Reciprocity

Yes , these times seem to sneak up on us at times when we are not expecting it. I had a long moment recently where the first thing that popped into my mind was "have a smoke"!! Once I realized that had happened I was shocked that the feeling was still so strong and took over my thinking without me really consciously thinking about the situation. It was very pronounced but didn't last very long and it was pretty easy to dismiss for what it was. I was just surprised that that Nicodemon was still there .... ready to pounce on any moment of weakness or upset. Protect those quits friends, no matter how fresh or old they are. We are all still addicts. We need to remember that always.

It's natural that as new quitters we would be rattled when someone who came online around that time we did relapses. Kind of kick in our confidence and makes us wonder if the same thing will befall us but, we need to remember that each one of us is a different person and we make that quit smoking commitment to ourselves when we quit, no one else. It's on us as individuals in the end to quit and stay quit. Yes it's sad and upsetting to all of us when someone decides to pick up a cigarette and smoke again after they have worked hard for some time to quit but, we shouldn't see those individuals as an extension of ourselves. We are all different. Making the right choices is up to each individual person. Enjoy your beautiful quits everyone. And those that are still young quits, nurture them well as you have been doing and you'll be fine

10

Don't make light of these serious Soccer injuries!!

tener

I'm leaving town again - you can dole out the "punishment" as you see fit. It should be the chicks tho as they are at the root of the problem ?

Better Rest Up P.T. There's gonna be a party ?

Great post Missdixie!! I knew you had it in ya ? What a great accomplishment it is to achieve what you and others of us have achieved and then, to pass that on to others who are just starting out, maybe questioning themselves. These true life personal stories really help! Thanks for posting it.

Seben

5'ers

NOPE! Never on Hump Day!!

Congratulations Suz on reaching the 2 month smoke free milestone. That's the way we build a lifelong quit. One day, one week and one month at a time

I'm so happy for you Ellen and your daughter both having reached your 5 month smoke free anniversary Awesome work under trying conditions. Hope you are doing OK my dear. Be sure to treat yourself today!! I don't know what would make you happiest. I'm probably not the best one to ask because I would just go for a mud-bath but .... that's not for everyone ?

Don't bother me ..... I'm pooping!

Ou-la-la!! Three

So sorry to hear TS ? This quitting thing is difficult at times so having 100% commitment is crucial along with a lot of education about this addiction. What happened? Why no SOS to let others talk you off the ledge or did you just decide you wanted to smoke more than you wanted to quit momentarily? Most important thing is ..... what did you learn from this relapse? That will be key to not repeating it. Gather your resolve, bury your disappointment and join in again to create your forever quit

This is my cure for that affliction On a serious note, it wasn't mentioned if this became a problem after quitting smoking or if it was an issue before as well. If it was just since quitting, I would suggest it will rectify itself after some period of time as body and mind adjust. If there were signs of it before quitting, it may be another issue that needs to be addressed. Age alone can cause changes in sleep patterns and we never know when those might happen. Sorry to say, I have not sure-fire tips that would be of any assistance here. Some of the ones offered above are for sure worth a try

Unlimited NOPES for ALL members of this club

fore

Two

That's the way you build your permanent quit GITW!! Having established a base quit but then learning to be ever vigilant and not being fooled into that famous nicodemon lie .... "You can have just one. Who'll know? You can do it then just go back to your quit!" It's a lot easier to say no now than to have to face the whole withdrawal process again. That Nicodemon bastard is tricky though.

I too have recently been "tested" in terms of heightened anxiety, stress and well .... you name it. Thinking back on these past few days I can honestly say, smoking would not have changed a thing or made me feel any better about anything. In fact, quit the opposite I expect. Glad I didn't find out 1st hand!!

Your quit is still young lml. You will get there as all of us do who ride this beast no matter what it throws at us. We are all addicts and always will be. The difference is that we can all learn to deny that addiction and it does get easier and easier to do that the longer we refuse to allow the addiction to rule our lives. Fight the good fight. Don't expect too much too soon. It comes much more slowly than we would like but, the important thing is that it does come to all of us that persevere - that I promise you!

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones .... take it or leave it but I must admit; it's great to give the Chicks a good spanking every once in awhile. Come to think of it, when I show up those chicks kind of just spank themselves cuz they know they're gonna lose