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1. judith

   

   4 posts
   Registered:
   25 Feb 2018
   06 Mar 2018

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   Hi.  Its my first time in forum.  I have been smoke free now for 22 days.  It has been a struggle.  I feel like i'm fighting with the devil everyday but so far he hasnt won.  Thanks for listening to me.
2. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   Answered

   06 Mar 2018

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   Hi Judith,
   
   Welcome to this site, and a big congratulations on your 22 smoke free days!  What an amazing accomplishment!  I know it's not easy at all.  You have to fight against intense cravings, change your routines, distract yourself, and deal with withdrawal symptoms, all while trying to get on with the day-to-day things in your life.  It's a lot to deal with.  But Judith, it is SO worth it.  Trust me.  I quit 14 months ago, and my life is so much better now.  I feel better, I am breathing easier, I smell better, and I am no longer a slave to this addiction.  These days, I do what I want, when I want.  My addiction no longer rules what I decide to do, and when.  You will start to enjoy a freedom that you never knew before.
   
   Hang in there, Judith.  If it hasn't already, it will start to get easier to cope very soon.  And then you will start to really enjoy the benefits of being a non-smoker.
   
3. nerak47

   

   48 posts
   Registered:
   23 Jan 2018
   09 Mar 2018

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   Hi Judith, 
   You have made my day - I'm 1month in and cravings are still bothering me as well!  Many people say 'cravings should be lessening by now',  well,  no they haven't! I still struggle,  haven't smoked,  but urge is still there. Telling myself that the craving is only in my head helps somewhat - have to change a lot of thinking,  that's for sure.  
   Keep on keeping on... We can do this. Thank you for posting
   
   Nerak
4. emily, quit coach

   

   247 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   09 Mar 2018

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   Hi Judith,
   
   Welcome to Smokers' Helpline Online and congratulations on your quit.
   
   As you can see you are not in this alone. Like Nerak mentioned it is common to still have cravings at this point in a quit. Is there anything you are doing that you've found helpful to get through the urges?
   
   Emily
5. judith

   

   4 posts
   Registered:
   25 Feb 2018
   12 Mar 2018 in reply to emily, quit coach

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   Hi Emily   very proud to say i still havent smoked and still struggling at times.  Since i quit i have compered 6 puzzles they really have helped me and sure kept my mind busy.  I have changed my morning routine i found this is when i really would of liked a smoke with my coffee by changing things around with a different routine i m not craving that morning smoke any more. I am thankful to be able to read what others are going through and the encouragement i have received from total strangers. It sure helps.  Thank you to all.
6. judith

   

   4 posts
   Registered:
   25 Feb 2018
   12 Mar 2018 in reply to nerak47

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   Hi just want you to know we can do this. Dont let that little devil win!!   Soon it will be a month for me...a very hard month but i am very proud to say i have not smoked not even a puff  keep up the good work.  
7. judith

   

   4 posts
   Registered:
   25 Feb 2018
   12 Mar 2018 in reply to treepeo

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   Hello,  i thank you for all the support and suggestions everything you wrote is so true.  Almost a month now and im very proud to say i did not smoke not even a puff. And i dont plan on smoking again god help me.  It is really great to have this forum as it has helped me in many ways.  Reading what others are going through and how they are coping with the urges. Makes me feel im not alone in this battle.  Thank again for the encouragement.
8. sarah, quit coach

   

   222 posts
   Registered:
   28 Nov 2017
   13 Mar 2018

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   Congrats on each and every day you are smoke-free, Judith - making changes such as a different morning routine not only helps you quit, but helps you STAY quit. We are so glad to hear SHL.ca helped you, and likely your posts are helping others, including those just starting out on their quit journey.
   Have a wonderful smoke-free day, everyone!
   Sarah
   
9. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   13 Mar 2018

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   Hang in there, Judith.  You are doing great!
   
   If it's any consolation, I found the whole first month really hard.  After that, a major change happened and the cravings really eased off.  So you are getting there, don't despair.  Things will get easier soon.
   
   Bravo for changing your routines.  You need to be flexible when you quit.