Thought I would start a thread to share how my holiday has gone so far and in the hopes others will share too!

Had a bit of a rough week leading up to Christmas-a work thing that brought up all the old triggers. The craving returned although it was but a mere shadow of its former self. I stayed close to QT and my AA group. 

Ironically (or maybe not so much), the "issue" relieved itself within about 36 hours. Oh I am not saying its "resolved." I just don't have the same attachment to it, the attachment which made it reasonable, in my junkie mind, to smoke. As a reliever don't you know.

Not "relieving" the issue with a smoke actually relieved it faster methinks. So there is that wonderful realization. 

I grabbed the Christmas Eve shift at the shelter so the other night managers could enjoy their families. A client showed up, schizophrenic but in surprisingly good shape. Reeking of cigarettes which is pretty much the norm with the folks who walk through that door. I fixed her some tea and tucked her in with snacks. A restless night ensued with random thoughts as I listened to her snore like a choo-choo train. Wondered if I snored like that when I was smoking. Or (horrors!) do I still snore like that?

Woke up after a few hours and started mopping the floors. Made the client a cup of coffee which I delivered to her as she was outside smoking. I was so grateful that I didn't have to light up. So grateful I didn't WANT to light up.

This good feeling has continued and I am pretty shocked not to be suffering from holiday smoking triggers. I should be but they just aren't there.

I have no idea why; I am just going with it. 

The thoughts of smoking are still with me and there is always the fear that something will catch me unawares which finds me at the Shell (gas) station. Keeps me on my toes; keeps me showing up here multiple times a day to check in. 

Thanks to everyone on the QT for sharing the magic with me.

Love and blessings to all.

K

 

It has been very quiet here. Family did not gather because of the new variant.  Did have some cravings but none that brought me to my knees.  When I start getting a craving I just log on and see how everyone else is doing until it passes.The only thing I want is some cold winter weather. If I had a pool I could be out there starting a suntan.  

 

You guys are doing great and now that you got your first Christmas over with, next year will be so much easier 😊

@KEL so good to read that your cravings are lessening.  keep winning.

 

I did not have any craves to do deal with over the Christmas holiday. As I’ve mentioned before though, my anxiety issues are worse than when I smoked. So Christmas Eve and Day are the worst two days of the year for me and they were particularly rough this year. I found myself horribly and unceasingly anxious and it has carried over into today, although not as rough. I was super tense and it was hard for me to maintain my ‘ain’t life grand’ facade. Anyway, this evening I’m pretty much back to my normal self. I’m thankful that as far as I can tell none of us newbies lost our quit this past weekend. Y’all be sure to remain vigilant this upcoming weekend though. 🤗

 

@Gus I am so sorry it was so rough for you.  I feel the same way.  I have found I would just rather be home alone.  I just don't have the strength to pretend anymore.  Everyone finally gets it and I am given a pass to come and go at will.

@Gus so glad to hear you are getting back to normal this evening.  I'd like to second that thankfulness for all us newbs making it through.  I did struggle a bit but I know mine were all self inflicted wounds.  Here's some kudos for you, Kel and Kris.

 

 

 

Congratulations to all who stayed the course over the holiday. For those who slipped up congratulations for staying on the train. No matter what happens stay on the train. You need to be here, and we want you here. Good things happen on the train so face forward and lets all ride into the new year smoke free.

Well done ....

You kept hold of your precious Quit ....no better present you can give yourself ....

Freedom !!!!