Day 13. Wow. Didn't think it would come so quickly and so easily. I've been feeling so together I wonder how I ever smoked 20+ a day for 20 years. The patch is a godsend, and I'm stepping down to stage 2 on Monday. Have warned my colleagues at work in advance that I may be a bit scatty an am expecting to feel simliar to day 1 but now with a little bit of practice :)
I've been away for days from this board and it's not because I don't adore, admire and respect each and every person here, it's because I find to have the ability to stay away means it's going well. I'm not craving, I'm not having a hard time, I don't need to visit. Again, wow. What a revelation. But I do think of you now and then!
I think the key to a successful quit is to really believe in it, to really have reasons solid in your head, to quit for you, not for husband, family, friends, pets, you name it. Quit for you. I have the occasional something's missing feeling, but when I realise what that something is, the feeling goes away.
Husband is still smoking, and smoking around me but it doesn't bother me. I wish he'd stop some day and know he will, when he's ready. When he sees that if I can do it he can do it (I smoked more than he does). I won't pressure him, as he didn't pressure me. And here I am. I don't find smokers foul horrible people, but wish for them they'll find the strength some day to really start living. It's great on this side, everyone should come over. I'm so glad I did.
On my lunch breaks, I go for a 'smell' rather than a smoke. Department stores are like a treasure hunt, it's remarkable to know how glorious a place can smell and it always makes me smile just walking in. Haven't shopped much but the rewards are constant and always special. Just a special sweet on the walk to the train rather than a cigarette. An apple corer/slicer so I can have that healthy snack in seconds. A little bit goes a long way.
And food...my word, this is exciting. Considering I started smoking at 15, and all the different new foods I tried between then and now...it's like they're all new again. If you get bored with the same menu, quit smoking, it'll be new again! I can go another 20 years without increasing the menu and still be enjoying it. Did I say wow?