Deli - I haven't started my quit yet. It's coming up in a few days, though. I've quit many times before; the longest was 2 years. And each time I was done in by some emotional trigger. Well, this time, by gum - it ain't gonna happen. Knowing I've sabotaged myself this way, I've enlisted the support of my therapist to help me see the connection between my emotions, smoking, and the dysfunction therein - and to change it over the course of my quit. For me, there is a direct link between smoking and a rather traumatic time in my life. And for 35+ years, I've been trying to comfort myself with tobacco, among other unwise choices. Knowing this about myself - I can re-direct the search for comfort to other more beneficial things. So, YEAH - I can understand why you're more irritable now. Those feelings aren't getting covered up or managed by the cigarettes. You might need to reward yourself at regular intervals; similar to your previous smoking schedule. It's easy & free to give yourself a minute of mental/emotional timeout: close your eyes & call up a time/place when you felt really comfortable & loved. I'm doing that, while postponing the "next smoke" this week. (Next week, I guess I'll be a zombie what with withdrawal!! :D ) I found a LOT of good advice in everyone's posts! I'll be countin' on ya, Deli, for tips next week! :) [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/24/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] -3 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 0 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $0 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 0 [B]Seconds:[/B] 0

You haven't frightened me one bit, Deli. In fact, I have been where you are right now in previous quits. I'm feeling a bit more paranoid than usual, and knowing that is not in character for me, I put it down to the quit. I do a lot of deep breathing and it relaxes me as well as mimicking the act of dragging off a cig. And after dinner? I sure know that let down feeling. It's like, "is this all there is?" As soon as supper is over, I make sure there is coffee waiting for me and then hubby and I throw on our running shoes and take the dogs out for a walk. When I get back, I look forward to an evening of tv (with a nice cup of tea), and I like this now because all the shows are in their new seasons. Of course, I MUST lay on the love seat. I feel too restless just sitting right now. And then, off to bed. Who knows when I'll fall asleep tonight, my twenty minute rest this afternoon turned into 3 1/2 hours!!! Hubby let me sleep. No supper on the table. Oh well, life goes on, and I definitely thank the Good Lord that this gets better. So Deli, hang in there, the tide will turn. Breath deep and keep posting here!!! Cheers, Jan [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/11/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 6 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 201 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $54 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 17 [B]Mins:[/B] 38 [B]Seconds:[/B] 46

Thanks everyone - you really are great. I'm going to try all of these things today - I'm determined to have a good day!! Thank you all for your care and support. It means a great deal to me. A much more positive Deli! xxxxx [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 8/1/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 48 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 723 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �144 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 3 [B]Hrs:[/B] 21 [B]Mins:[/B] 5 [B]Seconds:[/B] 5

Thanks Jan, Being able to vent our feelings here and touch base with people who understand is a wonderful thing! Thanks for your kind words. Yup - deep breathing! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 8/1/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 47 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 716 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �141 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 3 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 15 [B]Seconds:[/B] 36

Felt like I had to post tonight since it feels like I'm not progressing much with this quit. I really do seem to be losing all my confidence in staying positive and calm every now and again - and particularly at this precise moment! Sometimes, the positivity could be pulsing all through me and then, just as I start to enjoy my freedom, I'm thrust into the depths of insecurity again and feeling actually quite paranoid - my loved ones get on my nerves. I'm just no fun to be around. I was like this in the first and second week (although probably much worse!!) and expected to be feeling a bit weird then, but since I am nearly at week 7 I'm a bit perturbed. Am I just not very nice, then? Was the tobacco such a strong drug that it was the only thing that kept me from being so moody? I hope not - and of course, somewhere in the back of my mind I can hear a weak voice of my own telling me that this isn't true. But the irritability carries on. I am paranoid - I keep thinking that my boyfriend may be searching for another lady now that his own has turned into a dragon. And before you let that statement make you think of my poor boyf as some womanising creep, I am paranoid about my own mother and sister not liking me as well!!! The two most beautiful, caring, loving girls ever! They would be so hurt if they knew that! I wonder to myself if I should be taking this 'reward' business more seriously but, since I am self-employed, I am unable to spend money on luxuries without feeling that I'm being lavish beyond my means. Then, I guess the reason for not rewarding myself 'on the cheap' is because I'm too 'bored/irritated/moody already! A walk or a bath will not get rid of the dragon's fire!! When people talk of 'cravings', what exactly do they mean? Is this 'the urge to smoke'? The actual, physical wanting something between the fingers or the urge to suck on a cigarette? Because I don't have those. Oh, yeah, I have the thoughts about a cigarette every now and again, but none of the actual physical urges to smoke a cigarette. What I have noticed, though, is that I usually will start to get irritated, annoyed or bored even just after we've finished eating our evening meal. The time I would have my most important cigarette, I reckon. And I don't mean just moody, but

And thanks to you, too - Butterfly Swimmer! You always managed to make me feel better! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 8/1/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 47 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 716 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �141 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 3 [B]Hrs:[/B] 20 [B]Mins:[/B] 16 [B]Seconds:[/B] 57

Hi everyone! Feeling like a little princess today! The sun is shining, I've come back from the gym, just been munching on my Greek salad and I'm feeling quite angelic!! See what kind of affect you lovely people have on me??!!! Thank you all - I'm still managing to keep the Old Dragon away!!! Flapping my angel wings instead! Deli [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 8/1/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 53 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 801 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �159 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 7 [B]Mins:[/B] 10 [B]Seconds:[/B] 12

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate all your comments. I have been trying to put all your tips into practice and, so far, I'm winning! My efforts at remaining positive seem to be working at the moment. I have been very much boosted by your comments. Thanks, all - I owe you one!! Deli xxx [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 8/1/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 52 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 783 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �156 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 4 [B]Mins:[/B] 49 [B]Seconds:[/B] 33

Deli i blew my quit but you are doing so well keep it up! [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 9/28/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] -6 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 0 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] �0 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 0 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 0 [B]Seconds:[/B] 0

Deli, I hope you are doing better. I feel you because I too get this strange cloud of irritation that surrounds me. After a big meal is still ahrd for me. I actully have green or some other decaf hot tea after my dinner. My hubby smokes, so when he goes outside, I straighten up kitchen. I also sit for a minute and drink my tea. That is my reward. Also when something or someone starts to irritate me, I take a step back. I try quickly to look at 3 things positive about sitution or person. That seems to help keep me from being the dragon. It is hard to get to upset if you are looking for a good in the moment. You are doing so well. Keep the quit. Grace [B]My Milage:[/B] [B]My Quit Date: [/B] 8/8/2006 [B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 42 [B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 850 [B]Amount Saved:[/B] $168 [B]Life Gained:[/B] [B]Days:[/B] 3 [B]Hrs:[/B] 0 [B]Mins:[/B] 37 [B]Seconds:[/B] 52