Katgirl

Can you think of something you would really enjoy licking?

I convinced myself that I enjoyed smoking. But I did not like the feeling of urgency when I realized I was running low on cigarettes. I remember telling myself that I could easily wait until tomorrow to go get more, but would invariably rush right out to make sure I didn’t run out of supplies. I realize now it was my addiction dictating my actions. It is so freeing not to have to worry about running out of cigarettes anymore.

Wouldn’t licking “almost anything” else be more enjoyable?

Occasionally, I have the urge to smoke, but it is more of a fleeting thought, than a real craving. I know that I can’t. Right now I am 3000 miles away from home, and my daily routine, so far from my comfort zone. But I am with 2 of my sons and 3 of my grandchildren, so it is a good thing. However, routine and ritual are important for me to feel O. K. Stress is just below the surface. I just focus on the good, and am doing fine.

Why would anyone join THAT club?

NOPE! Not today!

-7

Cool that you reappeared recently, in order to celebrate 10 years with us. It gives the rest of us hope for a long and successful quit, too. If you can do it, so can the rest of us…. Cheers!

@Kris, I , too, have suffered from depression and anxiety my entire life. I was going to say adult life, but I can remember being very anxious, even as a child, I have awakened from weird dreams with panic attacks, too. No fun! I have to remind myself that anxiety won’t really harm me physically, though I struggle to believe that. Thankfully, I have professional help. Lately I have even tried an unconventional technique called “tapping”, which I think may be helping. If you are unfamiliar, research it. It gets rave reviews. On paper, my life is great. But, anxiety is always lurking….

The last few days I noticed my stress level has gone down a bit. I am chronically anxious, so noticed immediately that my mood was a bit lighter. Then I found an article that stated that by 6 weeks after quitting smoking, we start feeling less anxious. I am now 7 weeks without a cigarette. This would suggest that smoking causes anxiety, when most of us smoked to lessen our anxiety. How weird is that!?

Congrats on the new job, AND not smoking. It must be scary getting back out there. Just be vigilant and stick close to us…

Welcome, Steven! 2 weeks is about when I joined, also. Now I have 7 weeks! Not getting winded walking up a small hill feels so much better. Many of us have started an exercise program. It helps with stress, and further improves breathing and overall stamina. There is a dedicated forum section, where we post about our routines and progress. Check it out. Dating could be fun. I was lucky to have found a great partner while still smoking. He is a nonsmoker, but I guess I’m so awesome, he wanted to be with me, anyway… Congrats on being smoke free for 2 weeks!

NOPE! Not today!

-6

I think you just answered your own question about whether you should be worried, don’t you think?

Don a hat

Win the game

Sounds like you are struggling with depression. Please do not hesitate to seek professional help. I struggle with severe anxiety issues, and have dealt with depression, at various times, throughout my adult life. Currently, I talk with Ava psychologist weekly and have a Psychiatrist for meds, when needed. I realized a long time ago that there is no shame in asking for help. Life is precious, and we should take advantage of all tools at our disposal, to ensure we make the best of it.

-5

Change is hard. Losing your husband sucks! Mine passed away, very suddenly, 7 years ago. I was in a literal daze, for a full year. The good news is Life does go on. I met my current partner 21/2 years ago, and we are a strong couple. Don’t rule out new love coming your way. In my case, I sought it out, by putting myself out there. The stories I could tell about some of the awful dates I had would have you laughing. Have faith that it will get better, and remember that you can control your own destiny. When you are ready, take a chance. What have you got to lose?

Would you be surprised to know that I coined the diagnosis FN, during my storied career in medicine?

Yup! Mornings can be bad. I looked forward to that first cigarette of the day, with a nice cup of fresh brewed coffee. Change up your routine! Figure out a new way to start your day. I started grinding my own coffee beans each morning, making the new ritual all about that first cup of coffee. Afterwards, I do my first exercise routine. I am alone most of the time, too, though not right now, since we are on vacation and traveling. I found that hanging around this forum helped tremendously. Staying connected with people who have the same struggles helps a lot! Stay close to the group here….

Well, that’s cool! Hope it’s a game changer…

Yup! Mornings can be bad. I looked forward to that first cigarette of the day, with a nice cup of fresh brewed coffee. Change up your routine! Figure out a new way to start your day. I started grinding my own coffee beans each morning, making the new ritual all about that first cup of coffee. Afterwards, I do my first exercise routine.

Is it wrong to not like the basic premise of a story?