BKP

Just got back from a 10 mile hike in the mountains. I’m so grateful that quitting smoking has opened up this amazing new world for me.

nope

When something is fundamental there emerge a flood of quotes and expressions to capture that truth. I like the axiom "The lows become the highs." I have a quote under my ticker that evokes a similar sentiment. New beginnings are often disguised as painful endings. Thanks for the wise words Boo. Stick with it newbies. You'll get to that point where the awful lows you feel initially will, in retrospect, become the badges of honor on your way to an amazing new life.

You and the hubs look like Laurie and Keith Partridge!

Congratulations Joe. 2 years is amazing!

Congratulations Sammy for making a great life-changing decision. Your junkie mind will try to pull every trick out of the bag to get you to go back to smoking. You must not give into that rubbish. You are now free and before long it will become second nature living nicotine free. My anxiety did increase initially after quitting, but dramatically decreased after several months. I realized that smoking had actually increased my anxiety and occasional depression. Aine's advice to get out and walk is spot on. Replace a killer behavior with a healthy one. You are doing great....keep it up!

Well done Edna.

First mountain hike since I had surgery in March. Hidden Lake. So peaceful.

That is one twisted way of dodging any accountability. Lie, hide it, and if it does come out say you are being treated like a pedophile. Bullsh@t. How about saying I f’ed up, it was a stupid move, I take ownership, and because I learned from this, it’s never going to happen again? Refusing to acknowledge a relapse as more than a little slip is much more of a fake quit than using NRT in a structured and proven system.

Congratulations Ankush. You’re truly on the road to freedom now.

Imagine job hunting and trying to mask the stench of stale smoke on your clothing and hair; slugging a capful of mouthwash; trying to scrub the yellow stains off your fingers. Not to mention having that nagging feeling in the back of your mind during a job interview of “when the hell is this going to end so I can run outside and have a smoke?” Without all that BS to worry about, the real, positive you can shine through. Undoubtedly, she’s the one who gets hired

If JB wants to think of this as a slip or a little relapse that’s her prerogative. On the flip side, people here are entitled to express their belief that you can never have just one. Those holding that opinion are not personally attacking you - they just feel strongly about how best to defeat this deadly addiction. Best wishes moving forward JB.

Great job Abby!

Congratulations Linda. You deserve your hard fought freedom

E = Ever

There are dumb asses everywhere. This is more than just a silly mistake; something to learn from. You are playing with a loaded gun, and one of these times might be the last. Get a grip on quitting for good and don’t let go - ever.

I have a phone app that enabled me to keep a quit smoking journal. I did it almost daily my first year and fairly often my second year. Here’s what I wrote just a few days shy of 4 months (the same time frame you are now experiencing). March 17, 2016 F%€£ing intense and sustained cravings all day long! #%¥& sh&t whore!!!!! I look at that now and laugh . What I do want to get across is that you will have some tough moments ahead even though you think it should be over by now. It can take a while before you stop having strong cravings that seemingly pop out of nowhere. Be assured that they do eventually disappear and life becomes infinitely better. Hang in there.

The best things in life are worth fighting for. You’ve inspired many along the way. Congratulations MLMR!

Great job Tammy. You should really be proud of yourself!

By regulating the number of permits that are issued they are able to prevent the the park from becoming over crowded

Just got my permit approval for a 4-5 day backpacking trip in August to Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park (near Yosemite). Very excited. This trip would not have been possible if I were still a smoker.

nope

Took a few months off, so I missed your big celebration. Really happy for you and your amazing second year anniversary. Congratulations Roz!

nope