TC's Challenge - Please help

Thanks MiniSchnuz! You gave me an idea now to re-paint the room I use for a library. I'm so used to looking at these "smoke" colored walls, I bet if they had a fresh coat of paint on them it'd brighten things up a lot in here!

save the $$$$ you would have spent on smokes (no cheating if you could find it to smoke you can find it to reward yourself for not) my sister did this when she quit a year ago and she just bought herself a piano a much better way to keep her hands busy.

That so great for you so you can live last longer worth it , we are not smoker also his parents or mine parents but both our parents was young used to smoker when they become christian those people encourage them finally never got smoker again for years, thank to god help them quit it really work, only my older son does smoke not really heavy smoking and he want to quit it does help less smoke now by his GF encourage him . I am glad. I know you can do it so proud of you TC.
So

This message was edited Jul 9, 2004 8:21 AM

Hello DAHLIN'.............just got back from Indianapolis and saw the great news. I was a 2 and a half-pack-a-day addict but quit when GW was 3 years old (Mmmmmmmm.....that makes it 50 years ago, give or take a few!). I had the pnewmonia but was thinkin' it might be lung cancer. I was so glad it wasn't that I quit cold turkey and never smoked again.

Keep it up! DH and I are rootin' fer ya'all! Sure enjoyed your visit with us.

Love ya.

Hi again TC - you have another day that has been smoke free - good for you! I saw the post above about the smoking money going for the piano. I use my extra money for bird seed and without knowing it - I get my "fix" by just watching all the different birds in our yarden. We have our grandchildren every Tuesday and I know that our daughter and son in law are greatful that we are not smoking anymore. Some states are now in the process of passing a law to ban smoking in cars and trucks with children on board.

Brenda: Cheer up - you can always begin again. Don't be so hard on yourself. Have you ever tried reading a Farmers Almanac to see what the signs for weaning calves (babies) are every month? It really works. I discovered this when it was time to wean my 1st baby from the night time bottle. She went to bed, smiled and rolled over and went right to sleep. No whining, crying or fits - worked with my next born son also. Pregnancy was my motivation with each of my children - but I hardly think some of us want to go there again! I always thought I could never quit when I was stressed and have had several stressful years in the usual manner - sick mother-in-law, our own business, moving the business, mother-in-law and building a new home all the same year. I thought that was the top of my stress odometer - but when my husband was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1999 - that stopped my clock. I never had a desire for another cigarette again and everyday I see what smoking has done to him and his quality of life.

When the time presents itself or is right - you to will make your mind up - maybe the time just isn't right now - but either way I AM ROOTING FOR YOU TOO!!!

I'm maintaining a steady forward pace, knowing I can come here and be inspired to continue my journey. I thank our Great Creator for each and every one of you!

TC...

TC, I'll be thinking & praying for you to find the strength you need to get off & stay off the "smokes'..

It's day 2 for me...Yeepeee!! I've been doing the patch thing & hard candy too...

And when I think I want to lite up one...As someone already said..I take a few deep breaths and think how nice it is to just be able to breath fresh air..

And I'm also doing a lot more work around the house & gardens too (to keep busy).

I believe this habit can be kicked with the love & support of family & FRIENDS...

A big ol' hug & pat on the back TC....

It's a big step to take and I'm proud of you too...


Hang on there :-)


Hug's Carol

Carol,

Congratulations! You're on your way! Re-read this thread if you ever need a boost. It's filled with the kind of positive words that can keep you going. Keep up the good work!

Well say no more Carol! Welcome aboard "TC's Challenge" and why not sit a spell. But, of course, they ain't no smokin in here! ;~)

As I've heard it exclaimed by my 9 year-old daughter on numerous occasions, "You go girl!"

TC...

Thank you Smilin & TC, I knew when I joined this place "Good Things" would happen. I've met some really wonderful people here and made several 'Good Friends'.

It's so nice to know there are so many caring people to help you know matter what the problem.. :-)


DG's ROCKS!!!


Hugs, Carol

That is great news TC. Bob and I are pulling for you, and for sure you will be in our prayers. By the way, if you will be going to Ky again soon, why not stop and see us your next trip? We are not far off I-64 near Huntington, WV.

Congrats, dixiechick! Glad you jumped in here! You can do it!

I think ya'll are on a roll now! Keep it up!

I can't believe how many of you folks have quit this habit (or had family members who have quit). Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and inspiration.

My father smoked when my sister and I were kids. Some of my aunts and uncles smoked, too. I really didn't know any different. It was just an ever-present part of our lives. I hate to think of what my own lungs must look like as we were never shielded from it. I have never asked him why he made the decision to quit, but I know he's never looked back. I am proud of him and each one of you who have made this decision to become smoke-free.

As you go through each day, close your eyes, take in a deep breath and imagine your body becoming healthier and more alive. Smile to yourself and say, "I'm smoke-free and proud of me." If you think it's too silly, do it with your eyes closed, but it's much better to do it in front of a mirror. :) It's ok to let yourself know how great you feel and how happy you are. The momentum will propel you forward and your attitude will lift you up. God bless each one of you.

Dixiechick....ATTA GIRL!! We're behind ya! (((((DC)))))) Jo

On the way home from the store a few minutes ago I stopped to get gas. Guess where I have always bought my cigarettes? Yes, this same gas station. After pumping, I went in to pay. They know me there and they also know what item(s) I usually buy along with my gas - two, sometimes three, packs of Kool Lights.

As the attendant reached up to get my smokes, I hollered "No, put em back! I've quit!" I didn't even think about buying them, not for one second. I can't believe that I have somehow come up with the willpower to do this.

I had a feeling that something very special would happen when I decided to go on my gardening trek last weekend.

And I do believe in miracles!

TC...

Way to go, TC!!!!!!!! I quit 4 years ago.I used to smoke two packs a day. Finally managed to quit with hypnosis. Dont know what he said to me (private session, not the group thing) but after that the smell of cigarettes made me ill. It also helped to change my routine. After dinner I would go out and do some heavy duty gardening. After a little while, those routines that triggered the urge were broken so I did not automatically crave a cigarette at those times. Ate a lot of hard candy too. Soon, food will taste different (much better), you will be able to smell more gentle scents, all of you senses will be heightened. I am very proud of you. I know how hard it is. Keep it up. Anytime you get the urge, email one of us and we will be happy to talk you through it. I found that if I waited just a little while, the urge would fade.

Thats wonderful news TC....I've heard the first week is the toughest, I have found myself (outta habit) lookin for the smokes & Remember I QUIT! It's kinda funny when ya think about it, after doin somethin for so many years it becomes a habit. It's something you do but don't really think about.

My Dad always told me it takes 20 days to break a habit...So I've only got 18 more days! I'm countin them down!!!

TC, I'm VERY PROUD of YOU!!!

To all of you taking the time to post and give support..A BIG THANK YOU!!! It does help....I just re read this thread again for about the 4th time today & everytime I read it, It gives me the strength I need to keep going...

Wheewww....Ok now I'm ramblin on here...

(((((((((Hugs to all y'all DG'ers)))))))))

TC, Miracles do happen to those who Believe!!

Hugs, Carol

This message was edited Jul 9, 2004 9:30 PM

tc: Proud of you. I quit almost 30 years ago after smoking two packs a day. Haven't smoked one since, although sometimes I dream that I am smoking and think to myself "I shouldn't be doing this". What a strong habit smoking is. Having seen several relatives, including my dad, in the last stages of emphysema from smoking, I can't see how anyone could take up smoking these days, (not to mention the cost now).
Bill

Carol, I'm proud you jumped on the ban wagon with TC and decided this was the time for you to quit also.

Welcome to the new world of non smokers! I am very proud of you too - I am pulling for you too!

Alright y'all......I'm re-gathering my strength. I may just try and stop again here in the next day or so while the support is so strong. Wow! I gotta get over my disappointment, but keep thinking I should just jump right back off the smokin' wagon rather than give myself the time to get back to the same qty I was smokin' before I stopped last week.....1-1/2 packs a day.

I have asthma and while the family and I were in FL the week of June 23-30th on vacation I had some very bad asthma attacks. That was my call to stop and I did good for a couple of days. Once I got home and got my meds for the asthma from my doctor I could breathe good again. I told myself just to stop smoking and while I didn't quit entirely I was only having 2 smokes a day for most of last week til I faltered.

I keep going to the American Lung Assoc. site and they say if you mis-step don't just start smoking again....keep on going as if you hadn't smoked. Maybe that's what I need to do.....go right back to being a quitter. I just don't think I can stop cold turkey though. I was doing good by just saying I'm gonna only have 2 per day and then I'll break those urge cycles that Rylaff mentioned. Then the last hurdle is to cut out the last 2 smokes per day rather than trying to cut out 30 a day in one fell swoop! Does that make any sense? I think I'm one of those people that just has to phase myself out of smoking. But so many of you say you just put them down and stopped. Where do you get that kind of resolve??

What to do????? I know the answer. I'll be back Saturday morning hopefully with some renewed constitution.

Brenda:

Instead of saying "I may just try and stop again..." please say "gosh I forgot -- I'm a non-smoker! But now I remember!"

You are right about your asthma attack being a wake-up call -- thankfully, one that meds could get you breathing again... I don't want to see you become one of those poor people carrying their oxygen bottle in one hand and a cigarette in the other! And you don't either!

Join hands with TC and Dixie (Lizbar, are you in??? I know you can do it! who else???) -- can't smoke when both hands are holding on to a friend's -- and visualize the rest of us forming a BIG circle around you EX-SMOKERS! It's like a nation-, nay, a world-wide RU!

~'spin!~
P.S. If you have to smoke a cigarette or two a day, it's better than a pack or two... but set the time(s) and stick to it. By the time you finish the pack, the last ones should be so stale you don't even want 'em!

Many of us have quit several times. I was once told, that is okay. It is a practice run for when you really do quit. I know I quit 4 or 5 times before I quit for good. I also know that even though it has been 4 years since I smoked, I can never pick up another cigarette. I know what will happen. I will not ever let that happen again. It is so good to breath again, and smell again, and really taste again. It is so good not to smell like cigarette smoke or to wake up with that yucky cough every morning. I have had a pft (pulmonary function test) and I know that I have a little damage from the cigarettes which will may cause a little problem down the road. Noone could tell me when to quit. I wouldnt listen. I knew I needed to (for gosh sakes, I am a cardiac nurse. I know what it can do). I had to be ready. Way to go Dixiechick!!!!!! If you need us, we are there.

Brenda what ever works for you, go for it.

Brenda,

I'm here for ya! You can email me and I'll send you my phone number, we can get through this together. Carol, the same thing goes for you. And anyone else! I challenge all smokers on DG who have seen this thread to STOP SMOKING NOW!

You asked where I got the resolve to quit. Someone very special to me planted this little seed, and from that one seed something wonderful sprouted that is now being nurtured by everyone!

Today I celebrate one full week without a cigarette.

TC...

*clap* *clap* *clap* congrats!! tc!! Hang in there Carol and Brenda. I had a cig once in awhile when I quit and it helped me thru the worst times. I was still quitting but maybe it's like a patch today - getting a little nicotine when you need it the most - so forgive yourself and consider yourself still a quitter! This summer we'll have a family reunion and altho it's 27 1/2 yrs. since I quit, I'll have one or a few with the family - just as long as I don't sit in a smoky room, but I'll never be a smoker again.

TC - Congratulations on your 1st week. Lizbar, langbr, Dixiechick, we're rooting for each of you. I quit when I was 20. At the end of my first non-smoking month, I planted a maple tree in my mother's front yard. That tree is over 30 feet tall today and I'm still smoke free 24 years later. You can do it--just take it one day at a time....

Thank you Crystalspin for including me. I talked to my father yesterday and told hime I wanted to quit and could he hypnotize(sp?) me. He told me I needed to figure out why I smoke? Habit, duh. He said there are many reasons why we smoke. The only thing I can come up with is a habit, stress reliever(sp?) I'm determined though and I WILL quit.
Liz

I bought a big tea jug. After I quit, I took the money that I would have spent on cigarettes and put it in the jug. You would not believe how fast that money built up. Before I knew it, the jug was full. And I treated myself to a special present which I felt I deserved.

Starting out on day 4 :-) Still 'Smoke Free' eating a lot of hard candy, but no smokin, DH WAS going to quit too...he broke after day 2, (funny how bad it smells already to me now) I had to leave the room. Wishing luck to everyone & keeping y'all in my prayers..

TC, How are ya doing? Hope to hear from ya today..

rylaff, I'm putting the money in a jug for "Something Special" as a reward..I didnt really think about how much I was spending on smokes...WOW!! In just 4 days I've covered the bottom of this gal. jug in cash :-)

Going to get myself a really special plant or tree or something for the garden when the jug is full....

Thanks everyone for all the support and tips that help.
Keep the thoughtful & caring posts coming..They really do help

Hugs, Carol

May I scream and shout....I AM STILL A NON-SMOKER!!

Sorry 'bout that y'all...

Lizbar, Brenda, and Carol, how are y'all doin?? Please post a word or three.

I was watering a few things yesterday as the late day sun began to slide behind the trees. I like to water of a evenin, you hear a lot of folks say that waterin in the mornin is best. I don't reckon it matters much to my plants though. If I was them, it'd seem a lot nicer to get a good cool drink after workin all day.

I decided I'd eat me one of those ice cream sandwich bars whilst I was doin my waterin. I remember eatin em as a kid and loved em then too. I'm thinkin that over the course of my life I've probably eaten, oh...maybe 5 or 6 hundred ice cream sandwich bars. But let me tell you that the one I ate yesterday tasted like it was made in Heaven!

Such a simple thing as eatin an ice cream sandwich turns out to be one of the most wonderful life experiences I've had in a long time. And I'm 48 years old!

TC...

Dixiechick....you should ask you DH not to smoke in the house....I had quit smoking in my house and car long before I actually quit smoking. Then when I had the accupuncture he told me to not smoke in places that I usually used as a smoking area, but to move to a different place. Since I had been doing my best (???) smoking on the porch....I moved it to the yard...rain, shine or dark of night.....that helped to break the habit. Goodluck to all. Jo

Came on to check on yall nonsmokers!!!! Hang in there. Way to go!!!!! Do you have a plan for when the urge hits you really bad? Some people start smoking again when a high stress situation comes up. Deciding ahead of time how you are going to deal with it really helps avoiding lighting up.

TC & Carol, you to are doing great!! I know you guys can do it! Stay strong! I am not a smoker, but my my mom smokes, grandparents smoked, aunts smoke and my husband dips snuff so I have seen the hold tobacco can have on you. On the first date with my husband, I saw Copenhagen in the floor board of his car and I actually told him it was disguisting and I told him I would never date a smoker (dip included). That started a 3 year struggle of him trying to quit. He managed to quit for the longest a year, but during stressful times (there have been a lot with the ex-wife) he would go back to it. Now he is just discreet about it (though he probably always was), and I still wish he could quit. Especially when family members have died recently due to smoking related illness. My great aunt succomed to emphysema in February, my grandfather beat throat cancer a year ago, but his body was very weakened and he passed away a day after his SIL in February, and my uncle by marriage's mother lost her battle with lung cancer in March.

We believe in you and know you can do it. And, Liz & Brenda, I hope you guys know you can join the other two in the fight.

Brenda, you got to me when you said you have asthma. I will tell you one of the things that kept me from ever starting smoking - my asthma and watching what happened to my great aunt who had asthma and smoked. She was coming down with Emphysema around the time I was confronted with friends who smoked. She passed away in February after fighting it for over 10 years. I have hated my asthma all my life and the last thing that I wanted to do was have it get worse. I think it is the perfect time for you to quit for good! You can do it girl!

Good going TC. Another ex smoker here to cheer on you and anybody else who wants to quit. rylaff made a very good point. You've been given a lot of good advise and have probably heard all the info by now. One thing I read before I quit for the third and final time - when that craving really hits you, if you wait 5-10 minutes it will be gone. If you give in to it, it will be back sooner and stronger next time. One of the 'Stop Smoking' commercials in Canada has a man coping using different tips. One I like is where he grabs a glass of water instead of a cig.
You know you can do it! (don't float away)

echoes

When I was in Employee Benefits, we helped conduct smoking cessation seminars with our company's wellness director. One of the things we told people was what happens to your body when you quit (I'm not sure this is exactly the same as what we used, but it sounded familiar):

When you quit smoking, here's what happens to your body:

In 20 minutes:
* Blood pressure drops to normal
* Pulse rate drops to normal
* Heart rate drops to normal
* Circulation has already improved
* Body temperature of hands and feet increase to normal

In 8 hours
* Cigarette breath disappears
* Carbon monoxide blood level drops to normal
* Oxygen blood level increases to normal
* Is already feeling better and it's only been 8 hours

In 24 hours:
* Chances of heart attack begin to decrease

In 48 hours:
* Nerve endings in nose and mouth begin to regrow
* Ability to smell and taste are enhanced
* Mucus begins to clear from the lungs

In 2 weeks to 3 months:
* Circulation improves
* Walking becomes easier
* Lung function increases up to as much as 30%

In 1 month to 9 months:
* Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath all decrease
* Lung cilia have regrown, increasing the ability to "clean" lungs and reducing the likelihood of infection
* Overall energy increases

In 1 year:
* Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's

In 5 years:
* Lung cancer death rate decreases by half

In 10 years:
* Lung cancer death rate is now equivalent to that of a non-smoker
* Pre-cancerous cells are replaced by healthy cells
* Risk of other cancers (mouth, throat, bladder, etc) decreases

In 15 years:
* You are at now no more at risk of heart disease than if you had never smoked!

(courtesy of the American Cancer Society ;o)

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you who are trying to quit. I've never smoked, but from being around others who did, and some who still do, I can appreciate that it must be an incredibly difficult habit to break.

Dear TC and all,

WOW! I am just overwhelmed by all the "pure love" I see here. I am pretty quiet and just read lots more than I post, but can't help but to respond here. You know sometimes when others "preach" at us about something, it makes it harder, but when it is with this kind of love, doesn't it make it easier? (And I, too, have been there and overcome a couple of times, and at +/- 20 years still smoke and drink free) And thanks to all of you for exhibiting a special way to help someone else.

With the encouragement from an encyclopedia salesman who reminded me that I could afford them for my DS&DD, by using the money I spent on cigarettes (less than $.50/pk then) to make the monthly payments of $8.00/mo. So, I did! Also when taking Boy Scouts to camp that summer, my DS said from the back seat of the car, "The only thing wrong with women is they smoke", I was embarassed, but inspired. I know it is love, because I believe God uses these things to let us know He loves us, too.

I also believe that God has drawn together a group of folks just filled with love to help each other garden by sharing, and to help each other just live our llives through friendliness and compassion and joy. I do so enjoy the road trips to go to meet the folks in person that they met on DG. You are truly special hosts and friends. Thank you all.

May He give each one of those giving up any habit that inhibits their lives draw special strength from this thread. I know it has helped my heart to see the special love.

'Shoe, How long do you need to cleanse your body with the juniper berries? Do you just continue indefinitely? I have used a tsp of cider vinegar in a glass of water each morning. That seems to help, too.

Prayers & hugs,

Barbara

Nope, Barbara...just use them until you feel better. I only used them for a week or so. I suppose you could use them from time to time for other cleansings (other than smoking).

Enjoyed reading your post above. Thanks for sharing. And Terry, I remember reading something like that before...I think that will sure help quitters know where they stand healthwise! Good goin'!

I am so honored and touched as I re-read many of the posts here. My goodness, but you all SO EXEMPLIFY the essence of Dave's Garden. When I started this thread for TC, I had no idea it would take on a life of it's own. Now, other folks have taken the challenge and are living "smoke-free" lives as well.

Do you remember the story of the Grinch who stole Christmas? Well, I do believe my heart has grown 3 sizes today.

"I do believe my heart has grown 3 sizes today."

But change 3 to 300!!

What a wonderful post Carla!

~TC