The First Day I Quit Smoking: My Toughest Challenge

July 1, 2015 — this was the day I had been anticipating, the day I finally chose to quit smoking for good. As soon as I woke up, the craving hit me hard. I had smoked heavily the night before, almost as if trying to prepare for what was to come. My first instinct was to reach for a cigarette, forgetting momentarily that today was different.

“I can’t ruin my plans now,” I told myself, forcing my mind away from the thought of smoking. I reminded myself of all the reasons why I needed to stop—the damage to my health, the money wasted, the people who doubted I could do it. Though I knew quitting shouldn’t be about proving others wrong, their skepticism fueled my determination.

A Battle Against Cravings

Throughout the day, I fought my urges by chewing on nicotine gum, drinking plenty of water, and immersing myself in work. The gum helped take the edge off my cravings, giving me just enough relief to push through each hour without giving in. Thankfully, my usual smoke-break companion was on leave, making it easier to resist stepping outside for a cigarette. Still, the withdrawal symptoms hit me hard. My body felt like it was shutting down—I was exhausted, nauseous, and overwhelmed by an unbearable backache. I struggled to concentrate, but despite feeling utterly drained, I refused to give in.

When it was time to go home, a new challenge arose. I had developed a habit of smoking before heading home, and the familiar routine pulled at me. “Don’t even think about it. One puff, and you’ll fail,” I whispered to myself. Clenching my fists, I resisted. And for the first time in years, I walked through my front door without having smoked a single cigarette all day.

A Sleepless Night

I thought my struggle was over for the day, but I was wrong. That night was brutal. I woke up multiple times, gasping for air, my body trembling from panic attacks. My chest felt tight, and I was overwhelmed with the urge to smoke. In desperation, I drank glass after glass of water. At one point, I licked a bit of salt off my fingertip—something I had read could help reduce cravings. It worked, if only for a moment.

Can I Keep Going?

You have no idea how hard this first day was. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, I was a wreck. It felt like I was losing my mind. But I couldn’t let the cravings win. I had come too far to turn back now.

Would I be able to push through the coming days? I didn’t know. But I knew one thing for sure—there was no way I was giving up without a fight.

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