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In my quest to rid myself of the pain of smoking over the last four years, my longest quit was 4 months. Second longest was 40 days. Here I am at day 40 again. Maybe there is something symbolic about it, i.e. that "40 day/40 night" thingy that has some import in our collective experience. Nonetheless, I decided to share some things that made it easier to get here this time. 1. Allan Carr's books. Do an in-person seminar. Its well worth the time/money. 2. Flash-cards are a tool that helps a lot, particularly to remind me of the insanity of addiction, e.g. "I smoke to feel like a non-smoker." All "reasoning" is circular but I have so brainwashed myself to believe that smoking was somehow necessary, beneficial even. It takes some mind-training to get out of the loop of denial. 3. No NRT. I used it (gum) in all of my previous quits. At Day 40 in the past, I didn't feel strong or encouraged. Rather I was just hanging on for dear life. This time, moods have smoothed out and cravings are minimal. I attribute it to not being on the nicotine train in any form. 4. Keeping a journal (which I do anyway) and reviewing all of the insights I have gathered from every source (including you all) daily. I remember in the seminar Jamie saying, "You are running a marathon by smoking and its over when you quit." That was a rather profound way to look at it. About three weeks later, I woke up to a "voice" telling me "The race is over." I am hoping this is a truth from whoever is in charge because, as I know, it certainly ain't me. 5. Focusing on the wins, particularly the relief of not having to smoke. Waking up in the morning without the machinations we all go through when trying to manage our addiction. Bloody exhausting. 6. Being grateful to have the energy to do the things that bring true joy, i.e. exercise. Getting out on the bike (at 9K feet) and not feeling like I am dying at the top of the hill. Of course this exuberance has a downside when on the downside due to the danger of going ass-over-tea-kettle. All must be tempered. I still find myself "romancing" the smoke. Maybe it will always be that way or a little bit that way. I think this is the nature of addiction in that we are forever trying to get somewhere other than where we are. As I practice living life on life's terms, moment by moment and day by day, the desire to orchestrate things to suit my perceived needs lessens. For me, smoking helped to manage my expectations. Perhaps giving up on expectations and just showing up is a better plan. I recall reading something where the guy finally gave up his attempts to quit. That allowed him the grace to actually release the smokes for good. Seems like a bit of a paradox but whatever works for each and every one of us to let go of that which harms us. Wishing you all a blessed day. Karen

Nope.

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Nope!!!!

G’day Simple ……NOPE got a bucket anyone?

She is holding on but barely gripping whatever she can to keep it together for another day she doesn't think about next week or next month just today that's what she tells herself that's how she's gone this long just keep it together today

NOPE…

NOPE!

@Linda that is not a sense of a humor, I really have horns and a tail. I am working on growing my nails long again (broken in the last altercation) and seeing the dentist to have my teeth sharpened. You must be prepared for anything. LOL K

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NOPE

Lord god, quitting was scary enough. I will say I do not worry about putting stuff in my mouth as long as it is not a smoke. I will worry about the weight later. I can only take on one challenge at a time. K

Thanks for all the support and encouragement. Its a "we" thing and I appreciate each and every one of you. K

I am doing commercial cleaning, if the TV goes to a commercial cleaning, I get up and do something. Current tasks are unload the dishwasher and work on laundry, bottom rack done, underwear done, got to go fold the towels. K

Great post, @KEL Congratulations on 40 days smoke free!

@jillar, @Doreensfree and @Linda, Well girls, I do not know how you have avoided growing the horns and tail but do not worry with the proper hairstyle and spanx you can hide that s*** and only show them off when neccessary. LOL K

@Bat, I do have a great couch, only because I put people that don't feel well on there and proceed to spoil them rotten. It is the only thing I am good at. When you feel bad you just need someone to cook good food, keep you comfortable, entertain with things you enjoy (must say I hate football but I have watched a lot of it). I am searching for a new couch now, must be good leather since I have dogs, will tolerate spills of beer and drinks, be overstuffed, have a deep seat depth and sit high. I have learned all this is important for entertaining and caregiving. It is liking hunting a unicorn! K

@Kris Yes I am doing better today, thanks for asking. Yes it can be scary but I have dealt with it for awhile. Its been under control for along time just rears it ugly head once in a while.I'm pretty good at spoiling myself. Lol

I had my flu jab roughly 3 weeks ago....I'm not having my booster till 27 th November... Thankfully I don't have to suffer two sore arms ....whether I grow horns and a tail will remain to be seen ..lol...

Well done !!!! Here is a well earned pat on the back ...Keep going !!!!

@Linda Wow L hope you continue to feel better. Sorry you're having to go through that. @KrisYour couch sounds great @jillar Which booster did you get and are you feeling any side effects?

@jillar @Katgirland @Kris Thanks for the concern and kind words!! Finally they let me go and I am doing fine now

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Thanks Dad, I can't remember you but I do know you loved me!

Good Evening to all my junkie pals, quick update for anybody interested. First of all, I've had no coffee since either Friday or Saturday. I'd like to say no caffeine but I've had a couple of sodas and by a couple of I mean one plus a little bit of chocolate. The use of kombucha tea instead of coffee has definitely made a difference in the intensity of cravings, the bloating and digestion. Another trial balloon I've floated up is eating carnivore for a few days. That is something I believe could be a game changer for those whose systems can handle it. I know just a couple of days and I started getting some new found energy. I'll be doing some research on that as far as it impacts lung function and circulatory repair. If I find anything of interest I'll update on this thread. If it's earth shattering I'll make a new topic so it can be easier to follow both supporting and detracting replies. I think tomorrow I will start a 90 day challenge of eating nothing but beef with salt as the only seasoning. The kombucha tea is really starting to intrigue me. It is a detox facilitator and I noticed this morning my chest was a little congested and I was hacking up some white phlegm. My mouth felt and tasted like I smoked 2 packs the night before and it had somewhat of a metallic taste. I saw some anecdotal evidence of someone that flushed a bunch of stuff after 6 weeks of drinking the stuff so I plan on continuing with it for at least another month. The last thing on the list of experiments is oil pulling. Search it up and try it out. I've done it for 2 days with olive oil but I think coconut oil might be a better choice. It makes my teeth feel smooth and clean and it is supposed to assist with detoxing. Anyhow, I'm getting to the point where I'm about to go all in on making the best me that I can. I don't want to bite off more than I can chew and jeopardize my quit but what's the point of quitting if not to improve and get everything out of life that you can grab?? I'll have some other updates on the nerve issues in my back and the problem with my hip. Until then, stay strong and remember that I really do care deeply about each of you and want nothing but the best for all of you. Peace

Congratulations Karen. Quitting gets easier with time. The benefits continue to accumulate. Enjoy.

@Linda Are you feeling better this morning or afternoon? I just got up, days and nights are upside down right now. Do you have someone nearby to come spoil you a little? I don't know anything about Afib but I know enough to know you went thru a scare. K

Sorry to hear most of all that you have a headache, if you have them put ice packs on your forehead and the back of your neck, it helps me with migraine. The sore arms will feel better in a day of two. I got shingles and flu in the same arm. I will be happy when they can give us everything in just one jab!

@jillar I had my flu and shingles shot at the same time and didn't grow a tail and horns lol All though some people might think differently

Great post @KEL, you're well on the way to your forever quit

G’day NOPE .....Not One Puff Ever.... (replace Ever with Min,Hour, Day as required Low tide in the mangroves

1. Roots?

Congratulations @Katgirl

Congratulations on your 6 months! You are my example of how to get it done. Now if I could start getting some exercise. I did walk some and lift some weight but I don't think it counts. I went shopping for new walking shoes but came home with a new sherpa comforter, a new throw for the couch and a painting. I will try again on the shoes.

Nice milestone @Katgirl!! Congratulations!! Keep going!!!

Wow! Half a year! Yea, Me!

Awesome job, Katgirl. Congratulations!

NOPE!

I appreciate this. So what I cannot do is smoke. But what I can do is go work-out. Fortunately, what I cannot do does not interfere with what I can do! In fact, it helps. Imagine that. Hope everyone here is having a blessed day. K

Yep.