babs609

from one of my favorite authors, Pema Chodron "Finding the courage to go to the places that scare us cannot happen without compassionate inquiry into the workings of ego... Openness doesn't come from resisting our fears but from getting to know them well"

so true! It's our own minds...our unfounded fears....that prevent us from trying.

you got this Michelle!!

that's something that I believe most smokers lack in skill. For so many years we ran to our crutch....as soon as we felt uncomfortable in any way..anger, pain, lonliness, rejection, fear etc.all those unsettling emotions were quickly met with an escape...our good old trusty friend the cigarette. But little did we realize as smokers that those emotions would resolve themselves eventually without grabbing that smoke. The smoke didn't really fix the problem or make us feel better. The smoke just gave us time to sit with it. I think it's important to go out of your comfort zone every day, for many reasons. I look at it as practice. When you always stay in your comfort zone because it's safe and cozy it prevents you from taking chances that would enhance your life because you don't feel comfortable going in that place. Great things can come from stepping outside of your comfort zone and you may miss it because you want to run and hide from just being present with these emotions that won't kill you. They won't. Just like a craving won't kill you. Working with the public for many years and just being facinated by human behavior..I have noticed ..people have a natural tendency to have a low tolerance. Low tolerance for pain, low tolerance for temperature changes, low tolerance for people, low tolerance for events that occur in their lives that are less than desireable..AND..low tolerance for cravings. Only when we step out of this comfort zone regularly do we increase that tolerance. This is probably why people who have had a hard life end up with great coping skills verses someone who was privileged and spoiled all their life. When the shit hit's the fan....they are lost. Also people who stay far too long in relationships or a job than they should...simply because it's familiar, not because it's what's best for them. Go out of comfort zone every day...you will be surprised how great it feels...how accomplished you feel...how many wonderful surprises await you. You will soon find yourself looking for challenges because you will know from experience that good things come from doing so. If you still smoke..... Quitting smoking is a wonderful place to start going out of your comfort zone. Once you conquer that...amazing things start happening in your life. Do it now...don't wait. We are here to walk you through it every step of the way.

no matter what N O P E

Jengirl! I can't believe it's been 2 years since we first "met". Amazing job, my friend!!! Congrats and thank you for all you do here!! Love u!! xo

Congratulations Jodie!!!! You are rockin that quit....Like a Boss!!!

Jackie.....it's so strange that it always seems to happen right after a strong day or moment. Like the addiction comes along and looks at it as a challenge. But those moments are what makes you stronger....they suck while it's happening but the benefits are worth it. Solidifying your quit. You are doing fantastic. Well done in facing it head on and guarding your quit. :)

3 months is fantastic!! Well done Tyme!!!

i was going to try Saucony next because I heard good things too

been a while since I checked in....but I am sure everyone knows I'm here...lol

don't wander off too far Rob......and if you do....we are right here for you. Miss your face kid.

I will not smoke today NOPE!!

it's so sad....really sad.

i am getting it!!! I read so many reviews that described me..saying they couldn't run past 3 miles...until they read the book. Getting it tonight! Thanks TEW!

i am flatfooted and have wide feet so I always used new balance but my current running shoes are Brooks Adrenaline (not sure of the number lol) they were recommended by a friend and I love them!! I am itching to buy new ones....I like having 2 pair of running shoes and I currently only have 1 pair...in addition to my gym shoes, cross trainers, and walking shoes. Love sneakers :)

i'm thinking the same thing....where are the pics?? where is humbled? and I haven't seen DD either..hmmmmmmmm

well done cpk!! 3 months is amazing!! You should be very proud. It only gets better and better too. congratulations!!

You say you were close to relapsing but I don't think so....you're stronger than you know. Just keep remembering....1 smoke will not satisfy the addiction. 20 min later...you want another. Whereas now...8 days clean...there are strong moments where you crave and/or triggered but I'm betting it's not every 20 minutes like when you were smoking. I'm guessing maybe 1 per hour and that's probably overestimating. Next week maybe it will be...every 3 or 4 hours....the next week maybe you will have a bad day and you are triggered left and right....followed by a great day of maybe 1 crave all day! That's how it works..the roller coaster...but definitely DEFINITELY not nearly as bad as when you are giving in to those cravings and lighting up. Because that addiction is never satisfied.

sorry....I guess you didn't read the rules....only 3 SOS's per week allowed and only 5 in a lifetime or you are banned. LOL...NOT!!! Post an SOS all day long....who cares! As long as the final outcome is NO SMOKING all good! :)

whatever happened here??????????? I go away for 5 days and you girls bail on me lol you did great for a bit there though

I don't think I'm going to bore anyone with my daily postings of workouts anymore....I will just recap the week on fridays because basically...my workouts are the same every week....cardio monday, wednesday and friday. Strength training tuesday and thursday. then there 's my running....which is on another thread