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Hi @StevenHere. So glad you have found us. You have a great quit going. The first week is always the toughest. Hope you stay around and share your journey with us. We all have been where you are. It is amazing what we paid for those cancer sticks. Addiction is awful. Start planning the wonderful ways you are going to spend that money you are saving. It is amazing how fast it accumulates. Keep that wonderful quit going!

Oh My Gosh. I got so addicted to Cheetos when I quit smoking. The weird this was that I am not a cheese lover; let alone processed cheese. All my friends would tease me about my orange fingers. Happy to say, I did get over it and haven't had one since. Kris, do what it takes to get you through. I promise with every day it will get better and not smoking will become your normal.

Oh Kris, I wish I lived closer and we could share time together. Know that you have friends here and we care. I am glad you felt you could share your feeling with us. You are not alone. There are many people out there who long for companionship. When I retired from driving school bus after 30 years, I started helping the elderly. I first worked for a company, who paid peanuts. I finally put my name in at our community center. I found that there are many elderly people who need help with a few chores or shopping. They light up when you walk through door. I love listening to their stories and find they are so full of wisdom. Sometimes it is hard to understand why some people have to endure more than others. I try to stay faithful I lost my dad in April and there has been so much family drama and hurt. I had cared for him over the past 5 years and thought I would feel relief when he was gone. Instead, I feel very lost. I am fortunate to have my husband to lean on. I hope things get better for you. On day at a time.

You go Gus. You are awesome. !00 days in is great. You are becoming stronger and more confident every day. As you travel this journey, that strength will appear in all aspects of your life. I'm adding prayers to your job search. Don't get discouraged, I am sure the right one is out there!

Grandkids are so wonderful. Enjoy every moment spent with them.

Kris, you can do this. I was the same as you almost three years ago. I smoked for 42 years and had tried every possible way to quit. I found success here. Members here sure helped carry me to the finish line. They helped me peel back the layers of doubt and showed me that I had the strength to do it. Sorry to say I did not have a problem sleeping. You are still in the early stages. I am sure it will improve as your quit days begin to really accumulate.

Welcome Kris. The first week is the toughest. I promise that everyday smoking is behind you, you will accumulate power and strength. Smoking consumed every minute of our lives making us obsess about the next cigarette. You can be stronger than those craves. Hang around and get to know us. We want to help you along this journey!

Great job Robbie. Once you quit, you can smell that smoke wafting past from miles away. Our noses may be more sensitive but the old familiar senses kick in. We are addicts and will always have to be on guard. Standing strong while facing our addiction is what great quits are built on.

OMG are those truly children's books? I must have been raised in the wrong generations

It is always a proud moment when we realize that we are free from smoking. How can we forget that. Congratulations on four years justanotherme!

That is awesome Reynjoe! Reward yourself often and steadily keep travelling that journey. Know we are here to hold you up if you need help along the way.

Camping and riding my new e-bike. This is great. I can keep up with hubby and you should see the hills I climbed. Some pictures of where we are staying, Punderson State Park in Ohio.

How awesome is that! Congratulations on one year smoke free. I hope you are savoring your smoke free life!

Wow Diane. You are doing great. Many of us have gained weight when quitting. You will do fine when your off. Stay busy and reward yourself often.

@reciprocity cool pictures. I often see clouds like those over Lake Erie, which is a couple blocks away. Ours only happen when the whether is stormy. It is odd that yours occurred when the sun is shining.

I am from Ohio known for it's crappy weather and Rock Hall of Fame. I smoked for 42 years and finally was able to quit with the support of this forum. I wanted to quit for many years and was so ashamed of my smoking. I found myself so isolated because it was just easier to stay home and smoke. Though I knew it was robbing me of my life, I just did not seem to have the power to quit. I stumbled across this forum looking for some form of help. I will be three years quit in August. I love that I have met people around the world that have helped me and shared my journey.

It is hot here in Ohio too Linda. It has been so humid with storms for three days. I tried trimming bushes between raindrops but gave up. Bet your yard looks great.

I don't feel it is a ripple effect either. I do feel we have been all living a dreadful year. Being isolated and discouraged brings depression. When we are depressed, we look down on ourselves. When we are down our strength weakens. I do believe this community is essential but have also found myself distracted from the forum. I think continuing our friendships and helping others helps each of us stay vigilant. It took me too many years to find freedom and I know that I never want to be a smoker again. Many people here helped me through very dark days and helped me to believe in myself. All of us are valuable and stronger than we realize. Come here and reach out when you feel weak. We are here to hold each other up.

Happy Birthday. Have a wonderful day!

Awesome. Isn't it amazing how you feel. Getting control of your life can be so powerful. So glad you made it Nana20 and thanks for sharing your encouragement!

Steven, unfortunately it only takes one. You are an addict and until you acknowledge that and not allow it to consume your life, you will stay stuck in this vicious cycle. At some point you have to want to quit MORE than you want to smoke. Believe in yourself and know that you can do this. Start this quit knowing that you are going to leave smoking behind. Don't carry it with you on your journey. Keep directing your thoughts on the positives of a life without it. You can do this.

We just had our 45th Wedding Anniversary. Who would have thought we would have made it so far. I was very blessed.

Linda, life is not fair and it is hard to lose someone so unexpectedly. I know how you are feeling right now. I lost my dearest friend to breast cancer a few years ago. She was too young and too great of a person to be taken. When I went to see her in hospice, she looked at me and said everything would be alright. She always was that friend that always told me everything would be alright. That last vision of her always pops into my mind when I am struggling and, I realize she is there with me letting me know that everything is going to be alright. I know your friend has given you many things that you can hold onto. Try to draw strength in that. The temptation to smoke always tends to creep in when we are at our lowest. Keep reaching out and letting us know you are struggling so that we can let you know how awesome and strong your are. Linda, know that I am praying for you and your friend.