MLMR

Is the party still on..? What helped me in my quit, so far: Reaching out here when having a hard time. It felt vulnerable at the same time too, cause I tend to have many thoughts like 'get over it already, don't put yourself out there, just buckle up'. But these were also the thoughts/insecureties that got me back at smoking in the past. So yeah, trying to get through all of that. And apparantly I am not the only one! And such wonderful people here. Also... distraction, power walks, qigong, reading everything there is to read about addiction and smoking in particular, forcing myself to see each day as a brick I use to build this quit. Venting, writing, screaming in my pillow, practicing silence and learning to listen to what I need. Day by day and if needed back to hour by hour. Bitterbal, anyone?

Ok, so yesterday we were in this vaping store, because 'it's always nice to try different liquids'. Sure. I came along. I was shocked by all the flashy, shiny bottles and the marketing around it. The owner of the store was vaping as if his life was at stake and when I told him I quit smoking cigarettes, he was almost offended that I had not started vaping. I didn't feel like discussing the addiction subject at all. I was a bit sad when we left the store. There's something miserable in seeing grown men sucking on an electronical device and being all enthusiastic about flavours, voltage and everything. ? But ok, who am I to say. Ahum. Have been Puffing Burning Sticks for years after all. We seem te be finding our way in 'live and let live', concidering this subject. He tries to do it as much as possible outside of my view and I must admit that he seems to be more aware about it since I quit. But ... I can't stand the sizzeling, burning sound of that thing, the way it looks. With cigarettes there was at least a start and an ending, but this device is just always at hand and somehow ever present. It's like an extension of the man's arm ffs! Ok who am I kidding ... I really hate this thing. ? And the supposed ok-ness of it. It's the same bloody marketing as it was back then with cigarettes, making it look cool and everything. I don't even want to think about the risks that might be discovered within 15-20 years from now.. but apart from all that, it's about altering brain chemistry and pretending it's fine. Just can't get my head around it. Wow, had to get that off my chest! Please, if you have any, share your experiences about this vaping horror. ? (or a smoking partner, for that matter). I am curious how you people deal with it.

Thanks all so much for putting thought and time in your answers. Read everything several times. I am coming along.. and trying to accept what it is right now. Not easy, but I dont have another option. Breath in, breath out. At least I'm proud for being in some strange Spanish village where literally EVERY person smokes, including the people I am with. But not me. It's absurd, being there and missing something to cope with, well... what, life? Holiday, sunny life? No.. I smoked because I had to cope with daily withdrawl symptoms. I have to keep reminding myself and power through. I have to believe you guys when you tell me it will get better. I believe you and I go on. Pfieww. Thanks again.

Thanks a lot. The internet connection us crap here, but when I can, I read your answer. Hanging in, at least for today I decided.

Please help ? I am loosing touch with my decision rapidly. It's getting harder to stay positive.. I'm not sure what's happening. It's like I am mourning, though I don't actively miss smoking. I really do my best to enjoy what I would normally enjoy, but... it sort of doesn't happen. It resembles so much the early start of depression, which I am all too familiair with. I really don't want to go there and rationally I know this probably isn't that. I don't want to lose this and I don't know how to ETQ in a gentlest-as-possible-way the moment.

Thanks all. ?

Hi Allen, though I'm only 4 weeks in... I'd still like to comment. My irritability is almost back to normal proportions (but if a bad mood hits... chances are I blame quitting again, while that's not the case!!). I don't experience any heavy cravings, but I do have a lot of smoking thoughts during the day. They truly are just patterns that I need to get rid of. And yes, sometimes they annoy the sh*t out of me. And they do scare me at times. But, whatever. I'm smarter anyway. Cravings, irritability etc. fading into the background is not something that happens overnight. They just... fade. And return. And fade further. And suddenly return. And then... wow, didn't have a real craving for three days now! Etc. As much as you'd like a time frame for that, I personally haven't heard of one yet. Each day you encounter new triggers. Together these moments build up and lead to a stronger you, which eventually should lead not only to a 'normal' you again, but to a healthier and more balanced you. When I quit for over three years, I fully experienced this new normal around my one year mark, but on my way there I had lots and lots of 'new normal' moments. This morning I thought, 'wow, how disgusting to smoke in your car. So pleased I'm not doing that anymore'. It wasn't a forced happy thought to push away craving... it was a honest, genuine thoght. Woohoo, normality is on it's way!

NOPE! Or else...

NOPE.

♡

Good choice, Nik! When I first came here, not too long ago, I got the advise to nurture my quit. I started reading, writing, challenging every junkie thought that crossed my mind. It helped me a great deal and my confidence is growing by the day. Figure out what helps you, and try to avoid things that might sabotage you, these first days. Whishing you strength! Oh and just wondering, what are your motivations to quit?

Why complicate things ...