Mike.

Who's been winning? Chicks or sticks? 1

I will not smoke today.

Well, I thought most people would see right away, that it was a metaphorical screaming. I do say "No" out loud but, only when I am alone. What a stupid thing for Stephanie to jump all over with, in a thread to a Newbie.

:)

My pleasure. Check this thread of mine, if you haven't already. http://www.quittrain.com/topic/4795-yikes/ It's what we do isn't it!. We help others, and wind up helping ourselves more!

I'm prone to making speeches. I'm trying not to now, and I am going to try to make this as brief as I can .. You name it, I've made every mistake there is in quitting smoking. I've also been around a while. The *Single Biggest Thing* I have learned over the years on quitting is this. EVERY TIME A THOUGHT OF HAVING A CIGARETTE COMES, I SCREAM *NO!* AT IT, AND REDIRECT MY MIND TO SOMETHING ELSE IN THE PRESENT, UNTIL THE THOUGHT GOES AWAY! At the beginning of a quit, I was doing it lots and sometimes MULTIPLE TIMES, before the thought left. I have found this stops any *romancing/wishing* for one, in it's tracks. Even at over a year of not smoking, I remember myself, by then instinctively doing it, when the *far and few* thoughts would come. I don't give it a chance to enter my mind, I just *SCREAM* at it, until it is gone. Try it. It works a treat! Your doing *GREAT* by the way! EDIT: The screaming is in my head, when I am around others ... lol

I'm here in the check-in line. Where's the funny looking guy in a skirt? I thought he had the weekend off. Maybe a belly full of beer. If I forget again, here's my mom's phone number: I.800.555.1212 and ask for her. If that fails, try 911, and ask for a Bakon and sunny side-up. He says he knows. :)

Don't worry about that Michelle. I am the *worst* now for forgetting to post here, and I am still doing fine! I will not smoke today!

^^^ Stunning visuals.

didn't like it

Thanks again, guys! That includes all of you. Doreen, RunFree, Petra, et alia ... Here, we use the generic term of guys, for both sexes. No offence intended. Blessings!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXy93iEe2co

-14

-10

Michelle should have been -15 I should have been -14 Then, Colleen should have been -15 I'll now be ... -14

WTF Markus? One of my favorite movies. I love the accoustic guitar and the Latino vocals, but still WTF? Hotel California in Spanish?

Huh? Okay. Sounds good to me ... 2

When I first was in trouble with this my first ever depression, it was very confusing to everyone around me. I have always been the one, that anyone could turn to for help. No one "worried" about me. I could handle anything. My greater family depended on me, hugely. After a couple months of counselling, I asked my counsellor, what happened to me? The response was (paraphrase), "Burn out Mike, Burn out; Look what you have taken on over these last 6 years". (longish story of it all, encompasses 25 years), which was conceptualized throughout the rest of the session. After months of digging into "my past", I asked then, "So, what now?". He, (the PHD doc and Director for Clinical Health Psychology offices), said to me in his blunt fashion, "Mike, I give you permission to say the F*ck with them all". As I started doing that, it has really confused my greater family, and there has been some "push back", as I have been relentless in not involving myself in attending to their needs. They have tried to "up the ante", by trying unsuccessfully to, "push old buttons". It hasn't worked. So, here I am, and ready to move on. I am beginning to feel the strength returning again, (slowly). I intend to do as you say guys, and use what remains, for my altruisms and passions. Not, for what "they" think, I should use it for. Thanks, guys.

O-->

I will not smoke today.

I stopped into MacDonalds, from being at work yesterday, to have a muffin and coffee. Sitting across from me, was a lovely older couple having coffee. He looked weather-beaten, and still strong. She looked comfortable in casual clothing that was tasteful. They really seemed happy with each others company. They were a pleasure to watch, while they conversed. I want that. I better get my shat together quickly.

Yep

I will not smoke today. Late, late, late ... I figured at least I can do is be accounted for here. Where's Bakon's thread?

:) I'm happy you stayed with us. You gave me a reason to smile. Ya Ya, I know it's not about me but, what you just did, has shown many lurkers on our boards that being here and doing the right things you are, is the way to go. ZZZ

Inadvertently or not, you've touched on the other ... I've been deliberating if life was worth it anymore, It's not just her, I've known this for some time. Your dealing with the the fear of the unknown is commendable! I'm still here, and am going to "follow suit". Free-falling again, is scary but, I will take with me some solace, that there are others like you ... who find good results with it. My passions will be there to pursue, when it is time, I guess. Now. Back to my nap. Thanks.