It is 23rd October and I’m now three (long) weeks in to my Stoptober journey. I’ve not smoked since 12th October and I’m fiercely rubbing my nicotine patch in the hopes a bit more of the good stuff will find its way into my system.
I had hoped by now that my massive cravings would have started to wane. They haven’t really, but I live in hope for next week. I’m so proud of myself though, despite hitting my triggers (stress and boozy nights out) on a number of occasions, the worst thing I’ve done is eat cake. Okay, so the eating cake really must stop, especially as I’ve eaten all the cake. No really, I have.
I am enjoying not being stinky; my yellow fingers are less yellow. I’d like to say there’s more money in my purse, but anything with a picture of the Queen on just tends to magically evaporate.
It’s nice having the support and encouragement of my husband and some of my friends who knew I smoked. I’d deliberately not smoked in front of some people and kept it hidden. It’s a horrible, nasty habit and I was ashamed. Yes, this time I’d only smoked since July so it was easy to hide it but I couldn’t have hidden it forever.
I’m particularly enjoying not having to smoke outside in all weathers. Wrapped up against the elements; struggling to light a fag in a gale, sucking on a damp cig in the famous Manchester rain. I think autumn is a great time to give up; the weather acts as a superb motivation.
I’ve got one last week doing Stoptober and then I’ll be pushing through with No-fags-November and Don’t-start again-December. Before I know it it’ll be Never again-2014, the cravings a distant memory and the smell of smoke an aberration to my nasal passages. It will happen, it will.
So wish me luck, if I can do it anyone can, so what’s stopping you?
Please do follow my journey, I’ll be writing a weekly update on my progress throughout Stoptober. If you want to join me you can find a range of tools and guidance on how to quit smoking during Stoptober and beyond here.
Stoptober Week Two
Stubbing Out My Dirty Habit – Stoptober
Stoptober Week One
Quit Day
