MLMR

Ahw shit, no! I am really sorry to hear that. You had a great quit going and you are such a steady factor here.. Please muster up courage and cary on with your quit. Strong decision you made about that. The date is just a date, as much as I understand your need to make it accurate. What matters most, obviously, is that you dont light up again. Please, please call out to us tonight/today, when you do experience withdrawl. Theres a great chance you will, since you administered nicotine to your system.

Hey there Ankush, in what way are people undermining your quit? Do they literally and deliberately say, 'go smoke!' Or, 'you are better off smoking anyway!' ... Something like that? Or is it more in a subtle way and sometimes maybe without intention? And that its your addicted brain that interprets it as undermining, while in reality no one can be blamed, not even your brain because it does what its supposed to do? Either way, you seem to deal with it the right way. By not lightening up and learning yourself to deal with irritating situations in a different way. A brilliant person here once told me to always carry glitter. When annoyed by someone... throw that stuff in the air and walk off, chin up! (And tits, if you have 'm).

Congrats Paul! Do you still take time to celebrated this date after 6 years? I love that people like you still come here to support and educate others. Really inspirational. Thanks for that!

*bump*

Tenen, (dutch for toes ) you are on track. A smooth sea never made a skillful pirate. And... rewards, rewards!!! ☆☆☆ RE-WARDS ☆☆☆

Michelle, count with me, back from 10 to 0.... here we go: 10.... 9.... 8.... 7..... 6..... 5..... 4.... 3... 2.... 1..... 0! -edit- I actually checked if I wrote the numbers in the right order

Yeah, completion of month 11. Thanks so much Reci ofcourse and others. I bought a little book today, as my quit reward. 'The anxiety cure'. Its based on the principles of neuroplasticity. Though I must admit some parts seem a bit simple and just too good to be true, I am going to try the exercizes the author provides in the book. I like the idea of more rewiring. I think quitting smoking is all about taking responsibility. The further I get in this proces, the more I realise how unnecessary complicated I often make things in my life. Admitted, its not the most joyfull discovery yet. It means I got to start looking at myself with compassion, humor but above all decisiveness... to do things according to what I know now. I just cant keep living life like I did. Wow shit, it's true. Like.... ahhhhhh! I bet my new book will tell me that its actually an amazing discovery and one that I can start working on right about ... now. So without further ado ... this woman will be doing some homework tonight, to once and for all be done with shittypitty anxiety! Thanks all for who you are and sharing your wonderful personal views on quitting and life with me

Hey Michelle, why not start a blog then? Might be just what you need!

By the way, I remember @Sazerac provided an article about nicotine being in your system far longer than 3 days, i think it said it was found in hair cells after several weeks even?

I totally get what you say, Toes! Being ok with not being ok, is one of the bigger challenges with quitting.. but, a challenge that will give you so much, along the road. Soon you'll be experiencing short moments of joy, about what you are doing. I started having them around one month in. The trick is to totally utilize these moments: squeeze every bit of joy out of it, celebrate and plant the tiniest victories in your head, even when it seems a bit... grotesque. It is huge what you are doing, the best thing you could do for yourself. Whish you sleep!

And get up when you can't sleep. Distract your anxious brain for a while with a soothing cup of tea, glass of water. Snooze a bit on the couch or favorite chair. Sleep will come again!

False. Very 1993. TNP makes decissions based on astrology.

Recognizing that Junkie Thinking is nothing more than a brain pattern at work. Crying receptors. It takes time but it is trainable. The emotional side of the Junkie Thinking needs attention too, but rather in a constructive way: Ask yourself, am I Hungry Angry Lonely or Tired? (HALT).

Toes, so sorry that you have a rough time with sleep. Please keep telling yourself that this will be temporary, because it is, my friend. This will pass, it really really will. In the mean time, keep writing. Its important to have a place to go to with these thoughts. My sleep is better than its ever been in my life. I awake so much more relaxed than I used to, my body and brain do what they are supposed to do at night: rest and heal. Soon enough you will reach that stage as well. Take care, upwards and onwards . ,<- thats a poodle, yes. No unicorn in stash.

Hi Diane, I am no expert in Chantix, wouldnt know if thats the wisest thing to do (quit early). Like Jillar said, Ive also heard from people who went straight back to smoking after quitting the program early. I went cold turkey, but I did have some time frame in mind. No worries about over-eating the first month, shifting focus to exercize only after 6 months (i tried walking daily though, from the 2nd month or so), making sure I celebrated every milestone and counting weeks on a calender. I wanted to have a grip on my first year and I was well aware of all the triggers/patterns (both daily, seasonal, mental and many others) to overcome. This time frame helped me a great deal. I am not one for NRT's, but I can imagine that the programs that often come with it, like with Champix or patches, can be helpful. Working towards something. Do you have some kind of plan, or will you just go with the flow?

I remember reading a piece about this exact topic, in which the question was something like, will I be able to quit without having some motivational kickstart, a true belief of succeeding. Hmm, cant remember where that was. I was disappointed myself, when a book id read prior to this quit, didnt do a thing for me. The realization though, that I was externalising and not taking responsability for starting my quit, eventually led to that same start. You know your reasons. Trust in the proces, you'll probably have plenty epiphanies coming your way!

It seems you are addapting quite well though! Just dont expect much of yourself and only do the absolute necessities. Like buying chocolate. Ive been foggy for a few good months. I found it absolutely annoying. Its really like a drastic drop of IQ or early dementia. I am amazed people around me didnt really notice, or at least they pretended. I remember constantly wondering what my face looked like, when someone talked to me and I had literally NO idea what it was about. But... it will pass. There will be clarity again and even better focus. Slowly at first and there will be moments the fog takes over again, without a warning. Really strange. But think of it as a beautiful brain reset. You are doing great, with your eight toes!

Got my first and only three years ago. Pretty happy person, dental wise. TNP at some point in there lives wondered who TNP is.

Thanks for checking in. You kept your promiss to yourself and have started this journey Do whatever it takes today. You will reach the end of today 1 in one piece! Take care!

@Edy Good, thats today! How is it going so far? Counting hours, or is it doable? Stay in touch!

Joe, how's life today? Still as foggy as yesterday or perhaps a few better minutes somewhere in between?

@Kdad congrats! How you doing?

Welcome, Edy. Forget about past experiences. Instead focus on the 'now'. Now is where you want (and can!) quit. It is doable, just as much for you, as for anyone else. You ask, shall I quit today or shall I quit tomorrow? My advise would be, make up your own mind about that. Take matters into your own hands, it's empowering! Lean on us for support along the way, that's what the board is here for. There is plenty to be scared of.. but, actually, there isn't. Because you will find your way and you will discover how strong you really are. Let us know what you decide!

Hi Christa, that went fast, wow 11 months already! Sorry to hear that you are under a lot of stress. Its fantastic that it doesnt jeopardize your quit. Congrats, upwards and onwards to your first year!