Sazerac

Where Y'at, Miss Vee ?

I, too, have every confidence in you, Iml. You will, no doubt, be touching many emotions during this visit with your brother. Sure, you may still connect your closeness with smoking, it's a body memory. Don't worry about it. You may well want a smoke with him. That is OK. You Won't smoke with him. Let the urges and thoughts pass without action or judgement and show yourself kindness. We usually make it a big deal when we future trip about potential temptations. Reality is often much kinder because we trust ourselves. It will be inspiring to him when/if you share your quitting experience and he sees how you have returned to yourself, how empowered you are.

Nice Fibonacci Sequence going on here before the tropical storm little film about the Fibonacci Sequence

Complacency is an enemy, cockiness is big trouble. Clarity about our nicotine addiction must take precedence over everything. Always because addition does not go away, ever. Look/see what happens with one puff, at any time, forever.

Congratulations, Huntressed, on your Eleven Months of Freedom !

Hey, G, This is splendid news ! Congratulations on your seven Months of Freedom !

Good Morning, Iml, It was excellent you sos'd and as the QT troops amassed, your inner troops swooped in and beat your crave. Bravo ! It is You who is committed to Your decision. Mind blowing, the strength we have when we are clear in our decisions. Are you catching more glimpses of the Superhero you have become to yourself ? She is friggin' awesome. There may be more bumps. They will diminish not only in frequency but, also in intensity. Still, don't be surprised at the rogue crave that appears to have great power. This is a ridiculous lie. They don't have power. You have power. All you need to do is breathe and wait it out. Scream, shout and stomp, wait it out. I hope you are rewarding yourself often. This is really important and useful in taking back control of brain receptors. It is a mighty fine quit you are building, friend. We are all so proud of you. S

Hi Michelle, I remember you and I'm glad to see you back. There is no Wrong way to quit smoking. I am cold turkey-centric but, that doesn't mean you won't have my support. I may encourage you to seriously examine your nicotine addiction but, that isn't to be considered 'flack'. It is just to remind you that your nicotine addiction is active and you will need to face that reality at some point. Please take what you need from me and leave the rest, I only want to see you living as a free person. Smoking will not abate your anger issues, those need your attention whether you are smoking or not smoking. Look, Michelle, quitting smoking and addressing our nicotine addiction takes our full attention and commitment. We end up making it harder or easier for ourselves by our intent and our actions/reactions. The magic bullet is to simply decide to never take another puff or feed your body with nicotine as long as you live. If you want to quit smoking and deal with your nicotine addiction, you will. We will help anyway we can. S

Caramelized Corn, Garlic, Eggs, Parm, Chilies, Love, 350, twenty.

This article from Science Daily should make you even more appreciative that you quit smoking and explain some of our...ummmm.....foibles, if you know what I mean ;-) Smoking Heightens Risk of Psychosis

Hi Kate, Some people get a surge of energy from quitting others get a sluggish fog, I got the sluggish fog, it sucked and it lasted a few months to varying degrees. Read this, The Great Smoke Free Mental Fog. Remember all these discomforts are TEMPORARY and you will emerge on the other side stronger than you have ever been. You have a fine quit going on Kate, stay with it and power through.

Congratulations on your quit, Raj !

Congratulations BKP on every day of your Freedom and thank you for all your posts. S

Yay Jenny ! Congratulations on your continuing freedom. You were an important voice to me early in my lurking days and I thank you very much. Go have some fun today !

I know, when you call in the troops you win. You are doing so great, Iml. Don't let this incident flip you out, it is completely normal and to be expected. Each crave like this once beaten will never come again because you claim back the receptor and it won't turn on you ever again.

Congratulations on your first year of Freedom ! Celebrate wildly !

Kate 18, Congratulations on your quit ! You need to invent other methods of reward for yourself and make the rewards important and meaningful. At first, go a little overboard on rewards because you are retraining your pleasure points to respond appropriately, smoking stole these receptors and you must claim them back.

Good Morning Iml, Breathe breathe breathe The addict that hijacked your brain probably isn't done with you yet, this takes time. Many of the last attempts to woo you back to addiction are quite powerful and surprising, don't worry. Stay focused. You don't smoke anymore and the dying embers of addiction are not strong enough to ignite the flame anymore. You are your power. You have changed. I'll go hang out in chat, join me if you need/want

It is so good to see you Cristóbal. Your words always carry great import. Thank you.

I am so happy witnessing your quit and reading your progress, Iml. It is really great. These three and one half weeks have shown us all that quitting smoking/nicotine is possible and rewarding. Taking breaks, especially 'thinking' breaks took some re-training for me. Smoking and thinking was a pattern to be replaced and turns out to be much more productive than a nicotine infused think. I would sit on my back steps like I did when I smoked and breathed, cleansing breaths, slow breaths. Five or six deep conscious breaths laid the groundwork for some really good thinking, problem solving etc. For me it required focus and intent and ferocity in the beginning. After a while, in fact, you may already be finding, your oxygen infused breaks are your new improved groove. I'm wondering if you are still faking a happy smile with your wine in the evening. It was funny imagining your grimace turning into a defiant grin. S

Congratulations, Opah. Hope you are well and staying free. s

Thanks Reci for keeping such good track of everybody, you really made a huge difference. Thank you so much ! and it will just be great having Jo take the wheel. We are in good hands.

Congratulations on your quit, Kate. You are doing great and are in the first crush of detox. Remember to breathe and keep an eye on your blood sugar. Post often and never hesitate to call on us, we are watching you and cheering you on.

I am so glad, bebe. I couldn't feel more relieved. You are a star ! and thank you for your huge contributions here, we love you so much. s

Good evening, Kate. Congratulations on your quit ! There are bound to be a few moments when you feel sorely tempted to smoke, you can power through them. You already know how and smoking is over, bebe, you won't get the 'ahhh' moment anymore, you will just feel like shit. You will have failed yourself and that ain't where it's at. You are stronger than any crave on the planet. Talk to us, go play some games to cheer your up. Distract yourself. Go take a rockin' hot shower. You will win.