treepeo
832 posts
Registered:
29 Nov 2017
01 Mar 2018
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Hi coryfalk,
I understand your love/hate relationship with smoking. As addicts, it feels good to smoke. And we associate smoking with so many good things, because most of us have smoked all of our lives. But smoking is just that, an addiction. Feeling "good" is just an illusion. In fact, smoking kills us day by day, moment by moment. It truly sucks the life out of us.
The good news is that you can change all of that, but you have to prepare for the changes that you will have to make. The more prepared you are, the more successful you are likely to be.
I would suggest that you call the helpline here. The quit coaches are former smokers so they know what you are going through. And they also know how best to help you prepare for and keep your quit. There is nothing to worry about, coryfalk. There is no one to judge you here. We all know how hard this process is, and the only thing we want to do is to help each other. Why not give it a chance? You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
Believe in yourself, because you really can quit. You have to set your mind to it, and follow some simple (sometimes not so simple) rules. For example, you should try to avoid triggers, such as hanging around other smokers, even if they are your family and friends, which most likely they are. You will have to change some of your routines. You will have to distract yourself, and drink lots of water. And you may have to use one or more NRTs. But all of that is worth it if you ultimately quit smoking.
Coryfalk, I quit about 14 months ago and I can honestly say that my life is so much better now, it's incredible. When I first started out, I wasn't at all sure I could do it, but with the help of the people on this site, I did it, and man, am I ever glad I did! It is hard to describe how free I feel now. I mean, I was so addicted that smoking really ruled my life. It had an effect on my work, my dinners out, my socializing, my travel. My first thought was always, "How long will I have to wait until I can have my next cigarette?" That was my overriding concern. Now, it doesn't even cross my mind. I can't believe how much I value the freedom of no longer being addicted to smoking. Honestly, it is so liberating!
Please give yourself this chance, Coryfalk. You deserve to live a long, happy, smoke free life. And you can make it happen for yourself. Have faith, and believe!