ExTex

I spent a bunch of money and scented lotions! A little too much, maybe, but I love smelling the fragrance all day long. I got some that smells like baking cookies! I swear. It's called sweet something sugar something vanilla. I don't remember. Who comes up with perfume names? But it smells like cookies and I smell like a cookie and I smell good all day long. It's the little things, right?

My son's driving scares me to death. It isn't just that he drives too fast; it's that he doesn't understand that he cannot predict what is up ahead on the road. He just doesn't have the experience yet to know about all the hazards that can get in the way and why a margin for safety is a really good idea. Whenever we get a report of snow or worse, sleet, I make sure to remind him to drive carefully. Slow down and keep plenty of room between him and the car in from on him. I tell him "You have the rest of your life to get where you're going". That was kind of a long explanation of today's mantra. I am reminding myself that there are hazards up ahead. I need to slow down and we cautious with my quit. I am quitting for the rest of my life. And that's today's mantra. Quitting for the rest of my life.

Good morning, Doreen! I am 10 days in - when does one cease to be a Newbie? In the Odyssey, Odysseus is instructed to find the place that has never seen the ocean. So he puts an oar over his shoulder and walks inland until his is asked what he is carrying. I reckon I will stop being a newbie when I don't remember exactly how long it's been since I quit smoking.

NOPE. Not gonna happen

It's a lazy Sunday afternoon; cold and overcast and perfect for curling up in front of th fire with some hot coco and a good book. So, I am buliding a retaining wall in my garden. Because all the good sense that I have is being focused on quitting smoking. Cold, wet, and only half done, but haven't smoked and don't intend to start. Enjoy your day, all! I'm back out to finish.

I know that feeling, Evelyn. I have failed too many quits to judge anyone. Call them practice quits, learn the lesson and keep quitting until you're quit. That's what I am doing, and so far, it's working!

I'm late to the party, but it's a party of NOPE.

A week? It's been a WEEK???!?!?!?! How did that happen? (Full disclosure; it won't really be a week until around 3:30 pm EST) I am going to tiptoe around this precious quit today. I know how cocky I can get with a little bit of success under my belt. Oh my stars, I do indeed know. As we say in Texas, this is not my first rodeo. I'll be hanging out on the board today, reading old posts and reinforcing my resolve. Today's manta is: Ride the bull or the bull rides you.

Lead on, Doreen!

Jackie You have been fighting the good fight and WINNING. Now you are at the cusp of rejecting an old habit and creating a new one. It's all a change and it's new and so it's scary. Your brain is used to the old way and now it is out of the comfort zone. You know what? YOU are in charge!! And you are doing so well. You are an inspiration to newbies like me. Keep on keeping on! I'm following right behind you.

Good morning, one and all. Thursday is my completely buried at work day. Inventory counts are due, meetings left, right, and center. Good thing I don't smoke because who has time???? My mantra for today: Hang on, tomorrow is Friday...

Can someone please explain what is going on here?

I love to hike and have had the joy and privilege of hiking 140 miles on the Appalachian Trail. Hiking involves hours and hours of... well... HIKING with short breaks to admire the spectacular view. Or flee from copperheads. Y'all see the metaphor coming, right? Quitting smoking is hours and hours of just breathing punctuated by short breaks to remember that I actually don't smoke and running from the occasional craving. So, Day 5 is all about continuing the hike. The longest journey begins with the first steps My mantra today is hike your hike.

Nik - you have your first week NAILED. And look at all the money you saved! Stunning when it adds up

NOPE. Not today

Increased oxygen! Oxygen is your friend.

I remind myself that quitting smoking is a process. The nicotine is now out of my system (or so I have read), but the side-effects continue. My sinuses had decided today would be a good day shut down and not function. Don't care, I am staying on target. Falling asleep last night took forever and I'm groggy and a little punch-drunk this morning. Don't care, I am staying on target. Brain fog has crept in and I just type "uv" and not "of" and I am pretty sure that's wrong. Don't care, I am staying on target. Today's mantra: Stay on target

I can do this today. NOPE!!

Here's a brass band to salute your 20 days quit!! They are playing 'Hail, the conquering hero!" just for you.

Throwing a ticker-tape parade to celebrate 3 years of clean! Good job. Thanks for sharing

Good morning. Expect to see a lot from me this week. Past experience tells me that Day 3 and the week that follows are high-risk for me. I don't smoke at home - ever; so my brain is used to going without nicotine for two days and then expecting me to feed the beast on Monday. The beast will not be fed today. My plan is to 1) Use breathing techniques during craves 2) post post post - I may post a dozen times just to touch base and remind myself to keep my eyes on the prize 3) go for frequent walks 4) take my break in the upstairs break room Already took the NOPE pledge, so let the games begin!

I control the crave. I control the crave. I control the crave. Guess what my mantra for the day will be. Thanks for posting. I needed to hear this.

Good morning, Alley - and thank you for the ray of hope. You are doing a great job of taming the negotiator in your head (I love this metaphor, BTW). I hope to be there soon...

NOPE

Nik Good job posting instead of smoking. You did the right thing and the smart thing. Does your co-worker know you are quitting? Or is always a prick? Either way, bravo on your actions.