Day 1 as a Non-Smoker

My first day as a non-smoker went surprisingly well. I drank tons of water and ate a ton of peanuts & pistachios but I got through it fairly easily. I thought I would be climbing the walls but that wasn't the case at all. Since I knew that nic fits only last about 15 minutes, getting through them wasn't that big of a deal. Not yet, anyway.

I was very glad that my wife had gotten rid of all of my smoking stuff while I was sleeping because it removed a lot of temptation for me. Out of habit, I would find myself looking for my smoking stuff but then I would just remind myself that I was a non-smoker so I didn't need it. That line of thinking helped me a lot.

It was helpful for me to change how I looked at myself. I wasn't an ex-smoker, I was now simply a non-smoker. There is a big difference there and once that sinks into your skull, I think it is a very important distinction. As an ex-smoker, you are able to complain about nic fits, how hard it is, etc. Cry me a river. As a non-smoker, you are simply going through some tough times that will pass quickly and you'll never have to do it again. At least that is how it worked for me.

I think for a lot of people the first day jitters keep them from trying to quit but honestly, the first day isn't so bad. Just keep busy, find something for your hands and mouth to do, and get into the "non-smoker" mindset. I was about as addicted to nicotine as you can get and if I can do it you can do it.