Counting Down to Quittin' Time

I've made it a month and I'm feeling great! This is the best thing I could possibly have done for myself. Thank you all much for your support and encouragement. I couldn't have made it this far without you.

The time has gone by quickly! I started out using the step 2 nicoderm patches in early January. I've forgotten to put it on once or twice and haven't had any problems. Does anyone have any recommendations on when to switch to the lowest dose of the patch? Thanks for all your advice and support!

I've made it through my first full week with no cigarettes. Lessons learned from this week: (1) Feeling stressed? Find something to take your mind off what is bothering you. Call a friend, read something funny, think happy thoughts! (2) Drink water rather than Diet Cokes and coffee because those two are still active triggers for you. (3) Patches stick best on your upper back, but they leave funny squarish rings behind when you take them off. Loofah! I'm feeling accomplished, but also tired.… Continue

After my break up two weeks ago, I went right back to smoking. Granted, it wasn't with my normal fervor but I was still "sneaking" three or four a day. After the inauguration last week, I got myself back on track. Now I'm four days smoke free and very happy about it. I had to remind myself not to let someone else interfere with my goals for myself. I'd been doing that a lot in my relationship, and now that it's over, I have no excuse to give up what I want and need.

After a fight this morning with my boyfriend, all I could think about was smoking. I finally broke down and had half a cigarette. It tasted terrible and I ended up putting it out after a few drags. I'm not upset that I had a slip up. It is just evidence that I need to work on strategies for stressful situations. I know that despite having that cigarette, I'm still committed to quitting smoking. I've got my patch on and am ready to face the day without smoking. Thank you to everyone who gave me s… Continue