Hey Doodlebug :) Please dont smoke, remember the first few weeks of your quit? Do you really want to go through that again???? I didnt think so. We all from time to time have days like you have, you just gotta remember that its only one day dooblebug. Tomorrow is a new day, new perspective. I suggest you explain to your partner that even though you may appear that you are ready to face the world of smokers and that you would like to go to the party with him, that you are afraid that you will jepordize your quit. Tell him you dont have the confidence in knowing that you can resist lighting up - you are still in your infancy of this quit and you need to protect it - do all you can to. It may be hard for him to understand how you are feeling but there is no one here that knows how to word it to your partner in a way that he will understand that you are serious about this quit. No matter what Doodlebug, you will still wake up tomorrow to a new day as a non smoker, smiling inside coz you have conquered a powerful addiction. Isnt life wonderful :) Stay strong [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 7/11/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 9 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 213 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $91.8 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 17 [B]Mins:[/B] 56 [B]Seconds:[/B] 20

I love every second that i dont smoke. I love every temptation. I love to go to parties at the weekend (I have another this weekend), and yes it can be so hard, but i figure all the time i am learning new coping skills to deal with it. As it is hard and tough i am learning and growing. With all growth comes pain.. thats how we get there? I remember posting a HELP post when I was going to that first party, how was I going to get through the weekend? It was ok. It only has the power that i give to it. Some points it got hard, and I just thought of this place. I thought of all the lovely people here. I visualised everyone stood around me - all the non smoking quit people here.. and I looked at the smokers. I then said If i really have to smoke, then do it TOMORROW not tonight. At least tell those people at the SSC that you are going to smoke, before you do it. That was it ANOTHER weekend over. Chuffed to bits with myself for getting through it ... I would come here and post how well I did. Of course by then I didnt want to smoke, and was so proud i hadnt. Remember you had to spend a long time LEARNING to smoke. It therefore makes sense that you spend a fair bit of time LEARNING to be in situations (like parties) and NOT smoke. When I went a party I would smoke 60! I would just chain smoke one after the other. Yet I can still go to a party now and NOT smoke. Each time I do, thats one up to me, each time I learn a new way of dealing with it. You need to be in control of your mind. Not the other way around. The mind can play tricks x [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 6/12/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 38 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 960 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �285 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 3 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 17 [B]Seconds:[/B] 7

I am wondering what miracle the cigarette gave you, that made you feel like you could be with strangers back then, that is missing now? I am SO wondering this, so I hope that you dont mind me asking Doodlebug. Have you been out and socialised at all since you quit? No? Well why not? Have you given up on living as well as smoking? I think that you are making the cigarette WAY too precious! Cigarettes dont make you less anxious, they increase it Cigarettes dont give you confidence, they take it away Its all a myth, stop glamourising that cigarette, it gave you nothing it just added to your anxiety, and you tried to hide behind something that made you feel awful (which is why you quit).. You are talking about it, like you have lost your best friend. Like you cant go to the party without a cigarette because you will feel like a loner? Get this into perspective. You might actually enjoy NOT being a smoker. You might actually get pleasure from it. When you can, and when you feel able watch smokers, really watch them, and you will thank god you are free. You say that you still want to go and party, well the chance is there, what are you waiting for? Why are you suspending your life? You are at 70 + days now... what do you think is going to happen to change your thinking, to change your addiction? Only YOU can do that, because only YOU are in charge of your thoughts and emotions. I really hope that you do go, I hope you blow smoke out of your ears not with cigarette smoke but with enjoyment! When you do this, then you will begin to see that you are more powerful than the cigarette, and that you CAN live a full and active life WITHOUT it by your side. You dont need it to have a good time or to protect you. All that being said, if you really dont feel that you can control your thoughts, and that it might tempt you to smoke, then dont go. Will you still not be going to parties in a years time too? You have to learn sometime. Why not now? [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 6/12/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 38 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 960 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �285 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 3 [B]Hrs:[/B] 9 [B]Mins:[/B] 16 [B]Seconds:[/B] 6

If its really bad see Doc and maybe get a prescription for something calming?? If you do not want that Try chamomille tea and lavendel drops on your pillow or behind neck etc Go and have a massage migh help..hmmm sorry i was not probably not much of a help.. :( I do know what anxiety and panic attack is .. AWFUL sometimes i get so bad i actually think i got something wrong with my heart.. ann [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 6/6/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 44 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,954 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $699.6 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 14 [B]Seconds:[/B] 41

doodlebug so sorry for you crazy non smoking life... and the trouble or just a bad day you are having IT WILL PASS!!! That's the good news but...... as i approach 60 days... i can not stop thinking about smoking... I realize that it may be a year or more before i experience all the non smoking moments.. for the first time.. thanks for at least letting me know that i am not the only one out here... having a difficult time getting through this.. mon [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/22/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 59 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,198 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $177 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 6 [B]Hrs:[/B] 3 [B]Mins:[/B] 59 [B]Seconds:[/B] 18

Hi everyone, well for the first time since I quit I have massive anxiety...it has been growing steadily worse over the last week. all i have wanted to do all day is smoke. I searched the house for 2 hours looking for one. if i had of found one i would have smoked it. i couldnt leave the house for fear of driving to the nearest shop to buy a pack. I feel like i'm out of control today. this all stems from work issues. Ridiculous that i'm taking it so personally but i am. its like i cant snap outta it. the other reason that really pushed my buttons was my partner wants me to go to a party -wth him on sat night where i hardly know anybody going and the people i know are mostily smokers. i have a real issue with being around strangers. that was the reason i started smoking all those years ago and for some reason i havent dealt with it. i really dont want to go but if i dont it'll cause issues b/w us...why do i feel this way? why dont i just go and get over it? i feel angry that he wants me to go. its insane. i hate the fact that i'm uncomfortable around strangers to the point where i have to smoke...either that or i just dont go anywhere near them. I also feel like i'm old, like i cant party ever again, i wish i was younger so i could be reckless and having fun;..... i hate feeling anxious. i want it to stop, i feel exhausted. There.....i feel better now, sorry bout the emo. i'm sure i'll wake up fine tomorrow, although the last week has been ****e. i am dissapointed with myself...got this far and feeling like this all of a sudden. I have had a lump in my throat & an acid stomach. for a week now....nice just what i need. anyway sorry....just had to get this outta my mind somehow. :( [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/9/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 72 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 866 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $410.4 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 6 [B]Hrs:[/B] 1 [B]Mins:[/B] 45 [B]Seconds:[/B] 28

kiwi - r u psychic? u describe me to a t! lol I am still in the filthiest of moods..my partner basically spat it with me a couple of hours ago and told me I'm acting like i'm 2 yrs old. which i agree with. angry anxious - thats me...sounds like a great name for a band! princess c - thats for the advice...its so true. you're very wise. i just have to calm down & think rationally. thats whats happened the part of my brain that does that has left the building and has been gone for quite a while. oh well.....hopefuly I wake up tomorrow ok. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/9/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 72 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 868 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $410.4 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 6 [B]Hrs:[/B] 2 [B]Mins:[/B] 6 [B]Seconds:[/B] 48

hI EVERYONE THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE GREAT ADV ICE. nIKS - I am wondering what miracle the cigarette gave you, that made you feel like you could be with strangers back then, that is missing now? i WISH i KNEW THE ANSWER TO THAT ONE! i DONT KNOW...ALWAYS WAS AN EXTREMELY SHY KID AND SMOKING WAS INSTANT RAPORT WITH PEOPLE, i'VE GOT QUITE A FEW INGRAINED BELIEFS TO CHANGE....I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT SMOKERS WERE WAY MORE FUN THAN NON-SMOKERS...RIDULOUS i KNOW. I'VE ALWAYS FEEL CALM AROUND STRANGERS WITH A SMOKE...SO ILLOGICAL I KNOW. BUT I CAN REALLY UNDERSTAND HOW GOING TO THE PARTY WOULD BREAK ANOTHER ASSOCIATION WITH SMOKING, JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHER ONES I HAVE BROKEN...FOR SOME REASON THE SOCIAL ONE AROUND STRANGERS IS ALWAYS THE WORST FOR ME. ANNE - YOU'RE ADORABLE! A MASSAGE...WHAT A BRILLIANT IDEA....TOO MUCH WORK, NOT ENUFF PLAY FOR ME DEFINATELY...I NEED SOME ME-ME TIME I KNOW. OODLECHICK - ALL U HAVE TO REMEMBER IS YOU'LL HAVE A FEW ORDINARY DAYS AND YOU'RE RIGHT THEY DO PASS. i KNOW THIS WILL. ITS SOME SORT OF TEST FOR ME I THINK. I WILL DEFINATELY GO SEE A DOCTOR SOON...TOO KEEP A CHECK ON THE ANXIETY LEVELS...THEY'RE STILL HERE BUT I AM FEELING MORE NORMAL TODAY.. THANKS AGAIN TO EVERYONE U ARE ALL ANGELS IN DISGUISE... [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 5/9/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 73 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 881 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $416.1 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 6 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 11 [B]Seconds:[/B] 50

Hi doodlebug - One thing to remember: no matter how "out of control" you feel, it's just NOT the truth. Stay in the moment, find distractions. They are so magical as they will 1) take you away from any crave or feeling 2) they will pass time... 3) they can be fun! If you don't want to go, say no, dear one... I know that for me, I had to really learn how to take care of me on a deeper level... If friends wanted to go out for dinner, I had to really check in w/myself... Many times I needed to be alone, and get off the world. So I said no... Looking back or looking ahead is not staying in the moment, dear one. We have ONLY the moment we're in, so stay in it, and focused on it :) Take care of yourself above all - cuz if you don't take care of YOU your Quit won't be taken care of. N.O.P.E. not one puff ever... stick w/that and it's a done deal! Blessings- Healer [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/5/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 137 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 4,817 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $637.05 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 17 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 23 [B]Seconds:[/B] 14

Doodle, I agree with HealerWithin on this one. [quote] ALWAYS WAS AN EXTREMELY SHY KID AND SMOKING WAS INSTANT RAPORT WITH PEOPLE, i'VE GOT QUITE A FEW INGRAINED BELIEFS TO CHANGE....I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT SMOKERS WERE WAY MORE FUN THAN NON-SMOKERS...RIDULOUS i KNOW. I'VE ALWAYS FEEL CALM AROUND STRANGERS WITH A SMOKE...SO ILLOGICAL I KNOW. BUT I CAN REALLY UNDERSTAND HOW GOING TO THE PARTY WOULD BREAK ANOTHER ASSOCIATION WITH SMOKING, JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHER ONES I HAVE BROKEN...FOR SOME REASON THE SOCIAL ONE AROUND STRANGERS IS ALWAYS THE WORST FOR ME. [/quote] Ditto. i don't care what anyone says - smoking was a crutch.... listen to this.... Be selfish, have lots of 'me' time, if you don't want to be around anyone - don't .. It's all about you ! We all go through the suffering thing but the thing with becoming 'smoke-free' is - you need time to reflect & heal, to do a little bit of soul searching if you like. I know i needed to find out who i was without the 'fags' & i really like this person. It's been along time since most of us were 'naked' & a non-smoker, some of us remember being vulnerable & alone so do things that make 'you' happy, Join the rest of the world on your terms, make a little bit of an effort sometimes, but only if the effort is appreciated - don't be bullied into things. Another thing.. for all us workaholics, learn to close that part of my our off when we leave the 'office', when i walk out of those doors it's 'me time' & me time is to do what makes 'me' happy. me, me, me, me... i love it & so does my wife. [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 1/1/2005 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 566 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 14,165 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $3679 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 81 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 27 [B]Seconds:[/B] 13