Well, I have to admit, today was just as bad as Day 1.
All the intense physical and psychological withdrawals came back with a vengeance and made my day absolutely horrible.
Every part of it was pretty much terrible.
After having such an easy time the last couple of days, I should’ve known better than to think it would be smooth sailing from here on out. I was totally wrong!
I woke up with immediate stomach pains, a distended stomach, trouble breathing, and even a slight cough! I even thought I was getting sick, that’s how awful I felt.
My allergies came back, too, and although that has nothing to do with withdrawal, it just added to my extreme discomfort all day.
I was not a happy camper.
Plus it was the beginning of my work week, so I really had nothing to look forward to.
The worst part of today, however, was not the physical pains I was having on and off. It wasn’t the mind tricks nicotine was playing on me. It wasn’t the stressful situations at work, either.
Withdrawal gives me horrible anxiety attacks.
When I say horrible, I mean REALLY horrible, almost to the point of panic.
I never used to have anxiety. I never had it before I was a smoker, and it really didn’t emerge until a few years ago, after I had been a smoker for many, many years.
I didn’t have anxiety in high school. I could perform in front of the entire student body and not sweat at all, or be fearful of it.
A few years ago I started having these moments at work, where my voice became monotone, and I had trouble communicating.
I couldn’t smile, I produced an extreme amount of saliva, and I was becoming fearful of talking to people.
I hated confrontations.
I put two-and-two together and realized I was having anxiety.
I was doing some research on the subject and I found out that nicotine withdrawal involves anxiety, and is one of the most common symptoms.
I couldn’t believe it!
When I’ve tried to quit smoking before, after a few days, the anxiety DOES go away, and that just proves my point that it all revolves around nicotine.
It makes sense.
When you’re going through withdrawal, you are stressing out your body, and when you’re stressed out, you’ll experience anxiety.
Eliminate nicotine, and you’ll eliminate stress. This is absolutely true!
Cigarettes cause stress and anxiety. It’s one of the main causes of anxiety.
I couldn’t even smile at work, or hold a conversation.
I wasn’t even in a stressful situation.
Even the walk to the bus stop after work was dreadful.
It was like anxiety had taken over my body. The physical pains in my stomach felt like they were eating me alive.
It really felt like Day 1 all over again, and yet this was Day 8.
The past 2 days for me were wonderful, full of amazing, positive thoughts. I really felt like I was moving forward in my life.
Not today, though.
Today felt like a nightmare come true.
It was everything I hated about withdrawal all rolled-up into one big disaster of a day.
I’m so glad I made it home safely and it’s almost over with. I can still feel pain in my lungs.
The anxiety is gone, but it always goes away when I remove myself from the stressful situation.
People believe it is, but once they haven’t lit up for a while, their body starts craving one and they start freaking out.
Then they smoke a cigarette, and the cycle continues.
Day 8. Went to hot yoga at 7a, started to get a nasty headache behind my left eyeball on the drive home. Afraid of it turning into a migraine, i took 4 ibuprofen, showered, drank water and sipped coffee. Went to lay down for an hour. Started sobbing and continued to for 2 hours. I was crying over feeling fat and ugly though, not wanting a cigarette, and particularly how insane my food cravings have been and I feel out of control and craving sugar and chocolate. Mad I went to the store last night and bought chocolate ice cream and reeses and schnarfed. I don’t even want to smoke, but thinking this has to still be nicotine w/d right? I feel nuts. I can’t stop thinking about food.
Looks like we all showed up here Day 8.
Yesterday was amazing. Today was hell. It was day 3 all over again. Very tight chest, bloated even drinking water, felt like I couldn’t breathe, I was always struggling to get some air. It lasted for about 4 or 5 hours so far. Still happening as I type this in hopes to get through this feeling.
I am very proud of everyone on here as well as myself for making it where I am now. Other than my withdrawal symptoms I feel amazing.
Granted this is only the beginning of the healing process.
If anyone is reading this 3 years later during a worldwide pandemic that causes breathing issues, it’s very concerning when I have anxiety attacks.
It all started when I over exerted myself on my trampoline and was struggling to inhale deep enough to catch my breath and it gave me a very mild panic attack.
Always remind yourself that you will be okay, this is just one loop of a very erratic roller coaster.
You can get through this. You will get through this.
My day 8 sucks big time
Same here! Headache, fatigue, had to take sick leave from work, too damn emotional. Worst day so far
I can’t believe I’ve made it to day 8! Everyone in my house over the age of 18 smokes, there are 3 kids under the age of five that never listen and scream all the time, and I worry every day about my disabled child’s health. The last time I tried to quit smoking, I got to day 14, and my child went into the hospital for a few weeks. Of course I picked up a cigarette at that point! It IS comforting to find this site. Thank you so much for thinking of the rest of us who are still slaves to the addiction.
Keep up the good work! You’ve got this!
Day 8 today I am going cold turkey I could not sleep last night I was just up and down all night, today I feel pretty good just tired, I can do this I know I can.
Same!! I’m entering day 8 and I could not sleep last night. I’ve never had insomnia so bad with night sweats and restless legs, just tossing and turning all night. It is really unsettling. It makes me feel hopeless in the moment. Reading these helps me not feel so alone.
Michelle and Kate,
Great job! Keep it up!
Hi!!
Thank you so much for writing this – I feel like I am going absolutely crazy. My anxiety levels are so unreal. I am crying lol! It’s freaking scary that such a horrible drug is being placed all around us to be sold. It messes up with us soooo much. And when we try to get rid of the substance it bloody makes us reeeally work for it! This is my 1st and last attempt in quitting. It’s been horrible. I had 3,4,5 days which were awesome – I felt super powerful and able to do anything!! I had physical pains yes – but they are okay. The mental pain is horrible. The sadness, the irritability, the wanting to escape somewhere far away. Oh I do hope I won’t get day 8 feelings anymore as it’s reeeally tiring.
I had to vent out there as I am struggling to stay sane at the moment 🙂
Thank u so much once more for writing this – it’s really helpful knowing I ain’t the only one going through this..
OMG I cannot believe how terrible day 8 was, anxiety, with drawl and frustration all in one…It seems so crazy that most of us had a terrible day 8. I am so happy that I was alone and that no one was near to hear my cursing gawd I felt weak and vulnerable. I am putting this down now for yesterday because I just could not function at all so I curled up in bed early in order to escape the emotional pain.
Day 8. Im using one of these Blue e-cigarettes a bit. Im having major temptations and the thought that keeps re-appearing is, “Youre just a smoker. Accept who you are. Youre a smoker” etc.
I would suggest keep using that ecig and NEVER smoke another cigarette ever again. Don’t let those thoughts bring you back to square one.
Whoa! This is EXACTLY how I feel on day 8- and I loved reading this and feeling like I’m not crazy- someone else felt this way too. Day 8 and I am also feeling kind of sick, kind of sad, and very anxious. Thank you for sharing your experience. It’s helping me get through the day.
On my 8th day! Its horrible. I quit several times before, once for 5 years but started again 3 years ago and have been smoking heavily, a pack a day. I dont remember quitting being this tough, I remember last time the first three days were the worst but this time everyday is harder than the last. I feel anxious, headaches, not sleeping well, very irritable. Im NOT going to give in though. I just came across this site last night and its been a big help knowing others are battling and winning this fight, thank you Matt
You are awesome Matt, day 8 is motha. I been drinking coffee the whole week, I wonder if that contributes to anxiety?
Day 8 and I almost gave into temptation.. my partner is very supportive and reminds me every time I get craving how disappointed I would be after going this long without.
Omg I’m glad I found this page. Day 8 and I think it’s been the worst. Quit smoking in 1996 but addicted to the gum. 25 pieces 4mg a day.
Having cosmetic surgery in June and can’t have any nicotine in my system. I feel lost and focusing on all the problems in my life without the gum as a buffer. This day sucks.
This is day 8 for me as well. 6 and 7 were pretty tough and I woke up feeling awful today. I’m just asking when this withdrawal feeling will go! I feel like I’m hanging on by my fingernails.
I even did 3 runs this week to sweat out nicotine. Man, I hope I feel better tomorrow.
The nicotine patches work! And pray
Day 8 for me too! I’ve had many quits in the past 6 months and this one im sticking to. Your 30 day site is extremely motivational and you should be proud that you’re helping others by sharing such personal things. Kudos man!
Thank you very much! I am proud of myself, and I love helping others deal with smoking.
Hi there
I’m so glad I came across your post
I’m day 6 and really struggling
Was really close to giving up giving up when I found this post.
Are you still nicotine free?
Warm wishes
Minnie
Yes I am! 4.5 years now. I can’t even imagine going back. Even tho I smoked for 22 years, it seems like a lifetime ago now. Good luck to you! You’ll get there.
Its day 8 for me I have been smoking for 30 years at two packs per day. I stopped with Chantix, Im on my second week of taking this Med. I feel pretty good, but want to know should I continue with Chantix?
If it’s working for you, then go for it! It didn’t work for me, but that’s just me.
Chantix works wonders for me. I’ve been smoke free for 8 days and I feel good. Been on chantix for about 2 weeks.
Chanted is working for me and I am doing non nicotine vaping to see how that goes. 30 days is my first Goal.
I am 37 years old started smoking when I was 11. I threw my cigarettes out the window 8 days ago on the way to the hospital, fearful I was having a heart attack or stroke. My left arm was going numb and my lips as well. They did many tests. All came back good. But I promised myself I would not smoke again, because of the fear I had experienced on the way to the hospital, knowing that my life could end short by my bad decisions. I have Vertigo and anxiety problems as well, so this has been whirl wind hell week for me.
Well keep up the great work! I’ve had scares like that, too, involving one too many chest pains. I knew I had to do something. Keep going all the way!
what I found helpful is to drink lots of water do breathing exercises take up yoga and enjoy getting out and walking. Tell yourself that it is easy to quit smoking. We can do this.
I’m 36, started smoking at 11. Quit 8 days ago due to severe breathing problems associated with pre existing asthma and a terrible virus. It hasn’t been too bad because for one, I can’t breathe so I’m basically in bed so smoking hasn’t been on my mind. But what happens when I want to drink? Lol ugh. I dread it. But good luck and good for you for quitting after your health scare. That’s exactly what I did.
32 y/o Female. Been smoking for 17 years, average 13 sticks a day, and I have quit 8 days ago. TODAY IS THE HARDEST DAY OF ALL!!!!! I feel like I am losing my mind and I seriously cant focus. here I am at work and I feel like am about to cry anytime. Since I have quit smoking I have been constantly feeding myself and I cant help it! 6 months ago I lost 35 lbs , now still overweight , and gained around 8 lbs since quitting 8 days ago, I am so frustrated. Is it true that the food cravings goes away in two weeks? Gum dont help. Btw I have been chewing on Nicorette since my last cigarette, I chew maybe around 3-5 a day but always get a heartburn even if I park the gum in between my cheek and gums. Pls help!!!! I hope someone gets to answer my question about food cravings and nicorette gum
You need to quit the gum, too, as that is keeping the drug addiction inside your body. Good work for now, but the torment is never going to end until you quit using nicotine (in any fashion).
Hi , congrats on your quit. As soon as I read your comment, it was reminiscent of what happened to me earlier during the quit, I quit cold turkey. One fine day, I started crying out of nowhere. Reason being, anxiety, stress- you name it. But smoking a cig will not be of any help. Just deal with it. Take a deep breath, drink water. relax. it will help. By the way, I am no expert, but just another guy who’s quit.
Use the patches they work
I crave food around 2 am lol
But I don’t have withdrawel symptoms never.
You don’t have withdrawal cuz you are feeding your body nicotine thru the patches. Eventually you’ll have to take off the patch and go thru the withdrawal.
Today marks day 8!! I’m proud, but last night was miserable. I had a migraine from hell along with a sore throat that I can’t really explain. Maybe it was the onset of a cold or allergies. Anyways all I could think about was getting a smoke. I’m glad to say I woke up this morning and I didn’t give in to my craving from yesterday. It’s about managing those feelings in which I still struggle with but I’m deeply committed to quitting. This forum has been a helpful tool to keep me on a path to stay smoke free.
I’m on day 8 of my quit as well and this is the furthest I’ve been off a cigarette ever since I started smoking 10 years ago. Today’s been super tough (Feels like day 1 or 2) but I know I’ll regret if I give in right now for 5 minutes of smoke to give up on my 11,484 minutes (According to my app) that I’ve been smoke free so far! Hang in there everyone!!!
Day 8 is the absolute worst so far i feel like everything is tempting me! I feel anxiety extreme confusion sadness and like a raging bitch! Please i hope tomorrow is much better! I’ve came this far so i gotta keep going!
Right! New years promise myself…but I am not going back!!! Stay strong !! My spouse, everyone knows.. I have put myself on quite time….moving around getting stuff done , plus…but will read you a riot act,even if you didn’t say nothing…everyone knows stay away .. Rehabilitation at home call it…
I got over the flu feeling and hacker cough… Now cravings,!! Cheesecake and steak etc I want, kids watch you snacks lol.. Day 9!! Got a old extension cord got up this morning still hard to sleep, but got up did 10 min whole body stretch. Then jump rope in the living room ,till my body started sweating and start coughing that crap out of my lungs… I did 5 mins and I’m proud!.. Make sure to repeat before bed then hot bath!
Day 8 almost over. It was the worst day yet. I decided to see if alcohol made it any worse, and to my surprise it did not. I know I was playing with fire, but I had to see.
Anyways, Day 8 is almost over and am hoping tomorrow will be easier or better.
Hang in there everybody. Glad I found this site.
Omg day 8 can kiss my …… it’s sucks!!! Have no idea why!! Given up cold turkey, no cravings, feeling amazing until this afternoon!!! Not giving up, gone this long!!! Hope day 9 is better!!
Same feeling, stick with it, we’re doing the right thing.
Day 8 for me today, I knew it was going to be hard so I left the house this morning with only the amount of money I needed for the day at work, no cards or wallet just cash and less than the cost of a pack of cigs. Got through the day OK but I’m home now and still gasping for a smoke so I’ve come to bed at 4:30pm.
So glad I found this site. Great to be amongst folk who are having the same feelings as myself. Gave up 8 days ago, boy it’s hard to quit smoking! All the posts here have given me strength, I’m not alone! Come on, we can do it!
Good for you! I feel exactly the same.
Today is my day 8 it’s been a good day but in this Evening I’m feeling different but let’s go we can do it
Day 8 – pretty anxious but not bad though. I have gone so long without smoking there is no going back. Been feeling full of energy and came here to ask if that is normal?
Day 8 and I quit cold TURKEY….Its been rough to say the least but my anxiety hasn’t kicked in I guess my studies at school keeping under continual stress has made me accustomed to anxiety and stress.
Wow!! Today is day 8 and it has totally sucked. Complete motivation reading everyone’s posts!
Stick it out no matter what!!!!
It will get easier! You will someday start to hate the stupid things!!!! The smell, the money spent, the cough, the anxiety, the loss of control of yourself, will all be behind you!!!!! Start a exercise routine, always helps!!!
After a few months, its a piece of cake!!! Just never think You can have just ONE!!!!!!!!
good luck!!
I am on day 6 on patches and am doing OK. But I have a bit of a dilemma and any advice is appreciated. my last step 1 patch is on Saturday and i will only get my next patches on Monday. which means that i will have two days with no patches. what do i do? do i just stop the patches? do i go cold turkey for two days and then on the patches? i don’t want to feel overconfident, as i am doing ok and mess it all up? Your thoughts will be very much appreciated as i have no one else to talk to about it who would understand!
Cut the patch in half. When I briefly used the patch, I never used a whole one anyways. Too strong and made me nauseous.
Believe me, go cold turkey always.
I always cut my patches. I used a piece of breathable tape to keep it on. Just know that it’s easy to stay addicted to using patches. I used them for years even though you’re not supposed to. I justified it by thinking that it was better than smoking.
Last week I received test results (coronary calcium score) that scared me enough to finally quit using patches. I am also on day 8. My anxiety is making me crazy. I keep thinking I’m over the worst, but then the withdrawal monster rears its ugly head.
I am reading this every night and it’s super helpful. Thank you to everyone for posting.
Today is day 8 for me and it started off rough. I woke up this morning craving for a cigarette as if I was a fiend for it and never quit, especially during my morning commute into work. I am surrounded by constant stress and other smokers. Luckily once I made it to work I found this site. EVERY TIME I have had a craving today I come here and read these comments for motivation to push through quitting. I almost slipped up today but seeing others go through similar helped encourage me to keep my mind on the right path. For those who need a little help quitting/fighting those cravings besides motivational words. Chewing gum can go along way and help more than you would think.
I’m so glad I’m not alone. This is my day 8 and i don’t like anything or anyone right now (my poor husband). I thought last week was hell but ohhhh not compared to how I feel today. 4:30 pm so day is almost done. Please tell me tomorrow will be easier. Thanks for letting me vent
Nicole,
You are so right on. Thank you for describing Day 8 so eloquently. Stay strong. We can do this.
I am so thankful I found this site. It is day 8 for me. I’m on lunch break here in Chicago so it’s around 12pm Cst and I just got gas and am sitting in a parking spot at the gas station trying to convince myself to not walk in and buy cigarettes. The last 2 days were great and then late last night a depression came over me, couldn’t sleep well and now been anxious all day so far…feels like my skin is crawling and if I just have one smoke it will all stop. I Know that is a lie Though. I found this site and see others struggling too and they are finding their strength and I am pulling my strength out too. I refuse to give up. I am going to drive back to work now. 🙂
Day 8 seems to have been the worst. I have found it easy up until now, even got through a few Emotional challenges at the weekend! But today I feel hypersensitive to people and noise. I hope this doesn’t last too long! I’m also attending a fancy dress party on Saturday, which will be my ultimate test….any tips for overcoming craving nicotine whilst taking a drink would be much APPRECIATED 🙂 Well done all of you still hanging on in there!
What I liked about your post is the sheer honesty about your STRUGGLE on Day 8. I won’t lie,I want a cigarette but I will not give in because I know satisfaction is fleeting and I and you have come so far to give in to this wicked addiction. Stay strong!
Day 8 and I want to smoke! Just one! I am uncomfortable! This is my 3rd attempt. I have quit for 2 years before then for 2 months 2 years ago. 12 aggregate years of poisoning my body. I am so done but sooo uncomfortable today!!!
Day 8 for me. Misery is an understatement. But i am embracing the misery because it is part of the healing process. I soon will be free. A huge weight will be lifted off my shoulders. Cigarettes cripple me. I want to be the best version of myself and cannot do that as a smoker. I cannot wait until i am at peace with myself. You all should be so proud of yourselves. Happiness is right around the corner. Stay strong!
It’s day 8 for me too! And my whole body hurts! I have smoked for more than 40 years and wanted to quit for a long time! Finally took that first step. And its one of the hardest things i ever did! Day 1-7 were not a walk in the park but this day 8 is kicking my But! I have run out of chores around the house to occupy my mind and work my body, I have eaten way too much chocolate, i drink so much water i feel waterlogged! Lord please help me! The only thing that Is keeping me from picking Up a cigarette is that if i do i will have to start over and end up in this same place. I know the only way to the other side is to go through!
Day 8 today, and I have to say the cravings are very much there and I am super Hungry. I have been preparing for the worst and putting myself in situations I am very tempted to smoke. I went to a bar where most people smoke and asked my friends to put a pack of CIGARETTES right on the table. So far I have passed the test and not touched a CIGARETTE. Let’s hope it remains that way. BIG test coming up this week, I am travelling and this is when I am most vulnerable.
I am on Day 8 after 30 years of smoking. I had a heart ablation Last Monday and I refuse to smoke again. It’s so hard because everything I do I’m used to smoking; after I eat, when I get stressed. It’s so hard. I actually go out where everyone smokes because it helps me to smell it and see it to know I don’t want it.
Here I am 8 days down and probably the worst day. Had an argument with my husband and just about gave in. I smoked for forty years. I feel like smoking was my personality and I don’t know how to be this person that doesn’t smoke. Someone give me some advice on how to live as a non-smoker.
Im on day 8. Couldnt get out of bed this morn. Literally cant function. Feel so bad for hubbie. I couldnt sleep last night. The thing is mondays i always found hard. Im blaming it all on cigs but it could just be monday.
Today is my day 8. This is probably my third attempt over the past 10 years. This time I can’t give up. I don’t want to be a smoker. I don’t want that monkey on my back. I don’t want the nasty smell and I don’t want that nagging little cough. Did I enjoy smoking…yes I did and I’m glad I smoked so that I can say I know how hard it is to quit. But I cant give in again because I now know that I’m one puff away from a pack a day. Never never never again.
Day 8 here. Not a problem so far. Last weekend was a bit rough when I had a few beers but other than that I have about 3 small cravings a day. In the week Before I quit 8 days ago, I didn’t smoke for 5 out of 7 days as well so maybe that helps. This is by far easier than 2 years ago, when I quit after 13 years smoking, now ‘just’ 20 months…
Today is day 8 and I feel crappy, sad and no energy. I keep telling myself that I cannot have even one, starting over would be torture. I just keep thinking “you got this”. The cravings come and go but I know I can do this.
Day 8. Finally a thread that I could relate to. Think I am going insane and scared that i’ll never have my sanity back. Yesterday was all fine, had full power, was fully concentrated at work and managed to work 11 hrs even.
As I left the office I started crying and feeling trapped like never before. Trapped cause I am craving a smoke and not wanting to feel miserable again by going back to it. I had a nervous breakdown and not a single positive thought was on mind. couldn’t sleep well (just like the first 3 days) woke up today also feeling weak, anxious and simply depressed. Been in bed all day. Can someone relate?!! I hate smoking and dont want it but I am not in love with myself now either. I couldn’t feel uglier!
Welcome to what they call “Hell Week.” That’s the first week of not smoking for ya. Quite miserable wasn’t it? But you made it!!! You did it!! You should feel so proud of yourself. You got over the hardest part. It gets easier now. Life will definitely improve, and you will notice little things everyday. Congrats on making this far!!
I am here on day 8 feeling like i want to give in. The urge to smoke is awful. I have felt tired and like crap all day and my demonic mind is telling me that I will feel a lot better if I just smoke!!! OMG….. !!!
I am hating today, it’s the worst day ever. I am glad I have found this site, because even though its only 6pm I am getting into my PJs AND INTO MY BED, AND I AM GOING TO READ IT ALL!!! I will not give in, but it’s hell today!
You have taken the words out of my mouth! Day 8, 7pm and I’m really thinking about going back to bed! I feel physically and emotionally drained! All I want is a puff, but I cant do this all over again.
I am really glad I found this website. Today is DAY 8 AND IT IS CERTAINLY ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT DAYS THAT I HAVE HAD. I AM PURPOSELY NOT LEAVING MY HOUSE JUST SO i DON’T PASS OR GO INTO ANYWHERE THAT SELLS CIGARETTES. I HAVE BASICALLY PUT MYSELF ON HOUSE ARREST UNTIL I HAVE TO GO INTO WORK THIS AFTERNOON. MY plan is to take an alternate route to work using back roads where I know there won’t any places to stop. TALK ABOUT WHITE KNUCKLE-ING! I was hopeful that days 3-5 were the worst…but 6-8 have DEFINITELY been the worst for me!!
Day 8 for me after 20+ Years and many unsuccessful attempts at quitting. Thought I was going to have a nervous breakdown yesterday. I felt horrible! I feel bad for my family since I was not in a good place. Hoping today is a better day! Thank You for your posts. Its nice to know I’m not going crazy!
Same thing happening to me…..got real corky then today my 8th day showed me that I am not over the worst yet but still a non-smoker. Yay!
Came across this post as I googled to see if I was going mad! This is exactly how I felt today on day 8. Like I’m back at the very beginning all over again, mental and physical withdrawals! Please tell me at some point it gets easier I’m ready to cave!
It absolutely gets easier, to the point of not even thinking about it. Keep it up! 8 days is a long time without smoking and you clearly have shown you can manage just fine.
Not gonna beat around The bush. Today sucks! It’s worse than Day 2. I’m about to lose my frickin’ mind. Hanging on by a thread. Just gotta remember that I don’t want to smoke anymore. I don’t have anything really profound to say, just wanted to bitch.
Bitch all you want! That’s what this place is here for. Just keep focusing! 8 days is a lot of days to throw away for 7 minutes of a cigarette. Tomorrow will hopefully be better. 🙂
“seven minutes of a cigarette”…Thank you for that statement. I am on Day 8 of not smoking and am feeling all of the feelings everyone else is feeling. but I won’t throw away these 8 days of not smoking for seven minutes. Thank you!
Have not smoked a cigarette for 8 days and I feel absolutely fine. Thought that it would be harder than I thought but it wasn’t. I must have a strong will power.
Don’t get too cocky tho. It’s great that you are feeling fine, but you still have a ways to go, and if you let your guard down thinking everything is OK, that’s when it strikes the hardest. Just be careful. The most random event can pop up any moment and catch you off guard.