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Tobacco Wars Documentary - Part I, II & III

jillar

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Blog Entries posted by jillar

  1. jillar
    Penguin
    Quit Date: 19 October 2023
     
    Posted Wednesday at 08:08
     
    I was in the hospital for my first four days, which made my quit a lot less stressful, apart from the whole "collapsed lung" bit. That said, I slept a lot, and I watched TV a lot. I tried my best to keep my mind busy. When I got home, I threw out every little scrap of smoking paraphernalia I could find. After that, I ordered a big bag of candy--Skittles, if I recall correctly--and used those for my oral fix. I let them melt in my mouth, rather than chewing them, for the most part.
     
    Anticipate that you will not feel great, but if you can think of it as the sort of discomfort that heals you, I think that helps. Just like your muscles ache during a workout and that doesn't feel fantastic, but you know you'll be stronger in the long run, you can think of the headaches, insomnia, stomach upset, and anxiety as something to endure--or alleviate, if possible. If you are successful in passing through that gauntlet, the good news is that you'll never have to go through it again, so long as you stay quit.
     
    Every little discomfort you face on your quit will get less and less intense as time goes on. You may have minutes that feel like hours and days that feel like years. Those are the days where it's helpful to stay busy, to avoid stress as much as possible, and be on your guard against the temptation to smoke. Eventually, the days will feel more like days again, and the minutes will pass, and you will feel less and less inclined to smoke. Then, you'll come up on a "first," and you'll feel like smoking again, seemingly out of the blue.
     
    Here's an example for you: I recently had to go to the DMV to renew my driver's license. The last time I'd done that, I was a smoker, and I sat outside the DMV puffing away, waiting for my number to be called. This most recent trip, I had been quit for 16 months, but all of a sudden I felt like smoking again. Why? Because it was my first time in 17 years that I'd gone to the DMV as a non-smoker. You will experience a lot of those. First holidays. First family emergencies. First heartaches. It can be frustrating, but with each victory, it will be easier and easier to say "no" to those cancer sticks.
     
    "If you're going through Hell, keep going." The way out is through. Put in the time, endure the pressure, and claim your victory. If you smoke, you won't have to face the discomfort of quitting, but you'll still stink, you'll feel the physical effects of smoking, and you'll have that worry in the back of your mind about every little ache and pain and bump and blemish that crops up, wondering if your habit has finally done you in. If you endure the discomfort of quitting for a little while, you won't stink, your body will start to repair itself (however slowly), and over time, you'll worry less and less about those aches and pains, for the most part.
     
    Today's the day to make your choice, for today. Tomorrow, rinse and repeat. One step at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time, one second at a time.
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/29166-quitting-today/#findComment-540156
     
  2. jillar
    Sazerac
    Quit Date: October 23, 2013, A Good Day to be Free.
     
    Posted March 24, 2018 
     
    Deep in the archives, I found another gem from, our friend, Cristóbal
     
    Cristóbal's Quit Days % 
     
    Some people are amazed that even though they may have several weeks or months quit, 
    that they still do not feel completely "normal", and continue to miss smoking.
     
    When this happens, figure your "Quit Days %" and then you will see why.
     
    The way to calculate this is:
     
     
    Number of Years Smoked x 365 = Smoke Days.
    Number of Days Not Smoked = Quit Days.
     
     
    Then, Quit Days ÷ Smoke Days = "Quit Days %".
     
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
    I will go first, to be the first example.
     
    I smoked for about 30 years.
     
    30 years x 365 = 10,950 Smoke Days.
     
     
    As of today, I have not smoked for 5 years, 2 months, 7 days.
    This period of times = 1904 Quit Days.
     
     
    Then, 1904 Quit Days ÷ 10,950 Smoke Days = 17.388%.
    This is my "Quit Days %".
     
     
    In other words, even at more than 5 years since my last cigarette, 
    as of today I have been quit for only 17.388% of the total time I smoked.
     
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
     
    Now, let us take as the second example, 
    a smoker who smoked for 30 years, and has been quit for just 4 months. 
    These 4 months might seem like a very long time to the ex-smoker, 
    but it is nothing when compared to 30 years.
     
    This smoker who smoked for 30 years, has 30 years x 365 = 10,950 Smoke Days.
     
    Quit time of 4 months = 120 Quit Days.
     
    120 Quit Days ÷ 10,950 Smoke Days = Quit Days % of just 1.096%, of the total time the smoker smoked. 
     
     
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
    Smoking had a deep impact on us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  
    A lot of the physical damage can be repaired in a time period of about 10 years, 
    but some of it can never be repaired - the damage is done !!!
     
    The mental, emotional, and spiritual damage can be repaired much quicker, 
    since all of us at one time were never smokers. None of us started life with a cigarette in the mouth !!! 
    We all know how to live life as non-smokers, we just need to remember how to do it again. 
    And time is what is needed for that to happen.
     
    It is my experience working with others, 
    that how quickly one becomes very comfortable in these 3 areas 
    depends on the person and also their understanding of nicotine addiction. 
    The more a person understands the process of separation from the active addiction, 
    it seems to me the quicker the good comfort levels of being a non-smoker return.
     
    What is important to understand, 
    is that the first year as a non-smoker will be spent confronting triggers, 
    many of them that are seasonal. 
    Once you arrive at your first year anniversary, 
    most people can say that they are making very good progress adjusting to life as a non-smoker.
     
     
    Cristóbal
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/10007-cristóbals quit-days/
     
  3. jillar

    Denaliblues Quit Story

    By jillar,


    General
    DenaliBlues
    Quit Date: 2/10/2022
     
    Posted February 27, 2022 
     
    I’m a newcomer pinging in to say hello. I’ve been lurking on the site for a while, but I set up a profile today so that I could participate. Thanks for the experiences and the compassionate, nonjudgmental encouragement shared here. Reading the info and comments has helped me through some white-knuckle moments.
     
    My last smoke was 17 days ago. It was not a planned quit. I was having oral surgery, and at midnight the night before I learned that smoking through the post-op was a really bad idea. (As if all the other harms of smoking for the last 40 years were somehow a really good idea?! Yeah, go figure.) Anyway, I slammed into this quit bass ackwards… unprepared mentally, emotionally or physically. I didn’t have any tools to hand, and hadn’t thought through how to be intentional to set myself up to succeed. Just boom.
     
    But I’m trying hard to make it work. There’s more than just a dental emergency at play. I want this quit and the suffering it entails to count for something. I’ve been ambivalent about smoking for some time, have been living in denial about the consequences, and have let smoking control my life for too long. Cold turkey was not an option for me, personally. (Did that before, didn’t stick.) So I’m using the patch on a step-down system. I’m constantly fiddling with silly putty. Trying to stay busy. Doing a lot of wall pushups. Attempting to stay positive. Getting a grip on my triggers. Making lists of alternative things to do in those moments. Re-reading the science. Doing more wall push-ups. I’m struggling with feelings of despair and intense physical discomfort as my body adjusts to a lot less nicotine. But this week, on average, was a bit easier than the last. So maybe that’s progress?
     
    I think addiction likes to hide in the dark. It feeds on shame and distortions, and whispers false justifications to us. So I guess part of why I am joining this QT community is to fend off those shadows by reaching out for reinforcement, to try to fill my brain with something different. I need to banish that voice from the dark that says nicotine is my best friend (it’s not) and says that I can’t exist without my smokes (I can, and I have 17 days of evidence to prove it). Today I am grateful for having your voices in my head, instead. You are helping me to rewire. Thanks for listening and bearing witness in return.
     
    DenaliBlues
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/17632-newcomer-check-in/
     
  4. jillar
    Abby
    Quit Date: June 30 2011
     
    Posted April 20, 2021 
     
    I wrote this in response to someone this morning but lost where the post is now . Weird .  I've forgotten how to use the site sorry so hope this reaches the person it was intended for . 
    -----------------------------------------
     
    Effort in = outcome . The results .
    Easy no it is not , but in the end it will be very worth the effort .
     
    We all walk this journey together 1 day or ten years .
     
    One puff can extinguish a fire (our quit) and with it it steals confidence to try again . I'm glad you didn't listen to your addiction or to the lies addiction fed you , but instead listened to your heart . Here you are and we are happy you are here . 
     
    Our actions are the solution to success . 
     
    Looking ahead and seeing others who are quit for years can seem so far away or even impossible and breathtaking . People may have anxiety , panic and fear , but I promise you it's not impossible and I promise you breathing will get easier and not at all labour intensive with each passing smoke free day . Smoking only added to our anxiety and fear . 
    There will be peace beyond understanding and you will feel amazing . 
    COPD ers like myself know though that breathing is always hard but quitting and staying quit will slow the progression and being an Ex smoker is awesome , so much better than smoking . 
     
    Your testimony a year from now  ( four seasons smoke free ) will be a light to others . Give yourself time to reach your goals one season at a time  . It  is not a race , you don't have to be the rabbit , you can be the tortoise . Moving forward slowly but surely is truly what wins this  race . 
    Forever is a gift not a curse ok . None of us knows how long forever will be quite frankly . 
     
    If a crave taunts you today , remember addiction only wants you to be sucked back in . It is feeding you lies . Spit it out . 
     
    Grab a tea instead , maybe an orange or take a walk . Distract , delay , discuss , deep breathe , relax .
     Addiction loves a fight . Don't react by smoking  instead take action to enjoy your day as a new and improved born again ex smoker  . In that case it's fine to just walk away and let that stupid addiction win  . It doesn't deserve attention . You are better than that .  You got better things to do . All those things you always wanted to try but didn't , start planning . Every day quit adds one more day of living life to its fullest . 
     
    Uncomfortable a little while = comfortable long term. 
     
     
    You got the control and the throttle is in your hands . 
     
    Congrats on your freedom today . 
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/15483-effort-in-outcome-the-results/
     
     
  5. jillar
    JH63
    Posted March 11, 2021 
     
     I've spent the last couple of days watching the Big Tobacco video's and the Marlboro video again and I've read the Alan Carr book tree times.  Got me to thinking back to when I was young and first started smoking.  My first memories of smoking were some friends and me riding our bicycles about a mile to a little country store for cigarettes. This was about 1970 or 71 cigarettes were 28 cents a pack.
    We often pooled our money and shared the pack or two as we rode our bikes the rest of the day.  I also remember stealing cigarettes from my mother.  She never missed one or two out of her packs from time to time.  I say packs because for some reason she smoked both Belair's and Salem's.  She died young of lung cancer!
     
    Even when I was in the Army, they put a little box of four cigarettes in each C-ration.  That was twelve stale cigarettes a day. But plenty enough to keep me hooked.
     
    Well I'll get on with it!
    Did the tobacco companies put profits ahead of my health? Yes
    Did tobacco companies add chemicals to the cigarettes to make sure I would stay hooked? Yes
    Did the tobacco companies know that cigarettes were killing people long before I started smoking? Yes
    Does our government, still to this day, allow the sell of tobacco products because of the lobbyist money and the money they get from the ever increasing sales tax, claiming that the increases are to get people to quit smoking? Yes
     
    I never thought of myself as a victim. I can remember telling people that "nobody twisted my arm to smoke" and that "I'm responsible for the damage I've done to my health".  Well I'm starting to think differently about that. Even If I do have to take some responsibility for my situation,  I was surely deceived to say the least.
    This change in thinking may or may not help me as I continue to try and Quit. But it can't hurt!
    Sorry about the long winded Post!
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/15311-do-you-feel-like-a-victim/
     
  6. jillar
    johnny5
    Quit Date: Nov. 16, 2014
     
    Posted December 13, 2020 
     
    First off, I'm curious if these negative people you are talking about are smokers.  I know that when I was a smoker, I often got defensive when one of my smoking friends attempted to quit.  I didn't try to sabotage their quit but I definitely felt threatened.  Looking back, I realize that I was envious of people who were trying to quit and might possibly be successful.  If these people who are negative to you are smokers, fight past their negativity and realize that they might just feel threatened by you quitting smoking.
     
    If they aren't smokers and are just jerks, then try to use their negativity to prove them wrong.  Don't let them bring you down.  I know that is easier said than done but realize that smoking will not make anything better.
     
    The trap I always fell into when trying to quit smoking was feeling that smoking somehow calmed me or helped me cope.  The reality is, the only thing it did was feed an addiction to nicotine.  Introducing nicotine into your body actually makes you more stressed and doesn't make anything better.
     
    Nicotine really does nothing at all positive for you.  It is all negative.  
     
    Dealing with a--holes is tough but smoking will not make it any better.  It is best to fight through these type of situations.  Every time you fight through them, your quit gets stronger.
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/14839-how-do-you-stay-in-control-and-handle-your-anti-supporters/
     
  7. jillar

    Pack of JACs

    By jillar,


    General
    Lust4Life
    Quit Date: Sept 26 2016
     
    Posted January 13, 2021 
     
    Newbies and lurkers - rest assured I did not smoke a pack of cigarettes.   Way back in 2016 one of fearless leaders @jillar shared a great tool - the air cig.  Put your  fingers up to your mouth.  Take a drag of air.  I termed it pack of JACs.  Jillar's Air Cigarettes. Hard to do in public these days.  My security blanket was a straw, cut down to the size of a cig.  That did not work for me tonight.  After all these years, I dove into a pack of JACs.  
     
    I'm sad to admit that this evening - all the stress of life in the USA, life in my own existance, came to a head in my own head.   I've been in a state of unease for quite awhile.   When I reflect back on my near panic attack this evening - I realized I did not crave a cigarette.   I craved breath.  The shameful Pavlovian response for decompression breathing resurfaced.   I found myself with smoker's fingers married to pursed lips.  I inhaled quiet air.  Clean.  Deep into my lungs.  Deeper into my body.   Exhale anxiety.  Exhale stressors.  Exhale my own breath- without purchased toxins. 
     
    My fellow quitters have great success stories.  Faded triggers, broken routines have secured their path to a lovely life as an ex-smoker without looking back.  
     
    The tender path to reformation is longer for some.   Do not let it thwart your efforts.  
     
    The suck it up buttercup mentality is great for some.   I chanted that mantra for months.  Maybe years.  It worked until it didn't. 
     
    I did not smoke.  
     
    I did not want to smoke.
     
    I was startled by my stress response.
     
    After all these years - I still require a physical motion to decompress. 
     
    Do you?  If no- OK
     
    If so- OK.  
     
    Okay?
     
    Okay.
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/15014-pack-of-jacs/
     
     
  8. jillar
    SecondChanceSailor
    Quit Date: 20Sep20
     
    Posted December 1, 2024 
     
    I know I’ve been really bad about checking in here.  I’m a couple months past my 4 year anniversary and felt compelled to touch base and if I can help anyone struggling, to do so.  
     
    If you told me 14 years ago, when I first quit, or any of the 10 years between then and when I actually did quit that I’d be here right now, I wouldn’t believe you.  
     
    My journey started on the old message board, the one that shall not be named, and I recall reading SO much information.  Posts, celebrations, failures, advice, tricks, tips.  I remember getting compassion and tough love with every relapse.  Every relapse that I would eventually tuck my tail between my legs and come back looking for some commiseration and a new plan of attack.  
     
    There were also long bouts of staying away, while I was smoking, of course.  It’s the normal cycle of a relapse.  After enough times, you sort of even stop feeling sorry for yourself.  At least I did.  At this point though, I feel that I’ve gone from “I used to smoke” to “No, I don’t smoke.”  Like, it was a part of my life for about 15 years but where I am now people are surprised to hear that I used to smoke, they would never guess if I hadn’t told them.  And for me, that’s a good feeling.  
     
    The battle with nicotine was mine, and mine alone, but as far as anyone else is concerned, it makes me so happy that I have severed that connection with the cigarette.  
     
    I don’t have any tips, tricks, or other advice that made this quit stick when the many, many others did not.  I just knew, my body knew, my mind knew…I was done.  It was like I had never smoked before at all.  No withdrawal, no cravings, no triggers…I was free.  And that’s where I am today.  I am as free as I will allow myself to be, which is honestly why I DO make an effort to come back.  To celebrate and to remind myself that I got lucky.  To remind myself that before this quit, I struggled countless times.  And to remind myself that I can NEVER go back, no matter what.  Because it’s easy to go back to it.  And it’s easy to stay quit for good…as long as you NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF! 
     
    If you’re struggling, on the brink of relapse, don’t give up.  Speak up, reach out, don’t give in, don’t give up.  This to shall pass.  Stay the course, shipmates.  
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/28047-it’s-as-easy-as-you-let-it-be/
     
  9. jillar

    Wendy's Quit Story

    By jillar,


    General
    Wendy
    Quit Date: 18/01/2015
     
    Posted January 19 
     
    Yesterday, I celebrated 10 years since I quit smoking.  Except celebrated is a bit of an exaggeration on what I actually did.  I remembered the anniversary at around 7pm, promptly texted my eldest son to say “hey it's been 10 years” - he congratulated me - and logged onto Quit Train to log my 10 years on a little section in my profile.  I’ve done that almost every year (usually a couple of days late and my 6th year anniversary I totally missed and didn't realise until the following year) since quitting  for reasons I struggle to articulate other than it feels important to do so.  
     
    Anyway, that was the extent of my ‘celebration’, other than the thought of “what shall I have/get as my reward?”  And that started a little trip down memory lane.  Sort of …
     
    This wasn’t my first quit attempt by any stretch of the imagination.  I struggled for a few years, cold turkey or with aids,  always finding a reason to abandon the ‘attempt’.  Eventually a mix of hypnotherapy and Champix did the trick.  I had planned to quit on the 20th but on the morning of the 18th I had run out and made the decision to not buy any more, bringing forward my quit day.  Still, it wasn’t easy and there were some really hard days.  What did I do to get through those hard days?  I honestly don’t remember,  I don’t have any words of wisdom, but I think I did the 4 second breathing thing through craves, after meals I would have fruit flavoured chewing gum and I found rewards to be really important in those early days, weeks, months.  Things I would buy with the money saved.  Never anything extravagant and honestly I don't even remember what they were - maybe a chocolate bar or a donut?  I think for my 6 month and 1 year anniversary I bought some jewellery.  Maybe a ring and a necklace?  Ooh maybe perfume!
     
    Are you sensing a theme here yet?
     
    I also rewarded myself on my 2 year anniversary - I think I bought a kindle or a tablet?  I also made the decision that I would next reward myself when I got to 5 years.  But when I got there I didn't feel the need for a reward.  Smoking was no longer part of who I was that would need rewarding for not partaking.  So my almost immediate thought of “what shall I have/get as my reward?” at 10 years made me chuckle.  I think I just wanted an excuse to treat myself!  
     
    The only ‘reward’ I have these days is a square of chocolate after a meal but that’s more a reward for doing the clean up than anything else.  Sometimes I’ll have grapes.
     
    My point is, ‘smoking’ is  just something other people do and has nothing to do with me.  I know quitting was hard but I don’t remember it, even the once so important rewards.  I barely remember the anniversary.
     
    If you are down in the trenches of your quit and holding on for dear life, I salute you and I congratulate you.   You will find that one day, almost without realising,  you can do everything without needing the crutch of a cigarette.  I have lived celebrations, deaths, vacations, going for a walk, writing a letter, drinking a beer, drinking coffee, reading a book, watching a movie, eating a meal, waking up, going to bed, and everything in between, all without smoking and it was absolutely fine.  (I actually struggled to come up with this list of what I previously couldn’t do without a smoke because … you guessed it … I don't remember!) 
     
    I implore you to keep the faith, keep your quit.  Because one day, you will not remember this stage of your life that clearly or with the focus it currently has. 
     
    Congratulations to all, wherever you are in your quit, 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 1 year, 1 decade … wow, time sure does fly.
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/28569-10-years-quit/
     
  10. jillar
    Doreensfree
    Quit Date: 7 /8/2013
     
    Posted May 23, 2018 
     
     
    If you havn,t read this book yet...its a must...
    He has helped millions....
    You can download it on the internet ,and read it for free...
    What have you got to lose.!!!!....nothing.... And could gain freedom !!!
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/10456-allen-carr-the-easy-way/
     
  11. jillar

    No Man's Land

    By jillar,


    General
    Nancy
    Quit Date: 07/07/2013
    Posted March 23, 2018 · 
     
    By tahoehal  on May 13 2008 
     
    I seldom start a post, unless it is to honor someone's anniversary. But I feel compelled to share something that I seem to be sharing a lot of lately... and that is my thoughts on 'No Man's Land'. No Man's Land is a dangerous and scary place... and it is a lonely time during a quit.

    I call No Man's Land that period of time between about 1 month and 3 or 4 months into your quit, or about the time from the end of your first month.. This is a time when many people slip and go into a full relapse and have to start over... if they can start over, that is. I have some observations that may help some of you who are literally hanging on by your fingernails... or who may find yourself there tomorrow.

    The first month is an exhausting but exhilirating experience... you are locked in nearly daily struggles and you get the satisfaction of successfully beating your addiction that day. You go to bed a WINNER each night (as Troutnut would say), and you are justifiably proud of yourself. Your friends and family are also supportive as they see you struggling each day to maintain your quit. And you are being constantly supported here, whether or not you post... just being here is good for your quit. And so, the battles are won and it actually becomes easier and the battles occur less often as you finish 30 days or so.

    Around 60 days, you're starting to have some really good days, with very few craves and some nice insights about yourself... but then again, you still have some bad days. Those bad days can really be depressing... you begin to wonder if you're ever gonna be able to relax. Your junkie is whispering to you, telling you that 'just one' won't hurt. You've conquered your daily triggers, but now you start trippiing over the occasional ones... a death in the family, unexpectedly bad news, money problems, health problems, going on a long car ride, a trip to the bar, or whatever. You have a strong crave and you begin to doubt your ability to keep your quit. 

    In addition, the 3D support that you used to get is pretty much gone... non-smokers figure you should be 'over it' by now, smokers don't like to hang around you much because they feel guilty and addicted (remember that feeling?), and people who have quit may not remember just how much love and support you need well into the first few months. They all think you should be 'over it', you think you should be 'over it'... and the temptation is to have 'just one' to see if you ARE over it.

    But of course you're not over it, are you? That 'just one' whisper becomes much much louder and becomes 'just one more'... and each time you give in to that whisper, the craves come harder and sooner. The one way to guarantee that your craves will never go away is to light up, to slide that old cigarette needle into your arm and shoot up. Those craves will be back and keep coming back. But if you protect your quit, your craves will eventually weaken and become even fewer and farther between.

    As you get to around 100 days or so (some will be a bit longer)... you will begin to really get a healthy perspective on your addiction. You will see the huge role that smoking played in your life, you will see clearly what that addiction really cost you. And you will understand that it was a very high price to pay... the loss of your confidence, your emotions, your self-control... your SELF. All enslaved to your addiction.

    And you will begin to see that you can look forward to a non-smoking future without romanticizing your addiction. You see it clearly for the life-stealing evil it was... and is. You see a much different future for yourself than your past has been. And it no longer scares the crap out of you to think that you are done smoking... in fact, you embrace that thought with joy every day.

    But you have to get out of No Man's Land first. How can you help yourself? And how can those of us who have been through it help you?

    First of all, you need to understand that you aren't alone. If you haven't already done so, make a pinky-finger promise with 2 or 3 good quitbuds and exchange phone numbers with them. Promise to call them if you're ever in trouble, and make them promise the same. These are your 'life and death' quitbuddies... you are literally trusting each other with your lives. Then call them... often. Just to see how they are doing, and to tell them you're doing well too. Be totally honest with them, this is life and death.

    Second, understand that you're going to have some unexpectedly bad days... but they are going to be further apart. Shrug them off, laugh your way through them, call your quitbuddies... whatever it takes to get through them without smoking. Some battles will be easy, some will be hard. Come here and post, send qmail, exercise, learn to cook, take up a new hobby. Whatever it takes, keep going to bed a WINNER each night.

    Third, ask some of the older qsters to keep an eye on you... to contact you to see how you're doing. I have been asked to do that for several of you recently and I am happy to do that, as I am sure that others are too. We know that you just need to hold on a little bit longer and change your focus just a little to make that breakthrough. And then you will OWN your quit, and it will be a very comfortable thing.

    Last, take a deep and honest look at your past life... your life as a smoker and compare it to what your life is like now... and what it will be like in the future. You have to develop that vision of your future, of the person that you are going to BECOME now that you have freed yourself. You have to believe in yourself. You have to love yourself enough to deny yourself your addiction.

    No Man's Land doesn't have to be so lonely and scary and dangerous. You need some company and some courage and some faith in yourself. And when you emerge from it, you will not be the same person that entered it.

    Never never never question your decision to quit! This is the most loving thing that you will ever do for yourself. A few days of discomfort in exchange for a lifetime of freedom. You will never find another deal like it.

    Protect your quit. Don't smoke, no matter what.


    Hal 08-20-2004
    A puff is too much, a thousand cartons are not enough. 
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/10000-no-mans-land/
     
     
     
  12. jillar

    Untangling the Knot

    By jillar,


    General
    DenaliBlues
    Quit Date: 2/10/2022
     
    Posted March 2, 2022 
     
    Congrats on completing day one  @JustinHoot99!  And thanks for raising the topic of action. I can relate.
     
    A fiendishly clever aspect of my addiction is how it takes habituated behaviors + emotions + physical/chemical dependence and ratchets them into a really tight knot that seems impossible to untangle. As I start to pry those strands apart, I find that each one wants to smoke for different reasons. Each one has the power to sabotage my quit. I suspect that each part of my addiction needs its own attention, reprogramming and healing.
     
    Thinking about my behavioral habits or my “action” strand: until not smoking becomes my baseline (which I am months and miles away from) I need substitutes. The vacuum of not smoking is just too much to deal with. Also, at this stage in my withdrawal the reward centers in my brain are still pretty fried and screwed up, so things designed to make me feel good - taking a walk, breathing deeply, noshing on snacks, etc. – can irritate the bejezus out of me, instead. Depending on my mood.
     
    A new coping mechanism I started this week is a “Mini Honey Do” list of small tasks that need doing around the house. Nothing arduous or time consuming, or else I’ll procrastinate and it won’t help me combat an immediate craving. Simple stuff that can be done in 15 minutes or less, things I know I can’t fail at. Tighten the loose screws on the recycling cabinet door. Scrape whatever that sticky goo is off the laundry room window. Change the light bulb that’s been flickering in the bathroom. Swap out the HVAC air filter.
     
    I have to write these down because when I am stressed or sunk emotionally, my mind goes weirdly blank. I’m so used to meeting that moment by smoking that it’s hard to remember or imagine doing anything else. So I get up, look at the list, pick something, do it, and cross it off. It feels sort of silly, but it’s better than picking up a smoke. It adds a little novelty to my coping routine. And there’s the silver lining of stuff getting done around the house…
     
    Ditto on your comment about writing here being helpful, too. Reading your post and responding helped me ride out a nasty crave wave this morning, so thanks!
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/17681-giving-up-my-car-for-3-weeks-this-time/#findComment-466935
     
  13. jillar
    Genecanuck
    Quit Date: August 19, 2024
     
    Posted August 27 
     
     
    The Bare Facts About Relapse
    From joyinca


    Nicotine Users Are Drug Addicts, And Therefore Are Subject To All Of The Rules Of Drug Addiction

    The very first cigarette you smoked started you down the road to addiction. You arrived without knowing where you were going. Now you know. You have joined the millions of nicotine users who are and will always be drug addicts. There is no changing this fact, and the only thing you can do now is to learn to control your response to your addictive impulses. Luckily learning to be a quitter can be done, as attested to by the millions of people that have gained their Independence from smoking. This rule is absolute, and there are no exceptions.

    Relapse Won't Happen Unless You Put Nicotine Into Your Body

    Once you have become a quitter you begin to condition yourself to being an ex-smoker. Each hour and day brings you closer to total comfort. But first you must learn to function in situations that would have formerly called for smoking. After getting through the initial few days, and getting the nicotine out of your system, you may begin to worry that after all of this effort you might end up relapsing. There is only one way that you can possibly relapse, and you have complete control over it. As long as you keep in mind that you are a nicotine addict, subject to the laws of addiction, and that you can never put nicotine into your system again, and therefore do not take a puff, you will not relapse. This rule is absolute, and there are no exceptions.

    Relapse is the result of awakening your addiction

    While you are learning to be an ex-smoker you may find yourself thinking that you must have a cigarette to cope with x, y, or z. When you find yourself thinking this way you are having a bad case of Junkie Thinking. If you act on thoughts like this and start puffing, you have stepped onto the slippery slope of relapse. If you don't act on your junkie thoughts, but instead turn your focus to other things, notably your reasons for quitting, then you won't relapse. This rule is absolute, and there are no exceptions

    Relapse Will Happen If You Don't Acknowledge and Respect Your Addiction

    You must come to terms with the fact that you are a drug (nicotine) addict, and therefore as subject to the rules of addiction as any other type of drug addict. One puff is all it will take to put you back into the control of Ole Nic. The only way that you can keep your Independence is by admitting to the certainty that one puff will result in total relapse . This rule is absolute, and there are no exceptions.

    Relapse Means Having To Start Over From The Beginning

    Once you awaken your addiction you loose all of the ground that you gained. You must begin again, that is if you are even able to bring yourself to do so. Most quitters that relapse spend months or years trying to get themselves to quit again. Some quitters that relapse are never able to try again, and die as smokers, plus frequently they die early because of their inability to break away from smoking. This rule is absolute, and there are no exceptions.
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/26599-the-quitnet-lounge/#findComment-526993
     
     
  14. jillar
    Cristóbal
    Quit Date: 14 October 2012
     
    Posted January 14, 2017 
    (First Posted 01 April 2014)
     
     
    A crave can happen because of 2 things:
     
     
    1. Physical Withdrawl Symptoms.
     
    2. Mental or Emotional Smoking Triggers.
     
     
    Craves can happen frequently early in our quits, because of physical withdrawl symptoms.
     
    They can also happen simultaneously with physical cravings and then later in our quits, much less frequently, as we continue to confront triggers which are mental or emotional in nature.
     
     
    The important thing to remember, is that craves are *NEVER* a command !!!
     
     
    You N.T.A.P. them (apply to them the concept of Never.Take.Another.Puff.....just for today) as they happen.
     
    Then what happens ???
     
     
    Nothing.
     
    Absolutely.......*NOTHING* !!!
     
     
    Your head does not explode when you say "NO" to a crave.
     
    You will not die.
     
    Life will continue, and the sun will continue to rise every day.....and so will you....and the crave will be gone and soon forgotten.
     
    At the same time, you re-program you brain and emotions to react to life as a non-smoker again.

     
    Craves create F.E.A.R. in your mind and emotions, but it is a false fear.
     
    F.E.A.R. = False.Expectations.Appearing.Real.
     
    In the case of smoking, the expectations that some horrible thing may happen if you do not yield to the crave, are ***FALSE***.
     
    The fear that craves create can appear real, if you give them life and continue to believe lies the addiction may tell you, and can seem like a command at the moment they come to you.
     
    But the reality of this fear, is that it is a fear based on lies.
     
    This fear generates a false command....a empty command, based on the lies of a addiction that has no intelligence, is in every way illogical, and exists only as a ghost in your brain.
     
     
     
    If you do nothing when you experience a crave.....nothing happens.
     
    Ever.
     
    A crave based on illogical F.E.A.R. - False.Expectations.Appearing.Real.....is never a command.

    Do not listen to the nonsensensical illogical lies the addiction may tell you.

    Instead, N.T.A.P. these craves, and N.T.A.P. your way to the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual freedom you so desparately want.
     
     
    Cristóbal
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/7946-a-crave-is-never-a-command/
     
  15. jillar
    jillar
    Quit Date: May 29, 2016
    Posted May 18, 2018 
     
    Why is quitting So hard
    by jwg » Wed Aug 29, 2012 4:01 pm
     
    So that is the question , why is quitting so hard ?
    I think there is only one reason quitting it so hard to do
    Or maybe two reasons , at most three to five ,, less then ten for sure..

    Sadly I don’t think most here will agree with me nor will they aperciate my opion , and that really all this. My opion .
    A view from my porch and from my experiences , nothing more

    So there that’s the warning , take it with a grain of salt

    The reasons quitting is hard to do

    First off its hard because ,, You want it to be! And yes I think that is true most people want quitting to be the hardest thing thay have ever done in there life,,,WHY ?
    So they can then justify in there mind why on earth they smoked for so long,, after all if quitting was “easy” they would feel like quite the heal for not quitting years ago.
    So in order to live with them self in a balance of peace , quitting must then be difficult.
    Plus with quitting being so hard to do, it gives the quitter a boost in there personal moral on how “hard” they fought and won ..
    The quitter wants quitting to be hard to do , so they do not have to
    Accept loved ones could have prevented there suffering and death if they could have easily quit.

    And then there is the aspect of quitting is “so hard to do” because they have been told it was for years , and like the sentence above , have even been to the funerals that proved this to be true.

    If you want to quit smoking and fit in with others who quit smoking , then by god you have to suffer threw it just like they did too. After all no one gets a free pass when it comes to quitting smoking ,,
    “The hardest thing in the world to do”

    Well to each there own , but it all honesty . to stop smoking is not that hard to do it at all , In fact NO ONE that ever really wanted to Quit Smoking has ever failed..

    To stop smoking dose not cause pain , where as healing from most other things in fact dose , A sun burn carries with it much greater pain then any one ever suffered to stop smoking.
    Mentally, a spelling test is harder then it is to quit smoking ..

    And lastly, why quitting is so hard to do ? , because before most ever start they go into already granting them selfs permission to fail. And then this failure only dose one thing , grants them permission once more ,

    So this goes back to my point , quitting is only hard because most just want it that way.

    But I know first hand , that dose not have to be the way it is and in fact if focused on the rewards vs the discomforts , quitting hands down is the easiest thing any one has ever done for them selfs

    If smoking is a temp pleasure with long term consequences
    Then to stop is is temp discomfort with long term benefits


    Break the cycle , evaluate your quit honestly with out the desire for it to be “so hard” and not only will you see it is not as you have been lead to believe , but too you will learn to enjoy the process of becoming free to do all the things you once sat around and labeled
    “one of these days”
    'jwg'
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/10421-why-is-quitting-so-hard-repost-by-jwg/
     
  16. jillar

    Sex, Health, Money & Time

    By jillar,


    General
    Sazerac
    Quit Date: October 23, 2013, A Good Day to be Free.
     
    Posted July 20, 2016 
     
                            *Want better Health immediately ? 
                     *Want extra Money in your pocket now ? 
       *Want more enjoyment from Sexual encounters tonight ?
             
    Well then, it's Time to free yourself from nicotine addiction !
     
    You can start by giving yourself 72 hours
    because in three days nicotine begins to leave your body.
    Take the weekend and pull the covers over your head if you need to.
    Strengthen your resolve and understand that any discomfort is temporary.
     
    Give yourself another three days...give yourself Time.
    What else are you doing that could possibly be more important than
    saving your life, liberating your sovereigns and making you better in bed ?
     
    You only have to go through this ONCE so,  enjoy the ride.
    Soon you will be seeing astoundingly positive results.
    You are evolving into a new person, 
    more honest with yourself, much more confident,
    happier, healthier, wealthier,
    and wow !
    out of this world in-between the sheets.
    No kidding.
     
     
    Link to original post:  https://www.quittrain.com/topic/7322-sex-health-money-time/
     
  17. jillar
    IamDoingIt
     
    Posted July 15, 2014 
     
    I do not care who you are! You do not just 'Get off the Quit Train....'
     
    You throw yourself head-first off a speeding train to land in the track bed below the train. You bounce down the railroad ties, bumping, flipping, twirling after the train.
     
    A few of the train's car wheels run you over and you may stick to the steel wheel....spinning 'round and 'round as other riders in the car sit comfortably in their quit. Soon, you are flipped off the wheel. Whew, thank God you didn't die! Well, since you're off the train, may as well have a smoke to get over that horrifying ordeal of hurtling yourself off the quit train. But wait!!!!! The quit train is continuing on without you! WAIT QUIT TRAIN, W A I T ! ! ! ! "I'm back here," you scream at the top of your lungs. Hmm....may as well light up again. This is getting out of hand!
     
    You keep taking puffs of cigarettes as you desperately chase after the train. With each puff, you see that train that you were once comfortably setting on, pull a little further away from you. You trip on a rail spike and split your chin on the rail. You dust yourself off and start chasing that train once again. The train is further down the tracks, almost out of sight.
     
    You struggle so hard to catch that train but each time you stop to light that cigarette, the train just keeps getting further away from you. Soon, the train is out of sight.
     
    You get tired of chasing after the train, so you decide to go back to the depot and wait for the train to pass on the next round. While waiting for the train (what's wrong? It should be here any minute), you buy another pack of smokes. You soon hear the train approach. You hear the whistle in the near distance. You are so excited!!!! To celebrate the arrival of the train, you pull out what you say will be your last cigarette and just as you inhale the first puff, the train amazingly flashes right by the depot without stopping to pick you up!!!!
     
    Why?!?!?! Why didn't the train stop for me this time? You ask yourself. Feeling defeated, you go home. On the way home you stop to pick up a carton of cigarettes. If the train will not stop for me, I sure as heck am not going to run out of smokes! You think to yourself. Every once in awhile, you will hear the Quit Train's whistle off in the distance. You remember how nice it was to be on the train. You wish you were still setting with your quit friends talking about every subject under the sun with them. You are envious of the people still on the train.
     
    Sometimes, you walk down by the tracks. When the train whizzes by, you get glances of the people inside. Look! There's MarylandQuitter, the Sarge, and Nancy. El Bandito, Beacon, Bakon, PetraD, ChristaC! So many faces you see, you cannot name them all. All the friendly faces who cared about you. You see each and every one of them. They flash by looking so comfortable. You don't see a few faces you expect to see. You wonder where they are. You suspect they did the exact same thing as you. You feel sad for them, but you feel sadder for yourself.
     
    A few of those riders (Marti, Ava, and MarylandQuitter) actually reach a hand out to you. As you reach your own hand back out to grab hold, you realize you can't grab hold because that would mean dropping the cigarette you are holding. You drop your head and turn around to go back home, wishing desperately you were on that train with them. You feel so bad you light another cigarette. Perhaps tomorrow, you'll grab hold.
     
    The next time you hear the train whistle, you are on the way to the convenience store to get another pack of cigarettes. You listen for a second and continue to the store as the Quit Train whistle dies off in the distance.
     
    When you are in your favorite smoking space, you often think of the Quit Train as you take a puff on one of the many smokes of the day. You remember what it was like on the train. You remember the freedom from nicotine you had. Oh, why, OH, WHY did you through yourself off? You ask yourself.
     
    Everything starts repeating, over and over....going to the station, watching the train pass, seeing the riders, all while holding a cigarette.
     
    Then one day, in whatever manner that happened to work....the stars aligned, the magic spell was cast, the dice were tossed, 7's came up, the moon was full....no matter the reason, things worked to go to the station without cigarettes.
     
    You once again make the trek to the station. You anxiously sit in the depot, perhaps even with the lingering smell of smoke on your body. Then you hear the whistle.... It came up very quick. Much quicker than when you were just dreaming and wishing to get on board. The train engine whizzes by the depot. Oh, no! The Quit Train is not going to stop for me again, you think to yourself. Then, as soon as the thought enters your mind, the train slams on the brakes and comes to a screeching halt with the door right in front of you. As soon as you put your foot on the step to enter, the train takes off again. You are back on the Quit Train. Finally!!!!!!
     
    You tentatively step through the doorway. Inside you see many faces you know, a few new ones and a few you expected are not there. The emotions on the passengers faces, as they look at you, range from sheer elation to see you, to frowns, and questioning. With a few pats on the back, a few hand shakes, and a few swift kicks in the ass, everyone welcomes you as you set down in a seat.
     
     
    Yes, folks, that is pretty much the journey I took in these last few months, but I am back.
     
    I did not get off the Quit Train, I hurled myself off by taking a puff.
     
    IamDoingIt is now back.
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/1969-you-dont-just-get-off-the-quit-train/
     
  18. jillar

    Reaching cruising altitude

    By jillar,


    General
    AceWhite
    Quit Date: 2/7/2021
     
    Posted March 6, 2021 
     
    Hi fellow NOPE'ers
    I've been thinking about how my quit is like being on an airplane.
    The first part of the quit is like a takeoff. A whoosh of a new feeling- some excitement even as I embarked on a journey and reached new heights.
    Slowly, as i've gained altitude, space between myself and that last smoke, I feel now at almost one moth in i'm hitting the cruising altitude, but with altitude comes pressure.
    I've hit some turbulence on my way to this height, but I kept climbing. For awhile, the clouds obscured my vision, and I felt like I could step off at at moment, back into my smoke filled haze, for just a quick moment and be ok, but that surely would've been an unwise move on my part, because instantly i'd fall back down and lose all my altitude. 
    For now, i'm keeping my sealtbelt attached, ready for the bumps that may come with the cruise, but i'm prepared for the trip. 
    In my lap is my reading material from Quit, in my heart is my desire, and in my soul is my strength. 
    Headed off into the horizon where there are no more clouds
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/15282-reaching-cruising-altitude/
     
     
  19. jillar

    I Was the Smoking Spouse

    By jillar,


    General
    DenaliBlues
    Quit Date: 2/10/2022
     
    Posted August 30 
     
    A lot of couples struggle when one person quits smoking and the other does not. I’ve been reflecting on recent Quit Train discussions on this topic, because for decades I was "the smoking spouse."
     
    I didn’t smoke in our home or in our car. But the smoke clung to me and was present everywhere I went. It caused a ton of tension with my mate. The stink. The health worries. The temptation to join in. She H-A-T-E-D my smoking.
     
    That felt like a very personal rejection to me. She knew I was a smoker before we got together (and even joined in sometimes), so why couldn’t she accept me for who I was? I was making my own choices. Why did she want me to give up something I loved? She had bad habits that bugged me, so why couldn’t I have a bad habit that bugged her?
     
    All of this felt very visceral and valid on the surface. But in actuality it was stinkin thinkin, and a rotten heap of rationalization.
     
    My smoking was not a mere “bad habit.” It was a raging addiction. And living with an addict is tough. Getting my fix of nicotine was always the priority, always the organizing principle of our lives, one that I superimposed on her without her consent. Smoking was how I spent a lot of my time and money. Over and over again, I’d walk away from her – literally and figuratively – to go smoke. Over and over again, I chose to put my own gratification first - above her feelings and fears. This de-centered and abandoned her in subtle but significant ways. Not the kind of spouse I wanted to be.
     
    My partner knew better than to try to force me to quit. She knew that breaking an addiction only happens from an internal commitment. But we still fought about it. And what I learned during those fights (eventually… begrudgingly… belatedly…) turned out to be important. It helped me recognize how my smoking affected her. I also became weary of all the tension around the issue. I had an ambivalent relationship with smoking anyway. Was it really worth all the crap it was causing?
     
    As this was percolating, I was also watching my father die. He was sick for many years, and my mother sacrificed everything for his care. It depleted her physically, financially, and emotionally. Watching that slow motion tragedy was instructive. I didn’t want that for my relationship. Getting old is hard enough, even without complications from smoking. There’s no predicting what the lotto of life will toss our way, but my smoking was unilaterally increasing the odds of a bad outcome that would affect her deeply. Again, not the kind of spouse I wanted to be.
     
    I ultimately made my own decision to stop smoking. My partner was not the only reason I quit, but it was a big one. To this day, supporting her wellbeing is something I can hold onto and use to protect my quit when cravings arise. 
     
    Two highly independent people will always butt heads occasionally. I still annoy her sometimes, and vice versa. But quitting has right-sized our conflicts. Before I quit, small tensions absorbed extra energy from the major unresolved conflict between us (smoking). Refreshingly, now we just argue about dishes or yard work or whatever, without loaded subtext. I was fearful that I would feel resentful, but the opposite is actually true. Quitting is freeing. It's so much simpler. And the benefits for my partner are a beautiful part of my recovery journey.
     
    I’m grateful for the chance to be on this healing road, with plenty of help from the good souls here on the Quit Train.
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/26752-i-was-the-smoking-spouse/
     
     
  20. jillar
    Sazerac
    Quit Date: October 23, 2013, A Good Day to be Free.
     
    Posted July 1, 2016 
     
    It was after quitting smoking, I realized  how addiction had turned me into a spoiled brat.
    I indulged myself completely,  I smoked anytime and anywhere possible.
    My most shameful example was after a home birth,
    my brand new daughter, alive and healthy,
    was being walked around by her father and I said to my midwifes,
    'man,  after 9 months and the last 12 hours, I NEED A SMOKE'.
    One of my midwifes asked,
    'Really ?'
    'Yes yes yes yes yes YES, I want a smoke !"
                                                                                                              
    She handed me a non filtered cigarette from the pack she had hidden in her jacket
    and that was the end of that abstinence for 29 years !
    I call it 'abstinence' because I never ever wanted to quit
    and only quit smokes and drinks 'temporarily' for pregnancy.
    That was really Big of me, huh ?
     
    I didn't give a hoot about second hand smoke
    and that was worse than just acting the spoiled brat.
    Second hand smoke does actual HARM to people, animals and plants.
     
    Smoking is suicidal, homicidal, herbicidal, biocidal
    all the cidal-s you can think of and continues to make
    the tobacco companies rich beyond measure
    Gah! 
    I am elated  to not be lining those evil pockets anymore
    glad also, to not be 'cidal' anything.
    and one more thing...
                                                                                   
    My Spoiled Brat also made quitting harder.
    'This is too hard'  the brat would moan
    'I don't want to !'  the brat would whine
    'Why Are You Denying Yourself ? '
    The Brat cajoled and wheedled
    until I simply had no other choice,
    I killed the Spoiled Brat.
    Killed Dead.
    Spoiled Brat-icide.
    Hah !

    If you are thinking about quitting, Know You Can.
    You don't have to be the spoiled brat that addiction turns us into or,  a slave to nicotine anymore.
    You Can Quit.
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/7223-spoiled-brats-nicotine-addicts/
     
  21. jillar

    The Lie

    By jillar,


    General
    NADA
     
    Posted January 10, 2019 
     
    I'm not sure if there are others out there who believe that smoking and lying go hand-in-hand, but I found myself lying to people throughout my life about whether I smoked, how much I smoked, and if it was effecting my health.  This is a post I wrote a few years ago.
     
    Most of us smokers began our years or decades of addiction back when we were teens.  We learned to lie about smoking right from the very beginning.  Usually it started with our parents asking why we smelled like a rancid ashtray.  “Oh, I was at Johnny Picklefork’s house and his mom smokes like a chimney” I nervously responded.  “That Bertha Picklefork really needs to cut back” my mom would chuckle.
     
    A few months later my mother met me at the door with a pack of reds in her hand as I returned from school.  “Young man, what was this doing in your sock drawer?” I let out a small sigh of relief knowing that it was only the cigarettes that she found. “Um, Tammy Tamblanadana’s brother was grounded for smoking so Tammy asked if I could hold on to them for a few days”.
     
    Sometime later my dad drove by me holding a cigarette in my hand while hanging out with the neighborhood kids. When asked about this at dinner, I effortlessly told him, “I was just holding it for Jin Dong while she tied her shoe”.
     
    Once it was second nature to lie to my parents about smoking, it became just as easy to lie to myself about it.
     
    I can quit any time I want. I just do it to calm myself down. It relaxes me. It’s just a habit.  
    The list could go on forever.  It kept me in the cycle of addiction for decades until one day I called it out for what it was:  Pure Bulls&@t!
     
    Not only are the health benefits endless when you quit, but it’s incredibly liberating to stop lying to yourself and others.
     
    P.S.  The names in this story have been changed to protect the innocent.
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/11725-the-lie/
     
  22. jillar
    Genecanuck
    Quit Date: August 19, 2024
     
    Posted August 23 
     
    Do you know him?, Quitnet Repost, 1998
     
    from Billi Peel, on another site in 1998

    Hi Everyone, 

    My name is Nicotine. This is my story. For many years no one knew I was a killer. I am very cunning, while looking so innocent. I am dressed in a white wrapper. I think my shape is great. I am long, slender and easy to hold. This is great for the 90's image. I've come a long way baby. Billions of dollars have been spent to keep me looking good.

    My favorable image is an illusion. My addictive power is reality. My advertising team has worked very hard to continue to present me as a positive influence in daily life. I have been showcased as making men strong, sexy, and full of life. I have been packaged to make women think they are sexy, daring, and provocative. It took longer to get the women to use me, but in time I won them over.

    I am a liar. I tell you that you can enjoy and be more comfortable in every situation if you use. I am always there for you when you are bored, nervous, or upset. I will tell you how cool you appear while you smoke me, how good I taste. I especially like to tell younger folks how much I can do for them. I lie.

    I have some friends and associates: Caffeine, Alcohol, cough medicine, and Mouthwash. I make money for a lot of other industries, beyond the tobacco folks. Doctors love me too.

    Now caffeine, alcohol, and I go way back. We have worked together on almost everyone. You may think you can get rid of us, but we will make your life miserable if you try. I will cause people to leave their homes in the middle of the night in search of me.

    I am powerful once I have you. I will require a lot of your time. I need to have ashtrays and lighters. I make a mess as my ashes drop on your carpet, car seat, furniture, and loved ones. It delights me to see the little burn marks in your expensive clothes, furniture, counter tops, and carpets.

    Did I mention how awful I smell? I have a particular aroma that will linger in your hair, clothes, and your furniture. I can turn your car into an ashtray. I will mark you.

    I am an addiction. I tried for a long time not to let this secret get out. It was bad enough when people said I was a nasty habit. Now everyone knows I am an addiction. Once I get in your grasps, you cannot easily put me down. If you try I will make your stomach crawl, I will give you bad headaches, the shakes, and make you nervous. Once you are addicted to me I own you.

    I have no conscience. Loyalty is important to everyone. I certainly enjoy your loyalty to me. Do not ever be confused that you have mine. I will have you standing outside in the rain or bitter cold for a few precious puffs while others enjoy the comforts of staying indoors.

    I am demanding. You will walk away from loved ones to get your fix. You will try to hold babies in one hand while grasping me in the other. I will make you uncomfortable with people who do not smoke.

    I am a killer. I will take your breath away. I will eat your lungs. I will render you voiceless. I will cause you bad sinus problems. I will embarrass you with the ugly cough I give you. I will make you unable to walk up a flight of stairs without having a hard time breathing. I will hurt your loved ones around you who don't even use me or have a choice.

    My name is Nicotine. I am an addictive and powerful DRUG!!! 
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/26599-the-quitnet-lounge/?do=findComment&comment=526773
     
     
     
  23. jillar

    NOPE~Never/Ever/Forever

    By jillar,


    General
    Sazerac
    Quit Date: October 23, 2013, A Good Day to be Free.
     
    Posted July 24, 2016 
     
    Some quitters may have trouble with the never/ever part of  NOPE (Not One Puff Ever).
     
    To tell you the truth,  in the nascence of my quit, I  bluffed my way through never/ever land.
    I remember Cristobal and Stuart qualifying never/ever with the caveat,  'just for today'
    and that was the truth too, it is just about here and now.
     
    As days and weeks passed,  I absorbed the truth about addiction.
    Once I clearly understood addiction is forever 
    and the brain's neuro pathways immediately re-connect  to addiction after one puff,
    I embraced never/ever/forever.
     
    If addiction was in my brain for the long haul,
    well dammit...I was too
    and I was going to Win !
     
     
    I want to include our friend, Joel Spitzer's video (and a link to resources) about this subject.
    He uses the phrase, 'Never Take Another Puff' as we use Not One Puff Ever
    Never Take Another Puff (resources)
    and the video
     
     
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/7334-nope~nevereverforever/
     
     
  24. jillar

    About Us (for our guests and newbies)

    By jillar,


    General
    MarylandQuitter
    Quit Date: 10/07/2013
     
    Posted March 28, 2014 
     
    QuitTrain®, a quit smoking support community, was created by former smokers who have a deep desire to help people quit smoking and to help keep those quits intact.  This place should be a safe haven to escape the daily grind and focus on protecting our quits.  We don't believe that there is a "one size fits all" approach when it comes to quitting smoking.  Each of us has our own unique set of circumstances which contributes to how we go about quitting and more importantly, how we keep our quits.
     
    This is not an environment where anybody will be judged as we only exist to offer education, support and acceptance.  Through education and sharing experiences, we can all help each other to keep this nasty, deadly addiction out of our lives.  We all want the same thing; to stay smoke-free and enjoy our lives of living as a non-smoker and all of the health benefits and freedom that it offers. 
     
    Anybody can quit smoking and anybody can stay that way.  It's a matter of finding a good combination of education and support to expose the lies of smoking in a comfortable, come as you are environment.  We welcome all with open arms and hope that you can make this your safe haven to take your freedom back and get on with the business of living life as a non-smoker.
    -------------------------------------
    This is a post that Joel used to use quite often at the Freedom From Nicotine Message Board before they implemented their no relapse policy.  While it's no longer used at Freedom, it's a very insightful and an excellent message for all of us, especially those who have relapsed and most importantly, mirrors our ideology concerning relapse. 
     
    A special thanks to Joel for allowing us to use this.
     
    I tried freedom once, why bother trying again?
     
    Some past participants have shown a certain reluctance to return to Freedom after relapsing back to smoking.  Many are embarrassed to come back admitting failure.  Others feel they tried Freedom once, and, since they went back to smoking, its techniques must not have worked for them, so why bother trying the same approach again?  Still others feel it is an inconvenience and an unnecessary commitment of time and effort considering they "heard it all before."
     
    The concept of returning after a relapse may seem embarrassing at first, but, the ex-smoker will probably see quickly he is not alone.  Many people have had past quits prior to joining Freedom and understand the fragility of a quit. They will generally understand and accept the presence of repeaters enthusiastically.  Relapsers offer a strong confirmation of the concept of addiction to our old members and to all new participants.  They often openly share their past experience of how, after initially quitting, they came to a point of complacency which allowed the relapse to occur.  They generally reflect back at their non-smoking period as a time where they felt emotionally and physically better, and then openly express the disgust and misery that the relapse brought on.  Not only did it cause embarrassment, physical discomfort, and maybe even serious health complications, but also, it was putting them through quitting all over again.  Their insights offer a valuable lesson to first time participants not to make the one tragic mistake that could lead them back to smoking and the need for quitting over again--taking a puff on a cigarette.
     
    As far as it being an inconvenience, while reading and posting may take a chunk of time out of a smokers life the first few days, in all probability, there is nothing a smoker has to do the week that he or she is stopping that is as important as quitting smoking.  Failure to touch base daily with us because of conflicts of time with social or even professional commitments makes about as much sense as a cancer patient skipping life saving chemotherapy treatments for the same events.  Missing an entire day because of prior time commitments may jeopardize the quitting process or the long-term maintenance of smoking cessation.  This may cost the person his or her life.  In the long run, it will probably be viewed as an error in judgment by the patient as well as any significant others who recognize what was put at risk and what was lost in the process.
     
    For those who feel that Freedom didn't work, the fact is that the techniques taught here didn't fail, the smoker's implementation did.  Only one recurrent theme runs through Freedom: if you don't wish to go back to smoking--NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF!  No one ever went back to smoking without disregarding that rule.  Relapsing is an automatic admission that the smoker disregarded the basic principal taught at Freedom.
     
    As far as feeling that "I've heard it all before," being a relapser is evidence enough that the smoker did not hear it or comprehend it all before, or is the type of person who needs to hear it over and over again in order to keep believing it.  Repeaters are people who have trouble initially accepting or keeping the concept of addiction alive.  This trait is in all probability the reason why the ex-smoker originally relapsed, or maybe didn't stop at all the first time.  He or she reached a point of complacency where it was believed that smoking could be controlled at an acceptable level.  Smoking is an all or nothing proposition.  The repeater must recognize the reason for the past failure and learn from the experience.  Otherwise, he or she will be doomed to repeat it over and over again.
     
    If you have gone back to smoking, come in and try again.  Once you quit smoking, do everything in your power to stay off.  Come in for continued reinforcement and witness the mistakes of other past participants who got complacent.  As far as addiction goes, it is much better to learn from others' mistakes than having to attend later due to your own.  You just don't know whether you will ever have the strength, desire, or opportunity to quit the next time.  In today's society, failing to stay off smoking carries long-term risks which include loss of social status, and respect of others; financial implications which range from supporting an addiction costing hundreds to thousands of dollars per year as well as possibly costing your job and career; and, most significantly, eventual loss of health, and possibly loss of life.  Considering all of this, the choice to quit smoking and to stay off is an important one.  To keep the ability to stay off smoking you need to always remember to NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF!
     
    © Joel Spitzer, 2000
     
    Link to original forum: https://www.quittrain.com/forum/3-introductions-about-us/  
  25. jillar

    The Bridge-repost by jwg

    By jillar,


    General
    jillar
    Quit Date: May 29, 2016
     
    Posted May 18, 2018 
     
    By the color of his salt and pepper hair I would have guessed him to be in his mid 50’s
    I would not say he was overweight , but a few walks in the park would not be the worst way he could spend a little bit more of his time. The biggest impression he really made on me was how , unimpressionable he was . If ever there was a John Q. Citizen this would be him. Everything about this man was average, from his shoes on his feet to that look of bewilderment on his face.
    Normally I keep to myself, Im not one to go around offering free advice. But I must say, he looked so lost- not that I had any answers. But perhaps I had the right questions or at the very least I had time to listen.
    I placed the butt of my fishing pole on the walk and set the drag to loose. Then testing it with a tug , to make sure I would not loose my rig , if I were to get a bite. I walked down the bridge a few paces to where “john” sat on the rail. I was not even yet close enough to offer my hand and introduce my self , when that old familiar smell of stale smoke and tobacco hit me in the face like a brick.. “wow - this one is ripe” I thought to myself.
    “ hows it going” I asked as I stepped in closer. “fine” he answered in a nonchalant way
    That’s , good I said nodding my head in affirmation.. “ you ?” he asked. “I’d be better if they were biting”. “ I imagine so” he said as he jumped down from his perch

    “ you from the other side ? “ he asked. “sure am” I boasted with some pride “been over here for past two years now” I love it I added , I could never imagine it being any different. “ yeah” he said in a smug tone “ I hear life is perfect over there , it never rains
    And life is roses all the time” Hog wash on that I said. “ we all got ass crap days” no matter what side of the river you live on
    Really ? he questioned ,, “sure” I said.
    What about money he asked “ I hear tell everyone over there makes more money”

    “ Oh my goodness , who have you been talking too ?”

    “ no one in particular , A guy just hears things you-know”

    “ Well I can assure you non of us make more money then we did before crossing over. Now we just have better opportunity’s to save some of it, or spend it on things we once wernt able to, things that make us truly happy”

    “huh” he said looking over my shoulder off onto the other side; trying to get a peek as to what life might like be living on the other side

    “your scared of crossing?” I asked.
    He then turned his head back and looked down the river, then he looked left; back in the direction he came from, then he looked down to his feet and in a small voice “ yes” he sighed
    Slowly he lifted his head and said “ Im scared if I cross and don’t make I will have to go back home a failure” “ Im scared if I make it I could loose some of my friends, or even loose myself, and who I am”

    “Hmm , I see , these are great concerns” I said
    I understand your dilemma. For a few miniutes we both stood there in silence looking down the river. He nervously kept his hands in motion as if he washing them in some imaginary sink.
    After thinking a min or two I said to him
    “ you know, if you don’t cross over to the other side your guaranteed to fail yourself “ but more importantly. I added “there is a secret to making it on the other side that the ones who never cross over can ever learn”

    “really ?” he asked “what is the secret can you tell me?”

    I smiled and put my hand onto his shoulder , looking him in the eye and said
    “ No one that has ever truly wanted to make it on the other side has failed. Its only the ones who question there decision and wrestle with the though of going back “ that ever fail . You see I explained , “when you cross over you can not live on both sides of the river”

    Then off in the distant we both heard a great noise, the sound of fireworks and celebration,
    “whats that” he asked”
    “oh that.” I said is Just some one that crossed over some time ago , having an anniversary party.

    “wow” he said , “ that sounds nice, I think I would like that”
    “yes… yes, you would” I assured him.
    “ there is so much in this world , you have been deprived living back there in the darkness”

    He smiled and said to me “ I think I’ll try”
    I smiled back to him and said “ leave “try” here on the bridge , or throw it in the river.
    The the path to freedom can not be walked with hope , each step has to be planted with confidence , leaving no room for doubt”
     
    Link to original post: https://www.quittrain.com/topic/10414-the-bridge-repost-by-jwg/
     

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About us

QuitTrain®, a quit smoking support community, was created by former smokers who have a deep desire to help people quit smoking and to help keep those quits intact.  This place should be a safe haven to escape the daily grind and focus on protecting our quits.  We don't believe that there is a "one size fits all" approach when it comes to quitting smoking.  Each of us has our own unique set of circumstances which contributes to how we go about quitting and more importantly, how we keep our quits.

 

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