SO, I am that gray area of a new habit.  The shiny-new "I am a warrior" spirit has faded ans the cravings have dissipated.

There is still real danger, however.  Habits die hard.  It doesn't take much for me to feel nostalgic about smoking.

I know the danger of "just one" thinking.  I know I cannot ever be a "social smoker".  I know I must stay alert.

So I come here and read or post.  That's what is working for me right now.

 

Today's mantra: Stay alert

 

 

 

 

And you are exactly right...one puff away from a pack a day!

ExTex,

I am entering that same place now as well. The exhilaration of fighting huge battles every day, going to bed exhausted just from the constant turmoil but feeling really proud of making it through the day smoke free. Being treated special by family, close friends and work associates that knew we were quitting. Recognition and even praise from complete strangers we reached out to on forums like this one. To me, that was completely unexpected and such a big help. The first few weeks were terrifying yet strangely exciting and exhilarating all at once.

 

So now here we are a month or so later. Everything has gradually changed so gradually, it's been hard to even notice. The battles are less frequent and usually not as tough. People, especially the non-smokers, are again largely ignoring us figuring we are by now long over this quitting smoking thing (that was so yesterday). We are now, expect for places like this, pretty much on our own. We feel pretty secure now that we have made it through that really crappy time. After all, if we could drag ourselves through all that and still be physically and emotionally intact, what could possibly defeat us now right?  Well; The Addict can still bring us down. That addict we created with the first cigarettes we smoked so long ago. It's still there inside us and just waiting for a moment of weakness. Waiting for us to forget all the truths about smoking we have just recently learned. Waiting for us to become complacent. The addict is very patient. It'll wait forever if need be but it will always be there.

 

You're right. come here often. Read the posts of others and make your own posts in a place where you will not be judged but only supported. These people get it. They have been through all of it. They know how fragile our quits can be. They face the same addict we do every single day.

 

Keep yourself educated about the addiction of smoking. Always remember what you have fought so hard for and why. It's our only defense from here on in. And yes, never become complacent. Just say NOPE every day.

Stay on your guard EX..this is why rewards are so important..x

ExTex,

I am entering that same place now as well. The exhilaration of fighting huge battles every day, going to bed exhausted just from the constant turmoil but feeling really proud of making it through the day smoke free. Being treated special by family, close friends and work associates that knew we were quitting. Recognition and even praise from complete strangers we reached out to on forums like this one. To me, that was completely unexpected and such a big help. The first few weeks were terrifying yet strangely exciting and exhilarating all at once.

 

So now here we are a month or so later. Everything has gradually changed so gradually, it's been hard to even notice. The battles are less frequent and usually not as tough. People, especially the non-smokers, are again largely ignoring us figuring we are by now long over this quitting smoking thing (that was so yesterday). We are now, expect for places like this, pretty much on our own. We feel pretty secure now that we have made it through that really crappy time. After all, if we could drag ourselves through all that and still be physically and emotionally intact, what could possibly defeat us now right?  Well; The Addict can still bring us down. That addict we created with the first

cigarettes we smoked so long ago. It's still there inside us and just waiting for a moment of weakness. Waiting for us to forget all the truths about smoking we have just recently learned. Waiting for us to become complacent. The addict is very patient. It'll wait forever if need be but it will always be there.

 

You're right. come here often. Read the posts of others and make your own posts in a place where you will not be judged but only supported. These people get it. They have been through all of it. They know how fragile our quits can be. They face the same addict we do every single day.

 

 

Keep yourself educated about the addiction of smoking. Always remember what you have fought so hard for and why. It's our only defense from here on in. And yes, never become complacent. Just say NOPE every day.

Brilliant post R..

This is why we say..stay close...x

Very helpful post. It does seem non-smokers don't get it. You tell them "you quit" they are like great they figure ok you quit all good now.... If only it worked that way. My boyfriend like my Dad was one of those that smoked or didn't it didn't really bother them growing up Dad might smoke for a year and then not for 10 etc. He hasn't smoked now in so long it is hard to remember he ever did. My boyfriend was the same way went 20 years smoked one then stopped and didn't pick it up again. Oh how wonderful that would be! I don't think they understand what it is like for the rest of us. I mentioned to my boyfriend that some days the urge is so strong and he's  "well you quit you don't smoke now".  It makes me want to strangle him LOL.

Great job all!  I'm also still going through those feelings, etc.  However, one of my bigger hurdles happened last weekend during my husbands birthday party and I passed!  We were outside with all of our friends and had a bit to drink (ok ok, I had a fair share more than that) and guess what?  I DIDN'T SMOKE!  I had just as much fun without and and although I've been nervous for weeks about this, I didn't do it.  I now have so much more faith in myself and nothing can hold me back.  Staying alert is very important, but I'm trying not to focus on the fact I used to be a smoker...I don't have time to think about that every second anymore :).  It's just a....fact!

Great job Jackie :D  

Every big hurdle we get over makes us proud and more confident. 

Keep moving forward girl ..... you don't need to smoke anymore!!

ExTex,

I am entering that same place now as well. The exhilaration of fighting huge battles every day, going to bed exhausted just from the constant turmoil but feeling really proud of making it through the day smoke free. Being treated special by family, close friends and work associates that knew we were quitting. Recognition and even praise from complete strangers we reached out to on forums like this one. To me, that was completely unexpected and such a big help. The first few weeks were terrifying yet strangely exciting and exhilarating all at once.

 

EXACTLY, Reciprocity!!  That's what I meant.  Thanks for expressing it so well.