I did it!!! I made it 21 days without smoking!
Do you know what that means?
It means nicotine should no longer be in my body.
It means I am no longer a slave!
This has been such a great day! I need to keep it up!
Really though, it’s been pretty awesome. The sun was shining, it was my day off, my breathing was 90% better, my energy was back up, I didn’t have any cravings, and I just couldn’t be happier with the way things are going for me.
I’ve accomplished so much in these last 3 weeks.
Can you believe that?
18 years ago is how I feel now, because back then I had no nicotine in me, and as of now I shouldn’t have any in me, either. I was a smoker all those years in between.
Yea, there were a few times I quit, but I was never as passionate about it as I am now.
This means EVERYTHING to me right now.
That was my life before and that will never happen again.
I can go out with friends and enjoy myself without having to step outside every 30 minutes.
I don’t have to worry about smelling like an ashtray, or rushing to the bathroom to immediately wash my hands.
I don’t have to constantly have gum in my pockets. I don’t need a lighter on me anymore.
I don’t need to hide from my friends, or quickly change the subject when it comes to my addiction.
I don’t need to punish myself anymore for relapsing and I don’t need to spend every penny I’ve got at the bar every night.
It’s an amazing feeling. I feel like I just started my life, as if I hadn’t been living it the entire time.
I feel like from this day forward, every minute of the day will be a new adventure, and anything is possible.
I can be anyone I want to be. I don’t ever need to hide in the shadows of addition any longer.
I can finally be the real me.
I’ve never actually been the real me. I don’t even know what it’s like, but I will find out soon enough.
This is what I’m looking forward to the most out of everything.
I can be myself, instead of living under stress and anxiety attacks, which turn me into a zombie on a daily basis.
Yes, I still will have mental cravings and triggers to work through for a while longer, but the physical cravings are over with.
No more blurry vision, or anxiety attacks, or intense pains in my throat and stomach. No more freaking out and acting like a crazy person.
It is so worth the pain, and all the hardships.
Yes, it’s extremely tough, and it will test your every strength, but if you truly want to end your battle with addiction, you will.
Day 21, dealing with random nights where ive turned into a insomniac like beyond what is normal. The cravings are like 95 percent gone but with a 5 percent with a vengeance that makes up for the diminished set number of cravings in a days time. Its way less but pretty strong when they come on. Going strong, had a few days of what seemed like smokers flu that came and went. Brain chemistry is changing now so im curious to see how this fourth week goes. Just glad i made it this far, but im not terribly surprised. This time is my last time. Im an addict through and through when it comes to cigarettes. I refuse to end my life on oxygen. So im done, exercise is getting easier though. A week ago i had what felt like knife stabs in my chest from doing basic yoga. This week im handling full body workouts and all im getting in some aching vs stabbing knife pain. Im very proud of myself.
Just started day 21 a few hours ago. I feel pretty good too! I still have times during the day when my day gets slow with idle time that I start thinking about how nice it would be to have a cigarette OR how good I would feel if I could have one cigarette. As fast as my mind starts thinking like that is as fast as my mouth starts to say out loud “THAT’S A LIE”
Once I acknowledge that those thoughts are just lies its enough for me to carry on with not smoking.
I’m hoping and waiting for the day to come when I haven’t thought about a cigarette for a few days. that’s when I’ll know I really have made it. Still needs some time to get there but so far so good!!
I’ve hit day 21 and I am so happy to be nicotine free. I’ve smoked for over 40 years and tried to quit so many times. This time I have just felt different. I used a free app called QuitSure and it wasn’t a magic bullet but it really helped change my thinking and as a result my cravings have been more manageable. I also found this site a great source of motivation.
I read a Mohamed Ali quote yesterday … ‘don’t count the days, make the days count’ and it struck a chord with me. Now I am approaching the 1 month mark I want to start to focus on what I do want to do \ be rather than what I don’t.
Mind you before that I need to get my wine drinking under control as it has gone through the roof since my quit 🙂
Good luck to everyone! we can do this.
Hellooooo Day 21!!! I made it! I feel GREAT! I feel accomplished! I feel strong! I feel wonderful!!! On to day 30!
Yay day 21. So pleased and proud of myself. Some really tough days along the way and I’m sure there will be more tough days every now and then, but I’m no longer an addict. I can do this and I am doing this. I will never ever go back and I will never ever smoke a single cigarette ever again. Sounds a bit scary, but mostly exciting.
When cinemas open again I can go and enjoy a film without thinking about smoking. I can go to a gig without thinking about smoking and same with holidays and everything else. So bloody liberating.
Hola Mateo –
On my 21 day of quitting, I found this blog. Congratulations on your achievement! The cravings, while still there, have reduced in intensity & frequency. That one beast of a craving – after eating – is still my nemesis. Beating me up left & right, but I’m stickin’ to the guns.
The one thing I can’t shake yet is the overwhelming urge to sleep. Maybe it’s my body saying “FINALLY. I’m getting some rest.” But other than that, looking forward to the next 21.
An aside: It’s weird when you’re hooked, that overall you don’t think or care how you’re feeding the addiction. I’m using an app to track my progress and on my 20th day, it calculated a savings of over $100 & 278 “cigarettes avoided.” *Eyes Open*
Wishing you continued success .. well, to us both!
Congratulations!! We quit the same day evidently. 21 done and it will just get better.
#W0ot! Congratulations to you as well! We got this!
Already planning what to do with the extra $ being saved. =)
Day 21! It was not easy getting here but I woke up with a different state of mind I am no longer a smoker! I didn’t wake up wanting a cigarette I woke up and made a coffee and my kids lunch and I honestly completely forgot I ever used to go for a smoke first thing in the morning we had breakfast and went on with the day! I didn’t realize until I looked at the chalkboard that had 21 circled on today that I realized! I love not being a smoker I don’t have the constant stress about finding a moment to sneak away or find somewhere the neighbours won’t see me and judge me! My husband is still smoking a pack a day and it bothered me at first I wanted to go out too I wanted to have our 5 min adult time chat but the past week I barely notice him sneak out! I saw a couple smoking in their van the other day and thought wow I wonder how bad it smells in there, when I used to smoke in my husbands vehicle and barely noticed the smell! Most people in my life smoke and smoke heavily it’s winter now I hope I can stay strong in the summer, especially when drinking! I still have a lot of resetting to do and I’m sure I will for years! But this is a big accomplishment! We should all be very proud! And thank you so much for this blog it has been my main outlet, and the comments I feel like I’m not alone!
Hi
I’m on day 21 and feeling great only thing is a congested nose but not really an issue and anxiety again nothing new for me.
Days 11/12 were my worst days but came through them more determined not to smoke.
I am using patches and worry that when I stop using them it will be like quitting all over again so planning on coming off them by day 28. And not a nice point but I have literally spent the last week trying not to defecate myself as I’ve had the worst stomach pain and bloating this seems to have gone today.
Thanks for your posts I read every morning when I get up so I can carry everyone’s thoughts threw the day it really helps prepare me for what may come.
Since patches do contain nicotine, there will be withdrawal attached to it when you stop using them. For me, they didn’t work. Once I stopped, the cravings returned. Now it might be an easier transition to cold turkey cuz you werent physically smoking for a while, but I would expect some cravings to return regardless cuz you are feeding your body the drug it’s addicted to. Stay strong!
Day 21! Day 21! Day 21! I have an official nonsmokeaversary as today marks 3 weeks! I loved what you posted on one of your fellow posting warriors comments. 3 weeks is a milestone but it’s still early. We will still have mental cravings. So the battle is still there. For me, I still crave but I don’t physically want one. The cravings are happening less and less as each day goes by which is a positive.
Happy nonsmokerversary to all my fellow non smokers!
Day 21 for me. 32 years old smoked 20-30 roll ups per day at my worst. Gave up many times like Mateo describes but this time feels different.
Woke up this morning with no thoughts of smoking at all.
I have started dieting, running and boxing however had a slump this past week with no runs and takeaways galore however I have maintained not smoking which is my main mission at the moment.
This blog has been fantastic and I check in every day for a read everyone’s thoughts, really helps keep me focused and would recommend this to anyone.
Onwards and upwards and looking forward to getting to 30 days and beyond!
Love this site. Just stumbled upon it. I have a question. Today is day 21 for me. I have no cravings or ever want to smoke again. I smoked when I was 17 and i’m 45 now. I quit cigarettes about 8 years ago and started vaping thinking it was a healthier way to go. Well about 28 days ago I started wheezing and felt some shortness of breath which scared me good to quit. My anxiety is through the roof because i’m already an anxious person and I wonder if the wheezing and shortness of breath will stop. I went to the doctor weeks ago and he prescribed me an inhaler that I use twice a day, morning and night. He said it’s to open up my airways. Now I am anxious to see the doctor again on August 20th because I have so many questions to ask him. I want to know if I should go see a pulmonologist for further testing. So here is my question finally LOL will this stop? The wheezing and the shortness of breath? I only get it about once or twice a day every other day but I wanted to be gone. Thank you.
of course it will stop, but Day 21 is still early. Vaping definitely causes wheezing cuz you are literally inhaling water. Just keep using your inhaler (only if it’s necessary) and everything will be fine eventually. I’m just saying 3 weeks into cold turkey and no one should be expecting to be 100% back to normal. Still way too early to say that.
Day 21, I am 28 Female and have been smoking since I was 18 averaging 1/2 a pack a day. I’ve seriously been wanting to quit for the past year and a half. I was fully aware of my disgusting habit to the point that i normally hide and smoke and don’t smoke at all infront of others instead waiting until I get home. So i pretty much became a secret smoker. I was beginning to hate myself, from the bad skin (acne, premature wrinkles), to the yellowing of my teeth, the horrible smell, headaches, waking up with a headache, feeling drowsy/cloudy all day, darkening of my lips, blurry vision, inability to focus, anxiety etc It’s so crazy how much of what you wrote resonated with me Matt! The past 21 days have been life changing, i have soo much time to do things i actually want to! or i’ve been holding off. My confidence has gone up, my skin is soo much clearer, my voice has gone back to normal, i can breathe much more easily, i noticed i perform way better when i exercise, my lips have become soo red that i wonder if i had put lipstick on. I didnt even realize how much being a smoker actually occupies/wastes your time, from thinking about your next smoke, to having a smoke, to fretting over the fact that you’re running low and when or how you can buy a pack etc not to mention the self hate i endured for doing something i felt was destroying me from the inside out but not having the balls to stop myself. Day 5&6 and day 9/10 were a bit of a struggle for me I had very strong urges but i wouldnt allow it to stay long in my mind, i would get up and do something different and tell myself NOPE! and i meant it, no urge was going to overpower my resolve, i had already made more progress than i ever had expected myself to have. Generally its otherwise been easy, i sleep much better and go into a deeper sleeper, though i do wake up in the middle of the night sometimes but i get right back into a lovely sleep. I havent experienced any coughing etc just couldnt go to the loo the first four days but i was prepared with laxatives 🙂 lol. Otherwise once i got to day 3 I just would ask myself why i hadnt done this sooner. i know the expereience is different for everyone so far anyone who is struggling YOU CAN DO IT! This is the BEST decision you will ever make for yourself! and i wish you the BEST! <3
day 21 for me. smoked a pack and a half for 42 years .The worst for me has been really bad anxiety since day one. wondering if this will ever go away. breathing gets labored from the anxiety and I cant sit still most of the time and watch tv. I force myself to sit and watch with my wife. I try to keep moving all day doing chores , or just anything. my concentration comes and goes ,as well as blurred vision sometimes. I do have a better sense of smell and taste though. but my appetite comes and goes as well.
Day21 quit smoking after 10 years, hard for me as i spent the last few years hiding from my partner. I could not share the anxiety or explain the irritation in the last few days after i quit. I also suffer from Asthma since the age of 4 years old. So very stupid of me to start smoking but so glad i stopped. I have one craving once a day at work but if i keep my mind busy there is no issue. Chest feels better, no longer take my inhaler, no cough, no congested nose, no tiredness, no bad breath, no more need for body spray or cologne in car, or gum to hide smell. The inside of my car no longer gets dirty from the flecks of ash from smoking in the car. Best decision you can make. There is absolutely no sense in going back to smoking
Day 21 for me after 48 years smoking. I feel really happy about it. Yes I do want a cigarette once in a while. But I am not unhappy about not smoking. I believe exercise makes all the difference. Good luck to everyone.
Hey Mateo Did you have sinus congestion on day 21?
I’m trying to figure out if it’s just allergies or my body getting rid of toxins. Today is my 21 Day. I’m pretty much over the cravings I don’t care about smoking anymore. To all those that do keep up the good fight. It should be any day now.
I’m not sure as that was so long ago. In the Pacific Northwest, I had allergies all the time, all year round. But your body definitely gets rid of toxins. Coughing and spitting up gunk is one way.
Today makes 21 day of not smoking I still have the cravings . I’m on the patch and the gum at first I was over doing it with the gum now I dont need it as much thank god.
However I do feel great better then I have felt in years.
I’m starting D21 I smoked 47 yrs. I feel great healthwise, cough, wheeze gone. I haven’t had any real emotional melt downs, or anxiety. I do have odd pains that feel like they come from lung on either side and extend up into my head, they come and go.
I do have the urge every so often for that 1, what I keep telling myself is I can’t afford to smoke, it’s darn expensive. When the urge hits I check my app to see how much I already saved….it’s mind boggling how fast it adds up
Congratulations..How long did you cough and wheeze for?
21 days today feel alive for the first time, still spitting out tar and i do crave here and there but don’t last very long but it’s big achievement hopefully I can last for a life time
Day 21, research, reading these posts keep me occupied and better informed. Im 47 yrs old, been smoking since I was big enough to sneak em out of my Dads pack. I soon realized that it was easier to just get a pack out of his carton. Im a recovering drug addict and alcoholc, 12 years . I have emphysema, and have known this for several years but it never slowed me down.I thought oh well, gotta die of something. Ive since decided that I don’t want to spend my golden years dragging around an oxygen tank, gasping and struggling to catch my next breath.Ive tried Chantex, patches,gum,vapor (7months) and cold turkey.I think all of these items are just crutches,but I need all the help I can get. Yesterday seemed to be the toughest day yet, but I survived (barely) today was much better. I have beat alcohol and drugs! It seems as though cigs are all that I have left. Im starting to realize that I’m not missing out on anything.
You are doing great my friend! Keep it up. You have climbed 2 mountains and now climbing the 3rd (quit smoking for good) Great Job!
I quit alcohol 3yrs ago and Im on day 21 of not smoking.My head feels like its cloudy and disorientated.Anxiety is really high.Anybody else feel this way?
Day 21 and craving! I’m going to bed praying tomorrow will be better! I hope.
21 days…no more bronchial noise, mucus, eye pressure, bags under eyes better, shortness of breath…These signs of smoking made me quit after 61 years of smoking…it’s been hard, but not as hard as I thought.
Am 21 days smoke free ,and it seems that today we’re the hardest for me,,I really had to struggle not to relapse,, luckily am still smoke free I just remind myself how far I have came,,too far to turn back now…
Yeah, Day 21 and looking forward to facing it today. Thinking positive, because it is a positive thing to do and that is great! It’s learning how to breathe again that’s weird.
I have won the battle from day I, the day i decided that this is no longer for me, i have stopped smoking and drinking forever, i am on day 25.. no amount of anything will take me back to who i was. that chapter of my life has been erased from the hard drive in my mind. 🙂 :). God Bless
21 days of no smoking! I am very proud of this achievement. I have quit smoking before, I feel better about myself.
This is day 21 for me. It’s a struggle but I made it this far again. This isn’t my first time quitting. I am 41 and have been smoking since I was 15. I have tried so many times to quit. I quit for 6 months once until my house burned down and I gained an astronomical amount of weight. I want to be a non-smoker. I am tired of smoking. I am tired of it controlling me everyday of my life. I have actually quit cold turkey this time, I have Chantix if I need it I have taken it twice that’s it. I thought I can do this without support, I think the support I need is from people that have gone through this or are going through this because you understand what I am feeling as opposed to people who have never been addicted. This is not easy however this is something I truly want.
Your stories and testimonials inspire me. Thank you all for sharing. I can do this and I will defeat this monster once and for all. God bless you all.
Smoked 30 years.
Day 21 of no smoking.
Just had A late breakfast and the horrible cravings start.
The most noticible one is anxiety.
Doing my breathing exercises and reading all the updates of people saying how good they feel on their 21st day of being smoke-free.
Not sure why I’m not feeling “free” and “great” like others.
I am determined. The thought of starting the quit all over gives me strength to not smoke this very minute.
I tell myself “yes, I want a cigarette, but I choose not to have one”. To say I do not want a cig would be a LIE.
Praying God help me and looking forward to day 22.
Today is day 21 for me and i feel the same exact as you!
I completely understand. I am on day 21 and today is not a good day. I have not had a smoke in 21 days that in itself makes me happy, I don’t want to smoke this is what I want but the anxiety today is really kicking in. I just keep breathing and telling myself that tomorrow is a new day. I don’t want to be a slave to it anymore I know it’s my mind telling me I want it it’s a total psychological thing but that doesn’t make it any easier. I just have to get through today and it’s one more victory for me.
Day 21 for me. Started at 14 and now I’m 45. Been hard, but I’m so dang proud of myself. Working out 5 days a week and my outlook is positive! If you read this, you can do it…trust me.
First let me thank you for documenting your 30 days. I helps me everyday.
I started smoking at 14. Today I’m 47 with 21 days clean. I didn’t plan on quitting, just decided one day I’ve had enough. The first week was rough, but I made it through (alive). The second week was a little easier. It’s amazing how much better I feel. Who knew coughing your head off was actually an option I was in control of. I still feel LIKE it would be nice to sit with a cup of coffee, a cigarette, and just relax, but I know I can’t do that. I have a 6 year old granddaughter & she’s so proud of me. I can not let her her down.
I hear ya. Once in a blue moon I catch myself enjoying the smell of smoke. Luckily, that lasts only a few seconds before the idea is squashed. Soon you’ll start forgetting about them all together.
When, can someone tell me when these gross feelings stop. When will I want to laugh again, or visit with friends or feel good again when please. I just do not want to feel this way much longer. Not worth living like this if it does not get better…just worse, I hate everything and everyone, and this is not me. I do not know this person.
did you make it thru the day?
This sounds very much like my story. 33 years of smoking, I’m 44 years old and 21 days smoke free. I didn’t necessarily plan on quitting the day I did, my kid just said something that hit the right nerve and that was it. I haven’t smoked since. I’m not as carefree and feeling as great as some do on this post, but I guess it is getting easier. I gotta just keep plodding through.
Day 21 of no smoking. I’m very proud of myself, but want a cigarette every now and again. The want for one doesnt last long though. Everyday is still a struggle.
I reached day 21 today. I am 59 and the crazy thing is I didn’t start smoking until i was 50 but i got hooked and its been a 9 year nightmare.
I feel good today But still fighting a 3 week cold.
Crazy that you started at 50! You don’t hear that too often. But glad you are fighting the good fight and winning!! Congrats!
Will post update. Sigh.
Day 45. Urge to take a cigarette not there. However peppered with urges to smoke throughout the whole day. Bloody depressing.
It’s not depressing, it’s exciting! You’ve made it 45 days! Think about all the good things you’re feeling, not just those mental urges. Trust me, going back will make you feel FAR more depressed. Just keep going. Everyday will get easier and easier until you don’t even think about it anymore.
Day 17 for me. Feeling the same way; every place I turn to represents a smoke and a trigger. I just need to slow down my eating and do more breathing exercises.
I hit Day 21 today and still feeling depressed that I can’t enjoy the wonderful moments of smoking whenever I indulge in something. I have shyed away from doing all these things now as I don’t look forward to doing them without a smoke.
That’s because nicotine is trying to make you feel as if you can’t enjoy anything anymore without smoking, which clearly isn’t true. Take baby steps, but face your demons head-on. All you really need to do is reverse your habitual behaviors. Once you face a situation and you make it through without smoking, you’ll have reversed that behavior and the next time you face that situation it will become MUCH easier to not smoke.
Today is day 24. How long can i last? I once quit for 3 months and had a cigarette out of anger in a situation.
My trepidation is I might fail again.
That’s why it’s hard to quit smoking. All it takes is being caught off guard when you’re pissed off about something, and then you blow it. I’ve been there many times. What I would recommend in that situation is thinking about how many days of non-smoking you’ll throw down the drain if you relapse. Sometimes talking it out to yourself helps a lot.
Just remember nothing good comes out of smoking you are basically killing yourself! It’s taking precious time away from family …. living life is the better option!