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From Smoker to Non-Smoker.. Cancel

1. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   27 May 2019

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   I'm a few days shy of 5 months since I quit smoking (Jan.01.19 quit date) and am still amazed at how much I've changed since finally quitting. I smoked for over 30 years, and been trying to quit off and on for 24 of those years. It took me a long time to finally do it. 
   
   I'm just back from a trip to Europe (kind of my reward for quitting). Walked up the grand stair to Prague Castle, up and down the side of the slopes of Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey, the hill from Schonbrunn Palace to the Gloriette, up the tower at Krakow's Cathedral, Bratislava for the IIHF Hockey, and walked like a thousand miles in between. And I was able to breath! And being able to just relax on a 9 hour flight. 
   
   I kept hearing others who quit say that you think less about smoking as time goes on. So true. 
   
   My point being is that once you start to get into your quit, think about it's value to you, and the freedom that comes with it. It's a long hard row to hoe, but it is worth doing. 
   
   Savings: $2,055.68
   Days Smoke-Free: 146
   Cigarettes Not Smoked: 3212
   Life saved: 24 days 12 hours 52 minutes
2. turningpoint

   

   97 posts
   Registered:
   30 Nov 2017
   27 May 2019

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   atp:  congratulations on 5 months smoke free!  Your description of your European trip certainly demonstrates the positive effects of quitting smoking.  Thank you for sharing - that was inspirational.  Best wishes for the next smoke free 5!
3. nadia b, quit coach

   

   47 posts
   Registered:
   18 Jan 2019
   28 May 2019 in reply to atp

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   Hi atp - what an adventure!! All the physical activity during those excursions would have been near to impossible to do if you were a smoker. Congrats on your quit journey and your new adventures as a non-smoker!!
   
   - nadia b.
   
4. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   28 May 2019

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   Welcome back, atp.  Your trip sounds divine!
   
   Wasn't it a relief to get to the airport and not stress about how you were going to get through the flight without smoking?  You could actually grab a bite at the airport or shop around without having to deal with all those cravings.  Nice, eh?
   
   One thing I have noticed on my travels is how few people smoke these days.  Whether I was part of a tour group in Europe, or doing my own thing in Mexico, I found that almost no one smoked.  So that made things easier for me as well, as I didn't have to worry about where I could go to smoke, or how I could have a smoke without offending someone.  What was your experience like?  Did you find you were surrounded by non-smokers, too?
   
5. suesue

   

   3 posts
   Registered:
   30 Mar 2019
   28 May 2019 in reply to nadia b, quit coach

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   treepeo post     
   
   I quit smoking a month ago....and slipped really bad....I disappointed my children....grandchildren my husband most of all me....   I am so ashamed.....I want to get back on track....I need to restart all over again....can a quit coach email me to help please
6. suesue

   

   3 posts
   Registered:
   30 Mar 2019
   28 May 2019 in reply to atp

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   hi....wow 5 months....I quit a month....and just started again....i'm so upset at myself....I will have to start all over again...withdrawals and everything....hope I can do this again...
7. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   29 May 2019 in reply to treepeo

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   Treepeo,
   
   First time travelling since having quit smoking and what a difference. I enjoyed the trip and wasn't thinking about getting outside to have a smoke. Freedom to just relax. 
   
   While in Prague I actually commented to my wife about the freedom of being a non-smoker now when travelling and sightseeing , and noticing how few smokers you do see. As we were leaving Prague Castle and passing through the gate there were dozens of people milling around and one lone smoker was off in the corner. Kind of sad really. 
   
   For me though, it was being able to do all this hiking and walking and not left breathless, or with sore lungs at the end of the day. But is also not being tied to the schedule of smoking, so I could take my time to enjoy touring a castle. 
   
   While in Vienna we saw a ballet at the State Opera House. Just amazing. At end of the first intermission one person passed us in the aisle and he reeked of stale smoke. One person. And poor guy doesn't even realize how his stink permeates the air around him to the distaste of others. We were all there though as smokers once. 
   
   As more time passes since I quit smoking the more I start to see and understand what a terrible addiction it was and how it controlled my actions all day, every day - constantly thinking about the next smoke, or going out to buy smokes at midnight, or rushing out of a movie to have a smoke, etc. The cost in money, time, health. 
   
   
   
   
   
8. atp

   

   501 posts
   Registered:
   31 Dec 2018
   29 May 2019 in reply to suesue

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   Suesue,
   
   Quitting is hard. We've all had slips and relapses.
   
   I have to admit you have my respect because you admitted you slipped and are getting right back to your quit. That is determination, and it sounds like you are wanting it this time. I lacked the strength and commitment to just get right back at it after a slip. 
   
   The most important thing is identify why you slipped and try to make positive changes so you can avoid that trigger next time. And yes, going through withdrawal again is a pain (that is one thing that kept me motivated during the start of my quit).
   
   Call the smokers helpline at 1 877 513-5333. They have some great people that will help you get back on track. 
9. treepeo

   

   832 posts
   Registered:
   29 Nov 2017
   30 May 2019

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   Hi atp,
   
   Touring a castle in Prague, going to a ballet in Vienna, what a trip!  It sounds amazing!
   
   Now you can really appreciate being a non-smoker, eh?  Being able to do all that walking without feeling breathless.  Not wasting buckets of time stopping to have a smoke.  Being able to sit through an entire ballet without squirming because you were having cravings.  It really is freeing living life as a non-smoker, isn't it?
   
   And yes, we were all where that smoker you talked about was, reeking of smoke.  Every time I smell that stench coming off of someone, a part of me cringes knowing that that was me most of my life.  Eeew.
   
   You worked really hard to kick this addiction, atp, and now you are reaping the rewards.  I am really happy for you, and glad that you had such a wonderful trip.  You deserve it.
   
10. treepeo

    

    832 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    30 May 2019 in reply to suesue

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    Hi suesue,
    
    I know you feel discouraged, but please don't be so hard on yourself.  Quitting is very difficult, and most of us have slipped along the way.  We're only human, after all.  The important thing is that you still want to quit, and are willing to give it another shot.  Yes, you will go through withdrawal again.  But look at it this way.  You have been through withdrawal before, so now you have an idea of how best to handle it.  What worked for you the first month of your quit?  Whatever worked, do it again.  Also, what triggered you to start again?  Whatever it was, try to prepare yourself to fight against it.
    
    You are strong enough to quit smoking, suesue.  Believe in yourself.  And remember, we are here for you.  If you need more support, call a quit coach.  Do whatever it takes to get yourself back on track.  Quitting is worth it, and so are you.
11. efram, quit coach

    

    235 posts
    Registered:
    29 Nov 2017
    02 Jun 2019 in reply to suesue

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    Hi suesue,
    
    I can understand being upset about slipping after a whole month! Being so upset shows how important quitting is for you.
    
    I also understand that quitting for a whole month is a HUGE accomplishment. You made it through so many cravings in that time! There were so many cigarettes you didn't smoke in that time! And you also learned so much about quitting (what works and what doesn't work for you).
    
    So you're starting all over again, but not from scratch. Rather, you're building on the success of being quit for a whole month, with more experience under your belt to help you to accomplish even greater success.
    
    Like atp says, getting right back to quitting shows strength and commitment. And like treepeo says, it's quite normal to slip; if it happens, look at it as being part and parcel of learning to be a non-smoker.
    
    Regards,
    Efram
    
    P.S. to atp: congratulations on your 5 months, and what a fantastic reward for yourself!
    

    Last modified on 02 Jun 2019 10:28 by efram, quit coach