The next step - giving up smoking. - Page 7

Stan_Lite · 14-05-2009, 10:19

Thanks all for the encouragement.

One thing I would like to say.
I will not attempt to use my success to "force" Kelly into quitting. If she decides to quit of her own accord, I will support and help her if she wants.
I spent many years as a smoker and was subject to similar badgering on numerous occasions - oddly enough, I never managed to stop after being badgered into trying. I have been successful (so far) this time mostly due to the fact that this has been my choice - I have quit when I wanted to and how I wanted to.

I refuse to become one of those hypocritical ex-smokers who criticises and shuns smokers (especially my friends) - that would be condescending in the extreme.

Also, positive encouragement is very helpful to myself and anyone else trying to quit. Negative comments like "it's a filthy habit" or "it smells disgusting" do not help, they make me feel resentful not remorseful.
I can understand and appreciate people trying to help and I don't want to appear ungrateful for the wonderful support I've received so far but could we please keep it positive and please don't use my situation to put pressure on my flatmate to do something she's not ready to do (or anybody else, for that matter)?

Many thanks

Haly · 14-05-2009, 11:12

Makes sense Stan

I know my Dad was very much a 'I'll quit when I want to quit' person because really it was his choice to start, so he should be allowed to choose when to stop too! And like you said, you need to do it for you which you clearly are.

Anyway, really pleased it's going well for you and I hope it continues

Fingers crossed your taste buds return fast

That seemed like a turning point for my Dad because suddenly there were noticeable benefits for him!

Stan_Lite · 14-05-2009, 11:58

Throat is really rather delicate now so having lots of Jasmine tea with Acacia honey to soothe it - seems to be working and tastes yummy to boot

Only a slight cough so far, will see how that develops later.

semi-pro waster · 14-05-2009, 17:33

Well done so far and keep up the good work. I've heard a fair few people say how much they enjoyed getting their sense of taste back after quitting, sadly for my dad he never got his sense of taste back even after he quit - he's anosmic.

Lomster · 14-05-2009, 19:57

Well done Stan

Its been about 7weeks since I have given up for the 2nd time in my life, started smoking at 13.
I have have times where I really crave but it passes really quickly I just ignore it and get on.
I have 3 kids to keep me busy and when kids are at school I still have Ella to keep me on my toes and it really helps.

Stan_Lite · 14-05-2009, 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lomster

Well done Stan

Its been about 7weeks since I have given up for the 2nd time in my life, started smoking at 13.
I have have times where I really crave but it passes really quickly I just ignore it and get on.
I have 3 kids to keep me busy and when kids are at school I still have Ella to keep me on my toes and it really helps.

Well done you

It's much easier when you have something to keep you occupied. I find the hardest moments are during times when I'm at a loose end. If I stop for a while and have nothing to do or think about, I start to get cravings.
Most times, I find something to occupy myself with but sometimes I just fight through it - I can't keep busy for 18 hours every day, I have to be able to sit down and relax some time.

Fayshun · 14-05-2009, 20:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigstan

I can't keep busy for 18 hours every day, I have to be able to sit down and relax some time.

Get a Rubiks cube or a deck of cards to keep your hands busy.

Lomster · 14-05-2009, 20:48

Yeah that was the hardest part for me but it does ease off, I still struggle 1st thing with my morning coffee but its easier than it was.
I do miss the smelly little buggers but I feel so different since giving up, I have more energy and don't feel so yucky 1st thing in the morning plus I don't stink anymore lol (no mean comments Faysh

) all in all its a really good feeling not smoking.

Lomster · 14-05-2009, 20:52

oh and 1st week is the hardest I found both times I have given up so you are doing so well

iCraig · 14-05-2009, 21:05

As Rich said, the big test will probably be when you're really stressed or out with friends who smoke. They're the biggest draw for smokers aren't they really? Socialising and stress-relief.

All good so far though, good stuff.

14-05-2009, 10:19	#61
Stan_Lite Stan, Stan the FLASHER MAN! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In bed with your sister Posts: 5,483	Thanks all for the encouragement. One thing I would like to say. I will not attempt to use my success to "force" Kelly into quitting. If she decides to quit of her own accord, I will support and help her if she wants. I spent many years as a smoker and was subject to similar badgering on numerous occasions - oddly enough, I never managed to stop after being badgered into trying. I have been successful (so far) this time mostly due to the fact that this has been my choice - I have quit when I wanted to and how I wanted to. I refuse to become one of those hypocritical ex-smokers who criticises and shuns smokers (especially my friends) - that would be condescending in the extreme. Also, positive encouragement is very helpful to myself and anyone else trying to quit. Negative comments like "it's a filthy habit" or "it smells disgusting" do not help, they make me feel resentful not remorseful. I can understand and appreciate people trying to help and I don't want to appear ungrateful for the wonderful support I've received so far but could we please keep it positive and please don't use my situation to put pressure on my flatmate to do something she's not ready to do (or anybody else, for that matter)? Many thanks __________________ Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean I...

14-05-2009, 11:12	#62
Haly Do you want to hide in my box? Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 14,941	Makes sense Stan I know my Dad was very much a 'I'll quit when I want to quit' person because really it was his choice to start, so he should be allowed to choose when to stop too! And like you said, you need to do it for you which you clearly are. Anyway, really pleased it's going well for you and I hope it continues Fingers crossed your taste buds return fast That seemed like a turning point for my Dad because suddenly there were noticeable benefits for him! __________________ Halycopter

14-05-2009, 11:58	#63
Stan_Lite Stan, Stan the FLASHER MAN! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: In bed with your sister Posts: 5,483	Throat is really rather delicate now so having lots of Jasmine tea with Acacia honey to soothe it - seems to be working and tastes yummy to boot Only a slight cough so far, will see how that develops later. __________________ Just because I have a short attention span doesn't mean I...

14-05-2009, 17:33	#64
semi-pro waster Provider of sensible advice about homosexuals Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: London Posts: 2,615	Well done so far and keep up the good work. I've heard a fair few people say how much they enjoyed getting their sense of taste back after quitting, sadly for my dad he never got his sense of taste back even after he quit - he's anosmic. __________________ "Your friend is the man that knows all about you, and still likes you." - Elbert Hubbard

14-05-2009, 19:57	#65
Lomster Custom Title Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Fay-Lom mansion Posts: 2,787	Well done Stan Its been about 7weeks since I have given up for the 2nd time in my life, started smoking at 13. I have have times where I really crave but it passes really quickly I just ignore it and get on. I have 3 kids to keep me busy and when kids are at school I still have Ella to keep me on my toes and it really helps. __________________

14-05-2009, 20:48	#68
Lomster Custom Title Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Fay-Lom mansion Posts: 2,787	Yeah that was the hardest part for me but it does ease off, I still struggle 1st thing with my morning coffee but its easier than it was. I do miss the smelly little buggers but I feel so different since giving up, I have more energy and don't feel so yucky 1st thing in the morning plus I don't stink anymore lol (no mean comments Faysh ) all in all its a really good feeling not smoking. __________________

14-05-2009, 20:52	#69
Lomster Custom Title Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Fay-Lom mansion Posts: 2,787	oh and 1st week is the hardest I found both times I have given up so you are doing so well __________________

14-05-2009, 21:05	#70
iCraig iCustom User Title Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,250	As Rich said, the big test will probably be when you're really stressed or out with friends who smoke. They're the biggest draw for smokers aren't they really? Socialising and stress-relief. All good so far though, good stuff. __________________