and that's great to see.

[Doreensfree]

Bumb is right...

There is no one size fits all....everyone's quit is different....

You have to find what good for you ...

I used to punch a pillow... Well...more than that...batter a pillow...to rid of my frustration...

It worked for me...but not everyone...

Find something to take your mind if it...jigsaw...knitting...sewing ..etc....

I had to rid myself of all smoking stuff..ashtrays..lighters...because it was the right thing for me...

You can do it...hey look ..I did....

[buMbLeB]

Bumb is right...

 

Oh please don't let this be my new nickname...  :help:

[TracyB]

Thanks for replies. Busy watching videos. I'm going to sort the kitchen today - I haven't wanted to go in there - which is clearly not going to work! I usually paint in there as well so need to set that up differently. Started back crocheting yesterday - which I love. Jigsaws is a good idea - I think there's one upstairs. Thanks chaps I will get through today fine and will hopefully then be through the worst of withdrawal. Will check in later.

[Doreensfree]

Oh please don't let this be my new nickname...  :help:

LOL...I was just being lazy...x

[joe]

Yes I will get rid of the cigarettes - Some people keep a pack of cigarettes in the house.!

Hi Tracy.. I'm late to welcome you to our party.....I have read your posts, and think you are getting a grasp on becoming smoke free! :)

 

I will make a suggestion, and that is to get rid of the cigarettes that are in the house... If hubby is going to sell them, fin, but have him do it TODAY!... If he won't/can't , soak them in water and throw them away. Your health is worth WAY MORE than those cigarettes...by keeping them around, it is too convenient to give in during a weak moment (like the other night)..

 

I like to think that by being as prepared as possible to take this challenge head on is the best chance you have to succeed. By those packs of cigarettes being within arms reach at a moments notice is just setting yourself up to fail...not succeed. Nicotine addiction is a powerful thing, and more people fail in their attempt to quit than succeed.....the more you can do to remove ANYTHING that contributes to smoking.... Including all lighters, ashtrays, etc, the better your odds are to beat that addiction. I would even say, take it a step further and consider alcohol and your friends and family who smoke among the items you need to get rid of hike in the early stages of you quit... That sounds a bit "harsh", but I don't mean forever, just avoid those until you are comfortable with yourself and you quit... It will be sooner than you think....

 

You have spent most of your life smoking.... call it a habit, or an addiction, either way it's something you will have to work at to convince your brain that it is wrong...it's so wrong, ultimately it will kill you!

 

You have already made a great choice, now , prepare for the fight that will save your life, and begin by setting yourself up for success.

 

Welcome to the train,continue posting and reading.....help from any of us is only a key stroke away! :)

[Nancy]

Thanks for replies. Busy watching videos. I'm going to sort the kitchen today - I haven't wanted to go in there - which is clearly not going to work! I usually paint in there as well so need to set that up differently. Started back crocheting yesterday - which I love. Jigsaws is a good idea - I think there's one upstairs. Thanks chaps I will get through today fine and will hopefully then be through the worst of withdrawal. Will check in later.

Sounds like you have a plan...good for you!

[TracyB]

Fags gone. Chair and table moved. Another day done.

[buMbLeB]

That's what I call a good day.

[Doreensfree]

Fags gone. Chair and table moved. Another day done.

Brilliant Tracey....

Doing everything you can ..to make certain you succeed...high five...

[joe]

Way to go Tracy...

 

Your moving forward ...that's good progress!!

 

You may find that with your chair and table in a different location, you will be inspired to paint something you otherwise would have not noticed ...change is good!

 

Getting on with life....good for you!

[beacon]

Good job!  Wjen I first quit I went crazy and trwid to clean and organize my entire house.  I still have all the crap I bought to organize my office and tax paper work shoved on my closet.  I ate a lot of sugar free candies.  I kept a big bowl on my coffee table and bags at work. 

[TracyB]

Yes I've been cleaning a lot today! Mind you that's a good thing.

 

I'm incredibly thirsty - drinking loads of iced water - is that a normal side effect?

 

I've been reading a lot about blood sugar levels and it makes a lot of sense and makes me realise why my last efforts at stopping were never going to last. I never had breakfast when smoking. I'm trying to eat healthily though - the last thing I need is to put on loads of weight and be thinking ooh if I started smoking again I'd lose it all!!!!

 

Thanks for being in touch everyone- much appreciated. Xx

[sgt.barney]

Yes I've been cleaning a lot today! Mind you that's a good thing.

I'm incredibly thirsty - drinking loads of iced water - is that a normal side effect?

I've been reading a lot about blood sugar levels and it makes a lot of sense and makes me realise why my last efforts at stopping were never going to last. I never had breakfast when smoking. I'm trying to eat healthily though - the last thing I need is to put on loads of weight and be thinking ooh if I started smoking again I'd lose it all!!!!

Thanks for being in touch everyone- much appreciated. Xx

 

It's not breakfast (Sarge hasn't eaten breakfast regularly since High School (30+ years ago)).

 

It's not blood sugar levels (Sarge was diagnosed "pre-diabetic" mere months before quitting, and has been both hyper, and hypo glycemic at times while getting the diet/exercise under control (totally solid "normal" blood glucose for 3 years running now -- it's amazing what losing 60-ish pounds, a good, solid diet, and exercise can do!)... and yet didn't smoke.

 

Call it what it is: you were a Junkie wanting The Fix and you gave in.

 

You. Gave. In.

 

Simple as that.

 

You can't win at this game without that kind of blunt honesty.

 

Say it:

 

"I had a choice."

 

"I gave in the The Junkie"

 

"I CHOSE to smoke."

 

"It wasn't the blood sugar".

 

"It wasn't the recently found cigarettes"

 

"It wasn't the wine"

 

"It was me"

 

"ALL me and ONLY me."

 

"Me."

 

 

 

 

Easy Peasy

[TracyB]

Presumably I've been reading a lot of rubbish then! I realise I am a complete junkie but eating regularly does actually help when a craving hits.

 

Fortunately I don't need to lose 60 pounds and eat fairly healthily.

 

To be honest I don't think this forum is for me. I was having a positive smoke free day. Thanks for making me feel crap.

[sgt.barney]

Presumably I've been reading a lot of rubbish then! I realise I am a complete junkie but eating regularly does actually help when a craving hits.

Fortunately I don't need to lose 60 pounds and eat fairly healthily.

To be honest I don't think this forum is for me. I was having a positive smoke free day. Thanks for making me feel crap.

<sigh> ...

 

If its not for and you'll be leaving, then, Adios - your prerogative.

 

Sarge reiterates: You can not win at this game without that kind of blunt honesty.

 

And adds at this time: running away and hiding from it doesn't help at all.

 

At. All.

 

Sarge is here to help you quit, not stroke you feel-goodies and give you warm-and-fuzzies.

 

Until you can repeat all of what was said in his post above without making you "feel like crap" ... and until you know and understand what it means, without taking offense nor ruining your day ... then your chances are slim.

 

And yes, Virginia, Sarge was a Fat Man. 60 pounds overweight. A *Very Fat Man*. By choice. He put himself there. It was his choice. It wasn't the Alcohol. It wasn't the Pizza. It wasn't the office parties with donuts and cookies, nor the stressful holiday gatherings with enormous turkey dinners. It was Sarge. All Sarge. 100% within his control. (See how Easy Peasy that was?)

 

Now he has made a better choice.

 

You can, too, but not without the honesty, and certainly not by running and hiding from same.

 

It start here: "I am an addict."

 

Can you say it?

 

 

 

Easy Peasy

[ChRiSpY]

TracyB... take what you need from the board and leave the rest.

 

Some folks need Sarge's no Bullsh*t approah... Some are alittle too fragile for that.

 

Do what you need... just quit.

 

Don't take everything so personal...this is your journey...not ours.

 

Keep on keepin on.   

 

PS... get a little bit bad a**... it helps

[TracyB]

I am absolutely an addict and have been for 37 years. Believe me I'm under no illusions that smoking is my choice. I'm not quite sure why the strong reply from you. I didn't smoke today. I did find out some interesting information that could well help me regarding blood sugar levels. Mentioned I was a bit thirsty - why the reaction?

 

I am not running or hiding from anything but I certainly didn't expect responses like yours from a forum that apparently welcomes people and say "post away - we're here for you " .

 

Maybe you should remove your barney song if you don't do "feel good".

 

I'm happy that it was easy peasy for you but it's not the same for everyone. I am struggling big time.

[TracyB]

Thanks Chrispy and Doreen. Maybe it's an American get tough thing. I don't think I'm being fragile was just sharing and posting. Yes now I certainly do know that you shouldn't post honest things.

[buMbLeB]

The Train might appear to be a monolithic organization with a unanimous perspective on how to quit, but in reality we're just a collection of individuals with at least one thing in common, trying to help others walking in our footsteps. As a result, you're going to get some very different sorts of advice and ideas depending on who you talk to, and it's up to you to decide who's worth listening to and who isn't.

 

So from my experience, a sudden constant thirst for ice cold water is "normal" - I lived at the water cooler for weeks, and I've seen other people say similar things. Does Sarge agree? He doesn't say. Sarge didn't eat breakfast and still doesn't - same with me. On the other hand, he stayed thin as a rail while I gained a bleepton of weight, despite not changing my eating habits, so I'm a big believer in metabolic impacts for SOME people, and if Sgt wants to argue that with me I'm all ears (although that argument will involve things like gut flora and fecal transplants, and thus not be to everyone's taste).

 

Finally, Sarge is all about the "Easy Peasy" school of quitting, which I take to mean that it's really not that hard and if you think it is it's all in your head. I haven't read Allan Carr, but I think it's sort of the same idea. I've never decided whether he believes this is literally true for everyone and only babies say otherwise, or if it's a form of tough love where you just keep repeating it over and over until you brainwash yourself. Either way, I don't agree and it wasn't my experience - quitting was hard and I yelled at things and got very very depressed. 

 

But I still quit. And this is where we agree. Whether or not quitting screws with your blood sugar or makes you eat breakfast or sends you into a depression or anything else, choosing to smoke is still a choice. None of those things will MAKE you smoke. They might make your quitting experience more difficult, and thus give your junkie lizard brain "reasons" to smoke again, but it's still your choice.

 

So while I certainly wouldn't have put things the way Sarge did - that's usually a given - in the end he's right about the outcome. If you don't like what he said or how he said it, ignore him. But here's my question: are you really going to throw in the towel and walk away from an entire forum, just because one person said something that made you feel bad? It's your decision of course, but that doesn't sound totally rational to me. It sounds a little bit what a junkie lizard death tantrum might start out like... later, when you're alone in your house reflecting on how poorly you were treated and how badly it made you feel, you might decide that this was a really big deal and indulge yourself in some self-pity, and then maybe you'll start to think that it was so awful that it's pretty much ruined this quit attempt, so you may as well get some cigarettes and try and relax and get your head together, and think about quitting again fresh on another forum with less awful people, tomorrow. Or next week...

 

Anyway, sorry for the wall of text, I talk too much. I just wanted to get this down in writing while you're hopefully still reading, to give you something to think about. I went through similar things in my early days, and in fact I did quit the board I was on for a while - but it wasn't personal, and I stayed quit. In the end my advice is always the same: do what works for you, whatever you gotta do, so long as you don't smoke.

[TracyB]

Thanks Bumble. I will keep a low profile although that's not really my style! First forum I've been on so you live and learn. Thanks for taking time. X

[joe]

I agree with Duck...

 

Don't leave because you don't agree with what 1 member has to say..... I feel you thought the rest of us were helpful in your quest to quit.

 

As said, smoking is a choice, but the addiction is real...and very strong .....and will do anything possible to trick your brain into believing it's not a choice....the nicotine has your brain rewired. A lot of people has had all the same things going on with them as you are experiencing.....

 

As said, this is your quit! Do whatever is needed to insure that you stay quit....if that means "blocking" people because you don't agree with their approach....by all means block them.....we all can offer advice, but it s only based on our own experience...everyones is a little different...and so is yours...only listen to what helps you achieve your goal and ignore the rest...

[joe]

And also Tracy...I hope you don't keep a low profile...I believe that by coming here and posting reinforces your strength to quit....

[buMbLeB]

And also Tracy...I hope you don't keep a low profile...I believe that by coming here and posting reinforces your strength to quit....

 

^^ Totally agree. I hope nothing I said suggested otherwise. Please keep a high profile!

[Doreensfree]

The guys are right...this is your quit...fight to keep it..

When I was early in my own quit..my emotions were all over the place..

Cry at the drop of a hat...

Your body is going through some massive changes..

My advice...stay with the board..support will get you through all crap stuff...

Find a quit buddy...someone you trust...pm them...

Quitting is the most important thing....no matter how you get there...

I am known to say..all roads lead to Rome...just get to Rome Tracey..