Hold On - It Gets Easier!

[DenaliBlues]

Hello again to all our newcomers! We’re thrilled that you are here, and we are ready to stand by your side as you give nicotine the heave-ho!

 

The first days and weeks of quitting might be rugged. Some folks breeze through this time, and maybe you’ll be one of those people. If so, hooray! But for others - especially those of us who were heavy smokers for decades - the first few weeks might be stressful. I ended up naming my weeks as I went along: 

 

Week # 1: Hell Week (White-hot, white-knuckled, relentless withdrawal.)

 

Week # 2: Wailing Week (Shock wore off. A deep sense of loss and longing set in. I felt utterly bereft without my smokes.)

 

Week # 3: WTF Week (Major brain fog. What now? Will this ever get easier? What has gone wrong with my head? Why has my IQ suddenly dribbled out the bottom of my shoes? How long have I been staring blankly into space? I’m so sleepy. Will I ever poop normally again?!)

 

Week #4: So-Bored-With-My-Coping-Mechanisms Week (This could also have been named“Terribly Tired of Prunes Week.”)

 

After that, though, the miracle began to happen for me. There were still cravings and triggers. But the times in between them got longer. They grew weaker as I grew stronger. It started to sink in that I could finally, truly be FREE.

 

Actually, I was already free, the moment I took smoking off the table. I just didn’t trust it, but should have. Fears that the cravings would overwhelm me or that I’d be incomplete without smoking were addiction-fueled hogwash. I don’t need nicotine, hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, ammonia and carcinogens to “fulfill” or complete me! I just needed to stay busy, stay committed to NOPE, and give myself time to adjust and recalibrate to a life without nicotine.

 

Veterans on this forum told me this beautiful tipping point would happen. I secretly doubted - I thought I was a lost cause. But they were right. Freedom from nicotine is our birthright. It is there waiting for all of us to claim as our own. 
 

To those of you grappling with cravings in the early days of your quit, hold on! Stay strong! You are not alone. Some anxiety and discombobulation along the road is normal, but TEMPORARY. You can do this. Your quit matters, and life is really sweet on the other side.

 

Let us know how you’re doing, where you’re feeling vulnerable, and what your coping tactics are.

[QuittingGirl]

Excellent post @DenaliBlues and spot on.  The beginning can be a nightmare but it definitely gets better, so hang in there newbies, all will be fine! 

[SD2026]

Thank you for this post @DenaliBlues, super helpful! The below sentence really stood out to me. 

Quote

"Actually, I was already free, the moment I took smoking off the table. I just didn’t trust it, but should have"

Great idea naming the weeks! I may start doing this so I can compare them and see the improvements! 

[Reciprocity]

37 minutes ago, SD2026 said:

Thank you for this post @DenaliBlues, super helpful! The below sentence really stood out to me. 

Great idea naming the weeks! I may start doing this so I can compare them and see the improvements! 

This is another key to staying quit; looking for the positives from quitting rather than focusing on the challenges of the early days.

[GonSo]

I found making notes also really helpful. In the beginning you do not notice the change from one day to another. All days seem to be a challenge. But looking back you can see the improvement and progress made.

 

Yes, looking for the positive: saving money and no cold feet in winter! Boy have I suffered from cold, numb feet. No matter how many pair of socks, type of boots. Not anymore 

[SD2026]

That's a huge positive not having to go out in the cold anymore! @GonSo

[Cbdave]

Gday

Living in the sub tropics cold feet is less of a problem.

But I did get a few complaints about my cold feet! 
My hands however….. “ get those cold hands Off Me!

Since giving the cigs away my love life has definitly improved …..

[SD2026]

2 hours ago, Cbdave said:

Gday

Living in the sub tropics cold feet is less of a problem.

But I did get a few complaints about my cold feet! 
My hands however….. “ get those cold hands Off Me!

Since giving the cigs away my love life has definitly improved …..

Another perfect reason to quit/stay quit!