Reciprocity

Any focus point to stop this deadly addiction is a GREAT thing! If that focus point is the catalyst for even 1 person to quit for good then, that's a success :)

Ice Cream Cake

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So at just over 8 months quit I went on my first full week vacation and was out of my normal day to day routine during that time. A new experience for me and in the back of my head I guess I was telling myself; "be on guard for urges or craves that might come unexpectedly" but, I really didn't think that would happen. First of all, it was great not having to smoke a couple before going through security at the airport when flying out :) It was a 5 hour flight so it was also nice not to be in an agitated state after 3 or 4 hours into the flight or to be running for the door upon arrival at destination to get that much needed "fix". During my time at the resort, I took note of almost everyone I saw smoking and what their ages were. I don't know why I took note of ages of the smoker but I did and I was surprised at how many younger people were still smoking. I thought the message was getting thorough to the younger generation that this smoking thing is really bad and dangerous to your health but, apparently not :( There were a few people vaping but most of them were still smoking the good old cigarette. I took note in particular of a young man who obviously worked out a lot because he had bulging muscles and a 6-pack to be proud of but there he was at the pool bar, smoking a cigarette!! That one really surprised me! For myself; I did have a few well defined craves, which surprised me a little. I thought I was over those but there they were at unexpected moments. Mostly when I was completely relaxing in a lounge on the beach soaking up the tropical rays. A wave would come over me out of nowhere and I would think; man, I would really like to have a smoke right now! It would only last maybe 10-20 seconds but it was more intense than I thought I would experience again at this stage in my quit. Not as intense as early on in my quit and certainly not for as long but .... it was still there. A new experience in an unfamiliar setting and there it was again! My brain was looking for that comfort zone that it thinks smoking provided. So here I am, back home again and getting back into my normal hum-drum daily routine but probably somewhat the better for having gone off my "normal routine" for a bit and experiencing new non-smoking situations and getting thorough them without any serious struggles. I think the thing I had to fight the most while away was the urge to go up to almost every smoker I saw and make some sort of comment to then. Something to the affect of, "you do know those are killing you right? And, you know it really is possible to quit if you really want to make the commitment!" But, I know the reaction such a statement would create so of course I said nothing to anyone. Too bad people who kind of want to quit but just don;t think they can do it didn't wear a sign around their neck or something. I definitely would approach those people just to give them some encouragement :)

Nice one Dee!! You are almost at the Lido Deck! How exciting and something you should be really proud of. You've worked hard for it. Hope you celebrated :)

Good job Jimmyss! I'm sure it's a lot easier for you now and you are able to really enjoy the many benefits of being smoke free for a quarter year. That's a real accomplishment and something to be really proud of :)

Nice one Jackie! Glad to see you make it to yet another milestone and, thanks for lighting the way for me as well :)

Hope you had a great one Bat!!

Great Job Kenzie! Hope you are enjoying your smoke-free life :)

Hey Sonic! Sorry I was away during your 3 year anniversary. Great job buddy!! 3 years is something to be very proud of. I'm hoping to follow in your footsteps :) You've really crushed this quit!!

Nice Job B57!! Proud of you :)

Apparently; this was yet another premature celebration :(

On Vacation ..................... don't bother me :)

Big congrats for reaching yet another big milestone Missdixie. You're almost at 1/2 year quit now so go celebrate because you should be very proud of what you have achieved :)

NOPE! Back on the train after vacation :)

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Just letting you all know, so no one thinks I "fell off the wagon". Going away to enjoy some time with friends, swimming and perhaps drinking for a week - not necessarily in that order :P Stay smoke-free my friends :) Forgot to mention that the lovely & talented Doreen will be posting up the celebrations that happen while I'm gone - no pressure D :P

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9er's

True! Did not like ribs when I was younger. Cook 'em all the time now in my smoker ...... Yummmm :) Oh wait; is that Pork? Hahaha! NP has been to South America.

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