Powerful bit of advice there kiwi - I'm glad you hung on and even more so you popped in to share it. These reminders from long time quitters only helps to reinforce to everyone how important it is to stay vigilant and really learn why we smoked and more importantly why we want to stay quit.
Good to 'see' you!
x T
My Mileage:
My Quit Date: 1/1/2007 Smoke-Free Days: 1228 Cigarettes Not Smoked: 28,244 Amount Saved: �7,767.10 Life Gained: Days: 109 Hrs: 14 Mins: 20 Seconds: 23
Thank you very much for this important reminder. The contrast from the beautiful moment to the hard craving was what stood out to me. I am glad you fought through it. Every craving you beat should be celebrating, every day you stay away from cigarettes is an achievement! So be cautious but also be grateful and proud of every day!
After having blown a three year quit before, I know that I won't ever be able to completely let my guard down. Plus, I've met a person who started back after ten years. The other day after I finished my evening at the YMCA I walked to the bus stop. When I made it into the bus shelter someone was smoking. I looked up and flashed on the cigarette big time for a few seconds. I told the woman that I craved it for a few seconds, but that I had just celebrated one year clean.
My Mileage:
My Quit Date: 5/1/2009 Smoke-Free Days: 376 Cigarettes Not Smoked: 10,528 Amount Saved: $4,474.40 Life Gained: Days: 42 Hrs: 9 Mins: 7 Seconds: 15
Lunchtime i went for a nice long walk along the waterfront, not far from my work. The air was fresh & salty, deep blue sky & the sun was shining hot, there where alot of people about.... anyway, you get the picture ?.
So there i was, enjoying yet another non-smoking moment when all of a sudden i got this strong whiff of a cigarette, nothing unusual about that right ?.
For past 4 years I've had no cravings & never entertained those smoking thoughts but for that next hour i was completely fixated on wanting the taste of a cigarette, to feel that familiar release from feeding my addiction.
It scared me how easily i was overcome & how hard it was to shake these obsessive thoughts.
Remember people.... never let your guard down.
My Mileage:
My Quit Date: 1/1/2005 Smoke-Free Days: 1957 Cigarettes Not Smoked: 68,495 Amount Saved: $17,808.70 Life Gained: Days: 283 Hrs: 18 Mins: 15 Seconds: 1
