Sazerac

Exactly ! Addiction doesn't go away. We must commit to Not One Puff EVER. That means Never Ever Forever !

Everyone here is on your side so, give us a chance to talk to you before you blow your quit. and Please post your own pre-response to your SOS this will help solidify your quit and teach us how to respond to any crisis you may have.

I am always so happy to see Linda's NOPE ! Now worried that Jackie is MIA. She'll be back, I have confidence in the lass and she knows we love her...right ?

The lashing was so painful, I was rendered speechless but, for the last few days every mutherfoya crossing my path has gotten an frigging' earful, I'll tell ya.

I was in complete denial about health issues (yes, I had a cough....la la la la la) and ignorant about addiction (I like to smoke...la la la la la). The issue of freedom was niggling at me. Constantly checking if I had enough smokes and fire, where they were and negotiating when/where I could smoke 'em... the slavery of it all was beginning to rear it's ugly truth. I quit on a whim to see if I had the moxie. I did. Anyone reading this should know that they have the moxie too. Education and Intent will set you free.

Hi Christa, Yep I am a cold turkey quitter. I am glad it is easier for you this time....at least for the first few days. Do not be surprised or afraid if some moments or days are gruesome...this is only temporary. Reality checks....health scares are brilliant motivators. I just quit caffeine after a BP event. Life without coffee IS possible. Getting smoking off your mind is the challenge. Replacing smoky thoughts with something life affirming, something beautiful was a key component to my quit. Education also. The concept of HALT really helped me. When you have a crave are you Hungry, Angry, Lonesome, Tired ? Distinguishing between a nic fit and a bona fide need made a huge difference. We neglected our real needs for so long. Here is a thread about HALT, be sure to follow Bab's link about HALT too. and have a look at how we managed the First Days Nicotine Free and be sure to add your own tricks too. Read read read read and know that you are stronger than any crave.

Welcome Christa and happy three days of freedom. How are you feeling ?

Jim. This is classic romance of the cigarette. You need to ferret it OUT. It isn't sexy or delicious. It signifies DEATH. It doesn't matter how long you have quit, time is no assurance of keeping your quit. It takes constant and frequent vigilance. As for coffee. I have just recently put it down. It was physically more difficult than quitting smoking. The psychological part isn't bothering me much. I learned so much from quitting smoking.

Oh dear, I was hacking back Jasmine vines the other day and one whipped me right across the eye. Ridiculous. Pain and suffering is soup du jour. Will get back asap. This is really ridiculous.

actually, a pleasant barefoot morning for the dog days of August. 9:45 am Fair 83°F 28°C Humidity72% Wind SpeedN 5 mph Barometer30.09 in (1018.3 mb) Dewpoint73°F (23°C) Visibility10.00 mi Heat Index89°F (32°C)

Welcome Gatisone. You may find this thread useful 10 Ways To Effectively Use This Forum

Thanks Jillar, for the excellent post. I will be happy to be a buddy. With nearly five years quit, I have experience, compassion and a healthy dose of tough love. Although I believe, any way you quit is the right way to quit, I only have my experience in a cold turkey quit and cannot advise on NRT's.

bumpity bump bump

Freedom is delicious. Self Respect for one's own body ! True corporeal inner strength and power. A new found trust in myself. The ability to change. Breath. Sex. Wealth. I love not smoking. and quitting has had no down side. Not a one. Well, the first year was a steep learning curve but, after that...it is a splendid way to LIVE.

Congratulations roewwothorne ! It has been a pleasure to have you here and see your fine quit. You have done a splendid job and thank you for all your posts, I know they help everybody. You ! Go celebrate !

Congratulations ! and welcome to QTrain. I hope you will take time to share your experiences because all our stories are our strength and serve to help other quitters on their way. We also have a lot of fun.

Drinking cold water and sitting in air conditioned luxury on a break from hacking back the jungle in courtyard. You must know how much I love my machete. thwack thwack thwack. 9:30 am heat index a balmy 97 (36c) humidity 75% only 8 more weeks of this. I love sweat. It is nice and slippery and since I have (mostly) cut out salt after BP fuckedupness, I can lick my sweaty upper lip like a salt lick. That is how much I miss salt and also slightly perverse, I suppose.

Linda, You have the power to quit smoking and change your life. It is not miraculous. It is perseverance and intent. Just don't smoke. No matter what. Don't let big tobacco and addiction rule you, ruin your life and eventually kill you. Choose your life. After you have a few months under your belt you will be astounded at all the other things that can be accomplished. Believe in yourself and your decision to quit. We do.

Congratulations dear one ! Five years of Freedom ! and five years of your great company and support for all of us ! Thank you for all you do, Doreen, and I hope you celebrate wildly ! You are the best.

This is GREAT news, nikki ! Congratulations to YOU. and kudos to you for venturing out and treating yourself to dinner. You need to reward yourself at every opportunity because this will help to retrain your brain. You are doing great and moving forward exactly right. I am so happy you quit smoking.

Dear Linda, Quitting smoking is bringing you power and strength and self respect. If your parents don't show you love and respect you needn't expect it from them. They will never be the parents you needed or the parents you want them to be. Cutting loose of your expectations of them will do you a lot of good. I know it is really complicated and hard but, cut them loose emotionally. If you can do that physically, remove yourself physically too. Abuse is abuse and you shouldn't have ANY abuse in your life. I removed myself from abusive family completely and feel GREAT. Protect your quit. Protect your quit. Protect your quit. Every day you are a stronger woman, just look at how your quit is giving you your power back with every crave you beat !

yay ! nay gonnae go through hell week ever ever never again ! I am so proud of you for giving quitting another try, Jackie. You are tops. S