Hi Trish (and everyone else),
Just wanted to say hi and also offer some encouragement... I managed to quit smoking (from a packet a day) a few months ago, and as long as I stayed focussed on why I really wanted to quit it wasn't as hard as I thought - for me the key was being positive. I also really enjoyed the taste and experience of smoking, and nearly all my friends smoked, but you just have to be rational about these things (for me I'd ask myself, "What is more important - a few fleeting minutes of 'enjoyment', or <list all your benefits here>?")
My tips (nothing new here, but still...):
- Take it one craving at a time to start with (1 day at a time was too daunting for me at the start!) and feel proud of yourself for each craving you overcome.
- Think positively - concentrate on what you are gaining, not what you percieve to be missing out on
- Remember that you are not defined by smoking - easier said than done, I know, but if you constantly remind yourself of this it does get easier. I couldn't imagine my life without cigarettes, but after a few weeks you will be able to start putting things in perspective.
- And lastly - my downfall (started smoking again last week
) - always stop and think, whenever you have a craving. As with everything, make sure your decision is a fully conscious decision.
By the way, I am planning a double-whammy starting tomorrow: low carb (for the first time) and smoke free (for the second time) !!
Post in my journal (starting it tomorrow) if you need support with quitting and I'll do my best to encourage - maybe we can quit together? And from what I have read so far, there are so many great people here willing to help...
Take care,
Rach