The last few days have been much better for me, although I haven't had much time to write in this blog. I'm still here though so all is well.
I'm writing this "live" today, i.e. it's 10:45am on 28th February at the moment. The reason for doing it now is because I have a small problem.
I am staying away from home tonight due to work commitments. I packed all my stuff for the overnight stay, but what did I forget? My Champix! Of all the things to forget, it had to be my Champix. I first realised this morning at 10am which is when I normally take my morning pill, and it wasn't there!
So my only option is to miss the next 3 tablets (2 today and 1 tomorrow morning). I hope things will be OK, and if they are then maybe I can stop taking it permanently. If things aren't OK, then.....oh no!
........Update........
Things were OK for the day without the Champix. Well, at least I don't think I felt any different having not taken them. It's not easy to be sure though because I was always conscious of the fact that I hadn't taken them and it worried me a bit. Also I did go to bed rather early as I was bored, so the day was quite a lot shorter than normal! If I still feel OK by the time I get home tomorrow evening, then I think I'll stop taking the Champix.
Saved so far £396.00
Thursday, 28 February 2008
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 45 - Monday February 25th 2008
A bit better today. Went to a football match this evening, and I always seem to find it easier when I've got something like that to occupy myself with, rather than just lazing around watching TV or something.
The general feeling now though is, not so much that something's missing, more that I'm missing out on something in life I found pleasurable. It's just such a shame that smoking is so damaging to your health. However, that feeling is still being outweighed by how much better I feel by not smoking so my resolve is still there.
I just wish I knew when I will start to feel "normal" again though. I certainly couldn't bear to go through the rest of my life feeling like this.
The general feeling now though is, not so much that something's missing, more that I'm missing out on something in life I found pleasurable. It's just such a shame that smoking is so damaging to your health. However, that feeling is still being outweighed by how much better I feel by not smoking so my resolve is still there.
I just wish I knew when I will start to feel "normal" again though. I certainly couldn't bear to go through the rest of my life feeling like this.
Sunday, 24 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 44 - Sunday February 24th 2008
I just discovered that you can put labels on your posts. I've had a go at doing this and the labels are now listed down the left-hand side. I'm new to blogging so if anyone knows of anything else that can be done that would be useful, please let me know!
I felt a lot better today. I saw a short video where someone took a drag on a cigarette, then without sucking the smoke into his lungs, he blew the smoke out again onto a clean white napkin. The napkin then had a nasty brown stain on it. He then did the same thing, but this time took the smoke into his lungs as a normal smoker would do. When he blew the smoke onto another clean white napkin, it was still clean!
What happened to the nasty brown stain? It was in the smoker's lungs, and that was from only one puff! Makes you think doesn't it?
Saved so far £374.00
I felt a lot better today. I saw a short video where someone took a drag on a cigarette, then without sucking the smoke into his lungs, he blew the smoke out again onto a clean white napkin. The napkin then had a nasty brown stain on it. He then did the same thing, but this time took the smoke into his lungs as a normal smoker would do. When he blew the smoke onto another clean white napkin, it was still clean!
What happened to the nasty brown stain? It was in the smoker's lungs, and that was from only one puff! Makes you think doesn't it?
Saved so far £374.00
Stop Smoking Day 43 - Saturday February 23rd 2008
Not a very good day today, well the evening anyway. My resolve nearly broke and I thought about going to get some. This is unusual for me at the weekend, it's normally worse for me during the week.
I think it's to do with this depression that's hanging over me again at the moment. However, I was depressed a while ago and I got over it, so I'm sure I will again.
The important thing is that I am still a non-smoker!
I think it's to do with this depression that's hanging over me again at the moment. However, I was depressed a while ago and I got over it, so I'm sure I will again.
The important thing is that I am still a non-smoker!
Friday, 22 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 42 - Friday February 22nd 2008
I didn't write anything about yesterday, I never really got round to it. As it's now early evening on Friday, I thought I may as well write in today's entry and then finish it off later.
I've been feeling a bit down again over the last couple of days. Not sure what it is exactly, but I've just been feeling miserable. Also I can't seem to be bothered to do anything and I think I'm being a bit short with people. Sometimes I just feel like telling the whole world to **** off! Can anyone relate to that? It's not a very nice way to feel.
I've been feeling a bit down again over the last couple of days. Not sure what it is exactly, but I've just been feeling miserable. Also I can't seem to be bothered to do anything and I think I'm being a bit short with people. Sometimes I just feel like telling the whole world to **** off! Can anyone relate to that? It's not a very nice way to feel.
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 40 - Wednesday February 20th 2008
This evening after I'd had my meal and I was drinking some red wine, I thought about what it would be like to have a smoke. The feeling was there that I wanted something, which must be why I thought about smoking.
However, the thought of the smoke going into my lungs made me feel sick. I've mentioned this before in this blog, but it still surprises me that it makes me feel that way. I had heard other people mention it before, but I never thought I would feel that way. I wonder if it's the Champix?
Anyway, what it has made me realise is that I wanted something, but not a cigarette. That probably means that for all these years that I thought I wanted a cigarette, I didn't really want one. I think the cigarette plays tricks on us, making us think that we want one when we don't want one at all. It makes it easy to see how we become so addicted.
Now I must try to find out what the "something" is. Maybe it's nothing. Maybe it's just because I've become so used to smoking that I expect there to be something else. Non-smokers don't think there's anything missing so I suppose it's just something we have to get used to now that we no longer smoke.
Saved so far £330.00
However, the thought of the smoke going into my lungs made me feel sick. I've mentioned this before in this blog, but it still surprises me that it makes me feel that way. I had heard other people mention it before, but I never thought I would feel that way. I wonder if it's the Champix?
Anyway, what it has made me realise is that I wanted something, but not a cigarette. That probably means that for all these years that I thought I wanted a cigarette, I didn't really want one. I think the cigarette plays tricks on us, making us think that we want one when we don't want one at all. It makes it easy to see how we become so addicted.
Now I must try to find out what the "something" is. Maybe it's nothing. Maybe it's just because I've become so used to smoking that I expect there to be something else. Non-smokers don't think there's anything missing so I suppose it's just something we have to get used to now that we no longer smoke.
Saved so far £330.00
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 39 - Tuesday February 19th 2008
I've had many attempts in the past to stop smoking. Each time, I can clearly remember my thought process as I was smoking my "last cigarette". It was something like "Well this is it then, the very last cigarette I'll ever have....and this is the last drag.....yeah, right!"
It was always the same, I could never truly believe that I would do it, and I was always right. Well you may be surprised to know that when I had my last cigarette this time round, my thought process was EXACTLY the same. I didn't believe I could really do it, but now I'm starting to believe that I can and will.
Another thing is, I always dreamt of being able to say to people "If I can do it, anybody can". But I always thought that I was more addicted than anybody else so I would never be able to give it up. I think I was partly right, in that I'm not sure how anyone could have been more addicted than me. Perhaps if they smoke 60 a day or whatever.
I had got to the stage in my addiction where I would take every single opportunity to have a smoke. It was always on my mind. Stupid things like not parking too close to the entrance of somewhere (when I was with my kids) so I would have time for a smoke on the way from the car. I didn't really want one, it was just an opportunity.
I had a tooth extracted once and the dentist told me not to smoke for 24 hours or I would risk an infection. What a stupid dentist. How did he expect me to do that? Anyway it was well worth the risk wasn't it? Of course, I lit up as soon as I walked out the door. Actually, I think I walked past the window first in case he could see me, like I'm doing something "naughty". Ridiculous isn't it?
Well, if I can do it anyone can.
My Mum died 10 years ago today and I still miss her. She died of cancer aged 58.
Saved so far £321.75
It was always the same, I could never truly believe that I would do it, and I was always right. Well you may be surprised to know that when I had my last cigarette this time round, my thought process was EXACTLY the same. I didn't believe I could really do it, but now I'm starting to believe that I can and will.
Another thing is, I always dreamt of being able to say to people "If I can do it, anybody can". But I always thought that I was more addicted than anybody else so I would never be able to give it up. I think I was partly right, in that I'm not sure how anyone could have been more addicted than me. Perhaps if they smoke 60 a day or whatever.
I had got to the stage in my addiction where I would take every single opportunity to have a smoke. It was always on my mind. Stupid things like not parking too close to the entrance of somewhere (when I was with my kids) so I would have time for a smoke on the way from the car. I didn't really want one, it was just an opportunity.
I had a tooth extracted once and the dentist told me not to smoke for 24 hours or I would risk an infection. What a stupid dentist. How did he expect me to do that? Anyway it was well worth the risk wasn't it? Of course, I lit up as soon as I walked out the door. Actually, I think I walked past the window first in case he could see me, like I'm doing something "naughty". Ridiculous isn't it?
Well, if I can do it anyone can.
My Mum died 10 years ago today and I still miss her. She died of cancer aged 58.
Saved so far £321.75
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 38 - Monday February 18th 2008
Monday is normally a very bad day for me. Not the daytime, but the evening. However this evening has probably been my best Monday so far, in that I hardly thought about smoking at all. I think it's another breakthrough and that's the second time I've used that word in the last few days!
If you're a few days or weeks behind me, perhaps this will help you stay focused, in that you've not got too long to wait until you get to the same point that I'm at now. I know it's different for everyone, but I'm sure it gives you some idea of what lies ahead.
However, I'm still aware that there's some bad days to come, but I feel more prepared for them now.
Saved so far £313.50
If you're a few days or weeks behind me, perhaps this will help you stay focused, in that you've not got too long to wait until you get to the same point that I'm at now. I know it's different for everyone, but I'm sure it gives you some idea of what lies ahead.
However, I'm still aware that there's some bad days to come, but I feel more prepared for them now.
Saved so far £313.50
Monday, 18 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 37 - Sunday February 17th 2008
Another good day for me today, but like I've said before, weekends seem to be better for me. Unfortunately, that means I've got five more days to get through until the next one arrives!
I am not going to say it's getting easier, because when I've done that before it's kind of backfired on me. So let's see what the next few days bring before making any wild predictions!
Saved so far £305.25
I am not going to say it's getting easier, because when I've done that before it's kind of backfired on me. So let's see what the next few days bring before making any wild predictions!
Saved so far £305.25
Sunday, 17 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 36 - Saturday February 16th 2008
A good day today. Had a nice trip out to an "away" football match near High Wycombe (which we won 4-2!). My friend who I go with smokes, but it doesn't bother me at all. I even don't mind him smoking in the car because I know how I used to hate it when I couldn't.
Got home, read some football news on my team's forum, went on Facebook for a while, had some tea with some wine, watched Match Of The Day, watched a film, went to bed. All very nice and relaxing.
It was mentioned the other day that weekends seem to be easier for me. It's true and I think it's because during the working week, I get home in the evening and it's kind of like a big crash. What I mean is, I've been working all day, being fully occupied, and suddenly I'm home and relaxing. For me, that's a trigger, i.e. to accompany the relaxation I should have a cigarette.
Whereas at the weekend, it's all pretty relaxing. Or at least, it's all pretty much at the same level throughout the day so there's no crash as such. I hope I'm making sense!
Saved so far £297.00
Got home, read some football news on my team's forum, went on Facebook for a while, had some tea with some wine, watched Match Of The Day, watched a film, went to bed. All very nice and relaxing.
It was mentioned the other day that weekends seem to be easier for me. It's true and I think it's because during the working week, I get home in the evening and it's kind of like a big crash. What I mean is, I've been working all day, being fully occupied, and suddenly I'm home and relaxing. For me, that's a trigger, i.e. to accompany the relaxation I should have a cigarette.
Whereas at the weekend, it's all pretty relaxing. Or at least, it's all pretty much at the same level throughout the day so there's no crash as such. I hope I'm making sense!
Saved so far £297.00
Saturday, 16 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 35 - Friday February 15th 2008
Every morning, I used to have my breakfast (nothing much, just some cereal) and then have two cigarettes with my coffee. This was almost like a religion, even if I didn't really feel like having the second one, I still had to have it. It was as if something bad would happen if I didn't have it. How ridiculous is that!
Anyway, the reason I'm mentioning it is because I just realised this morning that I don't even think about those two cigarettes anymore! I think that's something of a breakthrough. Obviously I had to think about them to realise that I don't think about them, if you see what I mean, but you get the picture. Maybe things are looking up!
Saved so far £288.75
Anyway, the reason I'm mentioning it is because I just realised this morning that I don't even think about those two cigarettes anymore! I think that's something of a breakthrough. Obviously I had to think about them to realise that I don't think about them, if you see what I mean, but you get the picture. Maybe things are looking up!
Saved so far £288.75
Friday, 15 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 34 - Thursday February 14th 2008
Today was not so bad. I was helped immensely by all the comments from everyone, so thanks very much to you all. I hope that some of the things I've said on here over the last few weeks have helped some of you too.
I'm sorry if I've been a bit negative lately, but I think it just goes to show that it happens to all of us at some point, so we know we're not alone! The important thing is to get through those moments, and once you know you can do it, you'll be better prepared to face the next one if/when it comes.
Saved so far £280.50
I'm sorry if I've been a bit negative lately, but I think it just goes to show that it happens to all of us at some point, so we know we're not alone! The important thing is to get through those moments, and once you know you can do it, you'll be better prepared to face the next one if/when it comes.
Saved so far £280.50
Thursday, 14 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 33 - Wednesday February 13th 2008
I'm really struggling at the moment folks! I'm not saying I'm going to start smoking again, just that I'm finding it really difficult right now.
It's still this feeling of something missing that's getting to me. That's what makes me feel depressed. I suppose it's just a natural part of not smoking anymore, but it's not very nice.
However, I will persevere and I WILL NOT GIVE IN!
Saved so far £272.25
It's still this feeling of something missing that's getting to me. That's what makes me feel depressed. I suppose it's just a natural part of not smoking anymore, but it's not very nice.
However, I will persevere and I WILL NOT GIVE IN!
Saved so far £272.25
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 32 - Tuesday February 12th 2008
A few more pangs again today. I'm not sure if it's my imagination, but the pangs seem to be getting stronger lately. I thought this was supposed to get easier!
I was driving home from a football match this evening, and thinking about getting home. Then I got that horrible feeling that I think we all know about. There's something missing! It was like the "looking forward to getting home" feeling was meaningless, because ... there's something missing. "There's no treats to look forward to" I thought to myself.
I'm sure that this must be one of the main reasons for people failing in their quests to stop smoking. I mean, it can't be the nicotine can it? I'm not taking any Nicotine Replacement Therapy (Champix is not NRT) and all the nicotine is supposed to have gone in a few days and I haven't had any for a month now!
So what is it that causes this horrible feeling of emptiness? I'm afraid I don't know the answer, but I'm going to have a good think about it. The only thing I can think of for now is my "ex-girlfriend analogy" that I first mentioned in this blog some time ago. I suppose we get used to something and when it's suddenly not there we get an empty feeling, or a feeling that something is missing. I'm sure it will disappear over time, but I wish it would hurry up get a move on!
If I can think of anything else then I'll obviously post it on here. In the meantime has anyone got any ideas about it and how best to handle it?
Saved so far £264.00
I was driving home from a football match this evening, and thinking about getting home. Then I got that horrible feeling that I think we all know about. There's something missing! It was like the "looking forward to getting home" feeling was meaningless, because ... there's something missing. "There's no treats to look forward to" I thought to myself.
I'm sure that this must be one of the main reasons for people failing in their quests to stop smoking. I mean, it can't be the nicotine can it? I'm not taking any Nicotine Replacement Therapy (Champix is not NRT) and all the nicotine is supposed to have gone in a few days and I haven't had any for a month now!
So what is it that causes this horrible feeling of emptiness? I'm afraid I don't know the answer, but I'm going to have a good think about it. The only thing I can think of for now is my "ex-girlfriend analogy" that I first mentioned in this blog some time ago. I suppose we get used to something and when it's suddenly not there we get an empty feeling, or a feeling that something is missing. I'm sure it will disappear over time, but I wish it would hurry up get a move on!
If I can think of anything else then I'll obviously post it on here. In the meantime has anyone got any ideas about it and how best to handle it?
Saved so far £264.00
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 31 - Monday February 11th 2008
Well that's one whole month without smoking so well done me, even if I do say so myself!
This evening was strange, in that I had some really strong urges to smoke again for some reason. I wonder how long it takes for those urges to disappear completely? I suspect that they probably never really go away. Although I think that if you get one in say, 10 years time, you would instantly dismiss it and almost laugh to yourself. Whereas the ones you get after only a month are rather more difficult to ignore.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone else regarding this, especially if you have manged to stop smoking for a good deal longer than me.
Saved so far £255.75
This evening was strange, in that I had some really strong urges to smoke again for some reason. I wonder how long it takes for those urges to disappear completely? I suspect that they probably never really go away. Although I think that if you get one in say, 10 years time, you would instantly dismiss it and almost laugh to yourself. Whereas the ones you get after only a month are rather more difficult to ignore.
I'd be interested to hear from anyone else regarding this, especially if you have manged to stop smoking for a good deal longer than me.
Saved so far £255.75
Monday, 11 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 30 - Sunday February 10th 2008
I had a couple of pangs today, but I seemed able to control them without too much trouble. I must say again that it seems to be getting easier at the momemnt. I hope that continues!
Saved so far £247.50
Saved so far £247.50
Saturday, 9 February 2008
Stop Smoking Day 29 - Saturday February 9th 2008
Oops, missed another day of blogging yesterday, sorry about that.
I'm pleased to say that I've been feeling much much better over the last couple of days. I've come to the conclusion that my depression was simply a normal process in stopping smoking. A bit like losing a girlfriend I suppose (an anology that I've mentioned before). However, this girlfriend was trying to kill me!
Looking forward to tomorrow, as Sundays always seem to be good days for me. I'm really convinced that I've finally "cracked it" and I will never smoke again. However, I must be careful not to get too complacent, as I know how easy it is to slip up.
Saved so far £239.25
I'm pleased to say that I've been feeling much much better over the last couple of days. I've come to the conclusion that my depression was simply a normal process in stopping smoking. A bit like losing a girlfriend I suppose (an anology that I've mentioned before). However, this girlfriend was trying to kill me!
Looking forward to tomorrow, as Sundays always seem to be good days for me. I'm really convinced that I've finally "cracked it" and I will never smoke again. However, I must be careful not to get too complacent, as I know how easy it is to slip up.
Saved so far £239.25
Friday, 8 February 2008
Day 27 - Thursday February 7th 2008
Oh dear, a terrible day, but not because of the smoking I don't think. It all started after work when I was wondering what to do with myself that evening. There were things to do, but I just couldn't be bothered to do any of them.
Then I realised I was very very depressed. I thought about going to buy a pack of 10, smoking one and throwing the rest away. However , just the thought of the taste of the cigarette made me feel sick. I think that's a good thing, as I don't remember feeling like that about cigarettes before.
Earlier in the day, I had found a forum that discussed Champix (the drug I'm taking to help stop smoking - known as Chantix in the US). It was quite interesting reading about other people's experiences but one thing I noticed was that it caused depression in some people.
So what had made me so depressed? It was either:
1. Because I don't smoke anymore
2. Because I'm taking Champix
3. Because I had read that other people on Champix get depressed
4. Because of how I felt after seeing my doctor (see Tuesday's entry)
5. Other
6. A combination of any of the above
I don't think it's 1 because the thought of that made me feel sick. I decided it was most likely 2 so I decided to stop taking it. But then I changed my mind because I thought I might start smoking again!
So I just went to bed early in the hope that a good night's sleep would make me feel better again. I would like to hear from anybody who has any thoughts on this, or has suffered something similar. The good news is that I'm still smoke-free!
Saved so far £222.75
Then I realised I was very very depressed. I thought about going to buy a pack of 10, smoking one and throwing the rest away. However , just the thought of the taste of the cigarette made me feel sick. I think that's a good thing, as I don't remember feeling like that about cigarettes before.
Earlier in the day, I had found a forum that discussed Champix (the drug I'm taking to help stop smoking - known as Chantix in the US). It was quite interesting reading about other people's experiences but one thing I noticed was that it caused depression in some people.
So what had made me so depressed? It was either:
1. Because I don't smoke anymore
2. Because I'm taking Champix
3. Because I had read that other people on Champix get depressed
4. Because of how I felt after seeing my doctor (see Tuesday's entry)
5. Other
6. A combination of any of the above
I don't think it's 1 because the thought of that made me feel sick. I decided it was most likely 2 so I decided to stop taking it. But then I changed my mind because I thought I might start smoking again!
So I just went to bed early in the hope that a good night's sleep would make me feel better again. I would like to hear from anybody who has any thoughts on this, or has suffered something similar. The good news is that I'm still smoke-free!
Saved so far £222.75
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Day 26 - Wednesday February 6th 2008
Not a good day I'm afraid. I very nearly jacked it all in and had a smoke, I was desperate for one! I think it has to do with what happened yesterday, and I was just thinking "What's the point?".
But the important thing is that I didn't give in and I'm really pleased about that, or all this hard work so far would have been wasted!
Saved so far £214.50
But the important thing is that I didn't give in and I'm really pleased about that, or all this hard work so far would have been wasted!
Saved so far £214.50
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Day 25 - Tuesday February 5th 2008
OK, I'm about to have a rant. Firstly I have to explain that I have mild angina, which means I have some of the arteries in my heart that are a little "furred", so the blood doesn't get through quite as quickly as it should do. One of the reasons that I thought I'd better stop smoking.
I went to see my cardiologist today, and I was excited about telling her I had stopped smoking. However she seemed very matter-of-fact about it and just seemed keen to move onto the next thing I must tackle. "You'll have to be careful what you eat and you must exercise more".
This was after telling her how good food tasted now: "I used to get home and have a cup of coffee and a couple of fags, now it's a cup of coffee and a couple of crumpets". Also I said I'd stopped getting any chest pains, to which she said: "You're living within the condition and I can't tell if I need to do anything if we don't know if you get pains when you’re exercising". In other words: "Get off your lazy ass and do something!".
Now, don’t get me wrong, she's absolutely right. But isn't it half the problem for us smokers? The professionals telling us to stop smoking have absolutely no idea what it's like and how difficult it really is, because they've probably never smoked before.
So I've come away really depressed, from thinking how well I'd done, to now thinking that I've got to start jogging/going to the gym/eating low calorie stuff, etc. One thing at a time would be good!
Saved so far £206.25 (wow!)
I went to see my cardiologist today, and I was excited about telling her I had stopped smoking. However she seemed very matter-of-fact about it and just seemed keen to move onto the next thing I must tackle. "You'll have to be careful what you eat and you must exercise more".
This was after telling her how good food tasted now: "I used to get home and have a cup of coffee and a couple of fags, now it's a cup of coffee and a couple of crumpets". Also I said I'd stopped getting any chest pains, to which she said: "You're living within the condition and I can't tell if I need to do anything if we don't know if you get pains when you’re exercising". In other words: "Get off your lazy ass and do something!".
Now, don’t get me wrong, she's absolutely right. But isn't it half the problem for us smokers? The professionals telling us to stop smoking have absolutely no idea what it's like and how difficult it really is, because they've probably never smoked before.
So I've come away really depressed, from thinking how well I'd done, to now thinking that I've got to start jogging/going to the gym/eating low calorie stuff, etc. One thing at a time would be good!
Saved so far £206.25 (wow!)
Day 24 - Monday February 4th 2008
I've been feeling a lot healthier since I stopped smoking. I've noticed my breathing is a lot easier for one thing. I used to wheeze a bit sometimes when I was trying to get to sleep, and I would continually try to clear my throat. Well that never happens anymore so I'm sleeping a lot better.
I've also noticed lately that I'm starting to feel more energetic (perhaps I shouldn't include the word "more", because that suggests I felt a degree of energy before!).
Another bonus is that food tastes so good now. Although I'll have to be careful because I'm eating a lot more, but I'm not putting on weight at the moment.
Sometimes when I really want a smoke (it happened again tonight while I was drinking some brandy) I think of those things and it helps me to resist the temptation.
I've now started to think that although I would like a cigarette and the satisfaction that goes with it, the consequences (i.e. the wheeze, the sleeping, the energy and the food taste) are too high a price to pay. And that's without thinking about all the other stuff like heart disease, cancer, etc. I suppose when there are visible benefits, it becomes easier to not smoke. I mean, all smokers know about cancer, but I bet most of them think "Yeah, but it won't happen to me". That's because they can't see it until it's too late.
It's a shame there isn't something that gives the same satisfaction as a cigarette, but without the health risks. If ever that was invented, it would make somebody very rich. Let's get working on it guys!
Mind you if I invented it, I wouldn't be surprised if the government kidnapped me and destroyed all my research. They would lose too much in taxes (especially in this country) and wouldn't be able to afford to pay the state pensions to everybody who would now live longer.
Maybe I watch too many movies.
Saved so far £198.00
I've also noticed lately that I'm starting to feel more energetic (perhaps I shouldn't include the word "more", because that suggests I felt a degree of energy before!).
Another bonus is that food tastes so good now. Although I'll have to be careful because I'm eating a lot more, but I'm not putting on weight at the moment.
Sometimes when I really want a smoke (it happened again tonight while I was drinking some brandy) I think of those things and it helps me to resist the temptation.
I've now started to think that although I would like a cigarette and the satisfaction that goes with it, the consequences (i.e. the wheeze, the sleeping, the energy and the food taste) are too high a price to pay. And that's without thinking about all the other stuff like heart disease, cancer, etc. I suppose when there are visible benefits, it becomes easier to not smoke. I mean, all smokers know about cancer, but I bet most of them think "Yeah, but it won't happen to me". That's because they can't see it until it's too late.
It's a shame there isn't something that gives the same satisfaction as a cigarette, but without the health risks. If ever that was invented, it would make somebody very rich. Let's get working on it guys!
Mind you if I invented it, I wouldn't be surprised if the government kidnapped me and destroyed all my research. They would lose too much in taxes (especially in this country) and wouldn't be able to afford to pay the state pensions to everybody who would now live longer.
Maybe I watch too many movies.
Saved so far £198.00
Monday, 4 February 2008
Day 23 - Sunday February 3rd 2008
Not bad at all today. It must be something about Sundays because looking back, last Sunday was OK too. That was the day I said it was getting easier, but then regretted saying that the next day! Therefore, I'll refrain from making the same mistake and wait to see how tomorrow goes!
If Sundays are generally a good day for me, I'll have to try and think why. I would have thought it would be the most difficult as it is the day that I relax the most. Perhaps that's it, less stress? Who knows.
Saved so far £189.75
If Sundays are generally a good day for me, I'll have to try and think why. I would have thought it would be the most difficult as it is the day that I relax the most. Perhaps that's it, less stress? Who knows.
Saved so far £189.75
Sunday, 3 February 2008
Day 22 - Saturday February 2nd 2008
I missed a day of blogging yesterday, only because I seemed to run out of time and never got round to it! I think I'll keep going on a daily basis for a little longer yet.
I was speaking to a work colleague just before Christmas who gave up in February last year. He said that he doesn't really think about smoking at all now. I asked him how long it took to get to that stage, but he couldn't really remember for sure.
I'm still finding that I think about it several times every day, and I'm wondering exactly when I'll get to the point where I get through a whole day without thinking about it once. I guess it's somewhere between now and 11 months time, judging by my colleague's comment. I suppose beteween now and then, I'll think about it less each day. I probably already do without realising it.
Saved so far £181.50
I was speaking to a work colleague just before Christmas who gave up in February last year. He said that he doesn't really think about smoking at all now. I asked him how long it took to get to that stage, but he couldn't really remember for sure.
I'm still finding that I think about it several times every day, and I'm wondering exactly when I'll get to the point where I get through a whole day without thinking about it once. I guess it's somewhere between now and 11 months time, judging by my colleague's comment. I suppose beteween now and then, I'll think about it less each day. I probably already do without realising it.
Saved so far £181.50
Friday, 1 February 2008
Day 20 - Thursday January 31st 2008
Not too bad today, apart from a few pangs in the evening. I always used to have a couple as the last thing I did just before I went to bed, a strange habit I know. I'm still finding it a bit difficult breaking that habit and I find myself thinking "Oh, I'll just go to bed then" and it feels a bit empty.
Soon, I might turn this blog into a weekly, rather than daily event. The reason is that I want to start thinking about smoking less and less, but doing this daily forces me to think about it every day at least once. What do you think? Shall I carry on daily for a while? I'm more than happy to continue that way if it's helping other people.
Saved so far £165.00
Soon, I might turn this blog into a weekly, rather than daily event. The reason is that I want to start thinking about smoking less and less, but doing this daily forces me to think about it every day at least once. What do you think? Shall I carry on daily for a while? I'm more than happy to continue that way if it's helping other people.
Saved so far £165.00
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