quitting smoking

On October 12, 2012 I made a commitment to quitting for six months no matter what. Hoping that would propel me into the “forever quit.” Why was my goal to myself only six months? At the time it was autumn and we were going into the winter and heating season. More over, it was the right thing to do for our kids and to set an example as they grow up.

Today, March 12, makes five months since quitting smoking. Things for the most part have been getting easier. Really the only trigger left is the car. I still want one when I drive, especially when I’m drinking a coffee.

You may have read my posts or heard me talk about quitting smoking. Now I'm comfortable with graduating to the next level. Stopping smoking and getting off nicotine are two different adventures in quitting, at least for me. When you go from smoking to the patch or gum you are happy you're no longer smoking and on the path to being a non-smoker but the whole time you're on nicotine replacement you'

So far eight weeks not smoking and still going. It's been two months this Wednesday, not to get ahead of myself. I’m still chewing the 2mg gum and no real desire to start smoking again.

It's been six weeks and two days, or 44 days, since my last cigarette. Do I miss it? No, not really, except for the nicotine I suppose. There is additional progress today; I stepped down from 4mg nicotine gum to 2mg gum.

It has been a month of not smoking. Can’t say it’s always been easy but nothing I couldn’t handle. I am still chewing the nicotine gum. Some may say that’s cheating but it keeps my mood in check and keeps me from eating everything in sight.

Today marks three weeks since my last cigarette. I do two things when I get a craving or think I want a cigarette. I remind myself of the money-maker, my lung power and I chew a piece of bargain brand 4mg nicotine gum.