As I write this I'm pushing 72 hours without a cigarette. No big deal if you're already a non-smoker, but it's quite the beginning if you're looking to become one.
I've been here before. Several years ago I managed to "quit" for nearly two and a half years until some nicotine-fit devilry conspired with circumstance and weak-mindedness to start me up again.
So I'm giving it another go.
Today's image is yet another oldie. It was taken with the modified camera contraption I call the mini-view, and it's the extreme DOF manipulation made possible with that setup that gives this image its oddling fuzzy, sharp, then fuzzy again look. Which, in many ways exemplifies how I feel at this moment.
Whatever happens, I'll strive to enjoy the ride.
4 comments:
Nice shot. Love the curve. Hang in there with quitting. It is a bear to fight but it sure is worth it! I came here through PNF's blog!
Funny effect, and against all seeing conventions.
Other than that, Michael, I know how you're feeling. Beginning at around 17 years I have smoked only occasionally, without a pattern and without any problem to stop at any time. At around 30, due to social factors, I began smoking regualarly and then I was suddenly addicted, something that I had not expected at all, given my history with cigarettes and cigars.
I have tried three times to quit. The first time was extremely easy, I did it while having the flu. I simply stopped, no problem at all, and that was it. Three weeks later I tasted a cigarette, did not like it and had no problem for almost half a year. With that experience I did not think much when I then smoked "full time" one evening with smoking friends. Bang! A week later I was at two packs a day.
Attempt #2 was completely unsuccessful. I tried to quit consciously, without help from any inflictions to my health, and I failed. Now I knew that I had to be "ready", my body had to be "in the mood".
The next and so far final attempt came with another flu in summer 2006. It was completely effortless again, and I have not touched any cigarette since.
Thus: in my case it is important to come over the first three days. After that it is no problem. I have to be wary, I know now that the addiction is still there and that I must not "try" it "only once", but knowing about this, it is easy to keep away from it.
I don't know if my experiences are in any way typical, but I guess if one tries to quit, it is a good idea to try it in a situation where the body actually repels cigarettes anyway, or if one really wants to try it without that, it should be helpful to be in an extraordinary situation, with non-smoking friends around, the more the better, for instance on a three-day trip. It would also be useful to disclose one's intention, but of course this is nothing to be frivolous about, and I think you can't repeat it too often :)
OK, that's that, and I hope you are already over it when you read this. If not, it may be useful though.
My best wishes! You will not regret it.
Andreas
Thank you both for the encouraging words. So far things are going well. I'm into week two now and the cravings have loosened up quite a bit. The only problem is that the ones I do have are rough. Much tougher to weather than anything I went through in the first three days.
In fact, the first three days were rather effortless. I came closest to slipping on day 4 and day 7. One day at time I suppose.
Congrats each day you go will make it easier. I quit many years ago and am thankful I did. It is important that your trying huge pat on the back. You will feel better and better as each day goes flyin by. CONGRATS - ohhh and the curve is a good image for how your feeling I am sure. LOL
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