PeaceTrain

Good for you, Help! It having been so hard your first 8 days can work to your advantage: you'll remember how tough it's been and you won't ever want to have to go through the last 8 days again. The only way to never go through it again is to keep that precious quit! You can do it!!! We're all on your side and understand what you're feeling. KTQ!!!

When a stupid craving comes, or dumb thoughts about how "great" smoking was and how I miss as it, I've been visualizing this: The nicodemon, a small, roundish, ogre-like creature who has taken up residence in my belly since May 20th, is crying out for attention. I unceremoniously club him over the head. Hard. He sputters, "ouch!" shakes his head and looks weaker and goofier after every clubbing. (He's looking REALLY rough of late- has taken quite a beating over the last month.). Anyway, that's what I've been doing and it also provides some comic relief to the situation. After all, if you can laugh about something, it really has no power over you whatsoever. "Nic" is in for quite a surprise this weekend though... Monday morning I'm having a colonoscopy (my virgin voyage into this brand of deep, intense self-care). For those who have already gone this route or know someone who has, you'll be aware that Sunday will be a day of liquid diet followed by a systematic cleansing of the plumbing at the rear of my personal abode. As such, "Nic" will be losing his place of residence in my belly and will end up you-know-where... to be flushed away for good. Oh yeah... Monday's the day...

Great news! Best wishes to you and your family!

Woo hoo! You'll soon have to change your name- you'll be breathless no more! Stay strong and KTQ!

Sounds like a solid day 1 plan. If I'm interpreting AC correctly, I think he's just cautioning against replacing one addiction for another even if it's a much less harmful one, like (regular) gum or candy. I take it as him just encouraging you to get on with life and enjoy your freedom. Congrats on your quit- can't think of a better decision you could have made. KTQ!

Haha! How incredibly sweet ard amazing! Thanks everyone- we're united in keeping our precious quits. Rollin' along into month 2...

Congratulations J! You've given birth to a beautiful quit!

WTG Nina! You're kicking that demon to the curb!

Congratulations Missdixie! Great job getting through some tough times during the hardest month. You did it!

Woo Hoo- did it! Now, proud of that!!!

Thanks all- working on that pride thing. It would help if I could figure out how to get my quit meter into my signature. I'm following the instructions but it doesn't seem to be working... Maybe I'll poke around some more and see if there are other threads about it.

You are quite right, MQ- gotta stay on guard and NTAP! As most of us know if this isn't our first experience with quitting, every time is different. I'm just so grateful every day since I threw my cigs, lighter and stash in the trash, that the crushing depression I went through the other (2) times I quit (all CT) just isn't happening, I'm attributing this to a more positive mindset, stronger commitment and taking control of my thoughts instead of being co trolled by them. It's all a mind game for me anyway, so fighting fire with fire. I definitely have my tough moments but they're getting few, farther between and less intense in general. It's those times when I'm romancing the smoke that I force myself to think of something-ANYTHING else and that's been working well for me. One thing I'd welcome some help with is feeling proud of quitting. Just about everyone I know gave up smoking long ago so I feel, if anything, somewhat ashamed that it's taken me so long. Maybe that's just the sad truth and I need to accept it but when I read othe posts about being proud, I just don't relate and can't help thinking that would be another great motivator. You all are a great inspiration- those with years who have a lot of wisdom to share are kind enough to do that when you've moved on from thinking about smoking as well as those who are struggling through the early days, weeks, months. I admire and appreciate all of you! KTQ!,

Way to go, Nervous! Keeping your body moving, your mind occupied with positive thoughts is a sure bet to KTQ! Try smiling more even if you don't feel like it. Your physicality can change your mentality. Rooting for you!

Congratulations, John! How're you feeling after 5 months???

Yep, keeping it going. Thanks for the welcome, all!

Hi all. I've been poking around here for a few days and seems like a friendly and helpful group. Long story short (and it's always a long story isn't it?) this is the 3rd time I've quit and this is it for me. I really am done with smoking this time. I've definitely had my tough moments, but for the most part I'm feeling like now that I've made up my mind that no way am I ever going back to killing.myself, it's much easier. In analyzing the toughest days/episodes so far, I realized later that there was a part of me (the addict) that was cooperating in making myself miserable. After all, if it gets THAT bad, I'll just have to go back to smoking, like I did in the past, right?!? Wrong! Not happening this time. One of the things that's been most helpful has been not thinking about it too much. When I realize I'm ruminating about smoking,mi force myself to focus on other things. For that reason, not sure how much I'll be on this forum- we'll see. Hope that's OK and you all understand it's no reflection on you- just doing what I need to do to keep my quit. Best wishes to all in your quit journey. Jump on the peace train!