Hello Harrow,
First, let me say that I have had my quit "easier" as some would put it. I did not start out with any intention of remaining smoke-free.
I found this site on day 2, and posted. I admitted that I only did this because my husband really wanted to, and I quit to help him quit. However, I never thought my hubby would actually get through day 1. He did. I also admitted that if he lost his quit, I would too.
However, something happened within day 3-5. Something clicked in my head.
Instead of being in the "I wish I could have one more...., Just one puff and then......, oooohhhh why cant I have one......, I'm weak..., I'm stupid for starting...., etc, etc, etc...." phase, I told myself I have to be positive. I am big on self-talk. I drilled it into my head that I do not smoke. I do not want one. There is no room in my big head for negative thinking. I simply do not have the time or energy for negativity. I tell myself 1 reason, almost daily, of a benefit that I have expierenced by no longer smoking. The more I consentrate on a normalcy of life, the less smoking, and not smoking, enters my mind.
Wierd, that I spend a lot of time here. Reading, and posting. But once I am off the computer, smoking does not enter my brain. I choose one task, every other day, to tackle my triggers. By accomplishing one trigger at a time, and staying calm, knowing it is just a trigger, not a crave, makes it do-able. I still have my emotional days, but they are mostly due to stress. I quickly recover.
One foot in front of the other, as Lady says. With my head held high, and positive thoughts, I can now see the light. One day at a time still. Each day brings me closer to where I want to be, and farther from where I was.
[B]My Milage:[/B]
[B]My Quit Date: [/B] 3/5/2006
[B]Smoke-Free Days:[/B] 55
[B]Cigarettes Not Smoked:[/B] 1,665
[B]Amount Saved:[/B] $179.85
[B]Life Gained:[/B]
[B]Days:[/B] 4 [B]Hrs:[/B] 11 [B]Mins:[/B] 13 [B]Seconds:[/B] 27
