It's day 10 smoke free. I know it's not a long time yet, but in just 10 short days... who am I kidding, these were the LONGEST 10 days of my life. Anyways, in just 10 blank days, I've coped with a lot of emotions, moods, sensations, etc. Both good and bad. It hasn't all been horrible, but some of it was definitely was.

I know I am not done yet, but I feel like I am over a hump for some reason.

I started with the patch and gum as a safety net to get me through while I dealt with burying old habits and creating new ones. Day 8, I ripped the patch off on a whim and got through the rest of the day with just gum. Day 9 was my first day with just gum, and I only chewed 2 pieces of the 2 mg gum all day. Today, I've had 2 pieces of gum, and I'll probably have one more after dinner because that was my all time favorite time to smoke and it's the hardest craving to get through. Well, that and the morning cigarette with coffee. I will always miss those.

I was so worried about depression based on my last quit attempt and subsequent failure. I am so happy that's not as much of a factor this time. I'm either really well prepared this time, or the sunshine is making all the difference in my mood. I think it's both. I have a lot to look forward to right now, compared to during the dead of winter when there's nothing going on and you smoke more out of boredom than anything else.

I feel like a non-smoker. I can breathe again! I can sing, which I do, loudly, while I commute to and from work. I'm sure passer-bys are very amused by this. I don't care.

My resolve remains steadfast. It's not easy, but it's doable. I love his Quit Train community. They have embraced me and helped so much, they don't even know. I don't have much support at home and I'm still around smoking all the time there. So having these people online to reach out to has made all the difference.

Onward!