DenaliBlues

Thanks for posting this @Brioski. It’s a helpful discussion for me, too. My experience quitting has not been linear, it goes in odd zigzags. Sometimes I feel good, strong, and in touch with the positive aspects of quitting. Other days, I feel shattered. Today, for instance, all the emotions I used to dull with nicotine are quite raw. I know this is not permanent. For the first couple weeks of my quit, the impulse/longing to smoke was constantly buzzing through my body and brain. Now on day 54 it’s not a hive of bees any longer, more like a dull thud. So that’s a good trend. I’m very determined to keep this quit. But along the way, I have definitely had some days I’d like to fast forward through, either that or…

Way to go @Mac#23! Such respect for your two-year achievement!

Congratulations @Rajag! A proud accomplishment, indeed.

8. Apply to the big bump emerging where you hit your head.

Snoring exasperates spouse.

tilapia

turbot

So happy for both of you, @Sal! You've got a strong quit going.... together!

3. Drill a hole to go ice fishing

Neurotic penguins ran madly amok. panic

10. Shh... this is a Secret Garden. Let's try 10 things to do with... ICE.

So happy for you, @Sunnyside. Thanks for leading the way for our 2022 cohort and for helping us KTQ. Doin a little dance in your honor...

energy drink

Limber sinews amaze.

Unibrow: tweezer emergency.

Everlasting Gobstopper

Attaway, @JustinHoot99!

Yes, yes oh yes to what others have said about being patient with the brain fog (I’m still struggling with it). Staying occupied has been really important for me – to distract from the cravings and also to reprogram my body rhythms. For 40+ years smoking was an organizing principle of my life, it’s how I punctuated everything: waking up, eating, working, relaxing, managing emotions, going to sleep, all of it. So staying busy this early in my quit is also about learning what life is like without nicotine being the metronome that regulates my tempo for everything. I think every person is different, you will find the things that work for you. But some things that are working for me right now: A mini honey-do list of small household tasks, doable in 15 minutes or less. I keep a running list, complete a few each day, cross them off (satisfying!) and add more. Countertop or wall pushups. Lots. Every time a crave hits. I’m out of shape enough that by the time I do 20 or 30 I’ve pretty much forgotten all about smoking. (And everything else.) Vigorously shaking my hands, arms and legs – really hard. I don’t know if that’s about stimulating circulation or about venting frustration, but it helps. The cats are gradually getting used to this. I chew on cinnamon oil toothpicks and mints. I got some lavender-scented Silly Putty. Love it, it keeps my hands busy. It’s also great for aggravating Zoom work meetings, not just quitting smoking. Really gentle television. Quitting has screwed up my sleep, and it’s also made me strangely sensitive to images of violence or any stressful suspense. My mate is getting pretty tired of baking shows, Bob Ross, cute baby animals and the history of the paper clip... but too bad! Reading, posting and playing games here. Thank heavens for the Train. You got this @Brioski... one day at a time!

Escaped leaky yacht.

Trout Fishing + Potato Salad = Very Happy Me Haven't yet learned how to uncouple fishing from smoking, but I am so motivated...