KEL

@SalNicely done. Have you happened upon the "NOPE" thread? As others advised me, its a super powerful tool for confirming the commitment not to smoke. Just a thought.

@KrisI can offer platitudes but the cold hard truth is that you (and me and everyone here) are drug addicts. Stopping the substance is the first step. We have to do the hard work to uncover the reasons we became drug addicts in the first place. There are amazing support groups out there. I even found a Nicotine Anonymous website that offers zoom meetings. I am back to my 12-step program because this is something that I know keeps me sober. So even when I am frustrated and my body hurts (because we all hurt in one way or another-we are addicts), I have a way to work through it. To get to the other side. I love this site and everyone on it. But its not a 12-step program and its not therapy. You can vent and that feels good for a minute. But what feels better is getting some tools to actually help you feel better for the long term. I am responding to this. Peace to you my friend.

NOPE

@DoreensfreeWhat a story and a true testament to the power of the group, love and determination. I am sorry about your husband. That must have been so awful to watch. Hope he (and you) are at peace. Love never dies...

NOPE.

@SalCongratulations! It does get easier. Know this. So whatever waves you (and Anita) go through, they will pass. If you pick up again, its like starting from scratch sadly. Glad you both are here!

@KrisOK but you are NOT SMOKING! That is truly awesome and the other issues will hopefully begin to sort themselves out soon. Keep the faith as one of our newest members says! Wishing you a beautiful day....

@CbdaveAppreciate the pictures. I fell in love with AU in 2007 when I went there for work. Planned to relocate in 2008 then the market crashed. Glad to know you!

@TONYCongrats! I am happy you are not struggling too badly. Thanks for being on the site-helps all of us.

@kenzie_peytonNice going there love! 24 days by my count. You know it gets easier. I quit when I was 24 for a decade. Not even an issue. And then picked back up when my drinking escalated. And here we are two decades later. It takes what it takes but my prayer for you is that you need not spend as much time as me (and some others on this site) wrestling the demon. @AceWhiteHowdy to my SoCal friends! I grew up in LA.... @KrisYou are not an "old lady!" Just getting started-not even on SS! Keep the faith darlin'.

NOPE!

Wow. Congratulations!

Happy New Year and welcome to the new quitters. It also seems there is an uptick in returning quitters which is damn encouraging for me! Thank you so much. Thought we could start a thread and introduce ourselves in one place. I am Karen and have a little over three months (this time). I did Allan Carr's book, seminar (twice) this time. No NRT. Feeling really rather great (surprisingly so). I believe this group has helped tremendously. I post daily and pledge "NOPE." Its a commitment to myself and to the other friends on this site who are trying (and succeeding) in releasing the demon. Looking forward to getting to know everyone (better). K

NOPE-and its it me or are there quite a few more members posting? Appreciate you all showing up for us newbies!

@Cweb123That is just awesome. It does get easier. And I agree with @beazel that support makes all the difference. Our only focus here is to stay quit so it keeps things really simple. I remind myself daily: my greatest and most important accomplishment is TO NOT SMOKE. If I stay on the train, its been a good day no matter what else has happened.

Thanks everyone! Can't wait for the party....

@DoreensfreeThank you again. And quick question, when you say I am quarter of the way, you are talking about a year quit, no? And the theory is that we get through a year of reminders/triggers so we are pretty solid? Just checking. I got through my birthday, T-giving, my alcohol sobriety b-day, Christmas and New Years smoke free so I am feeling pretty darn good for really obvious triggers. HOWEVER, I maintain vigilance. Really don't want to repeat this nonsense.

Welcome aboard! And congratulations. Getting through the first couple of days is a whopper for most of us. It does get easier. As for support, I have found that the only real support I get for ridding myself of my addictions is by other addicts. Just the way this rolls because I don't think non-addicts can fully understand how we got ourselves caught up in the first place. All of us are intelligent and kind, people who aren't holding up convenience stores for our "fix." Yet, we are in the grips of the demon just as much as someone who is mainlining heroin. Nicotine addiction affects every area of our lives and, eventually, we don't function because we die. This group will support you in spades. As for the other people in your life, maybe when you get some more time away from the smokes they will take notice. Not sure and at that point it really won't matter because the only person who needs to be proud of you is you.

NOPE.

Thanks everyone! I'll leave the drinking to you guys. I am celebrating by going running. Feels really good to be gaining in stamina and strength. K

NOPE!

@Davevat1Welcome and Happy New Year! Best decision you ever made. Trust all of us on this-no matter how challenging it is at the beginning, it GOES AWAY. And then you actually start to feel good about yourself, about your life. Instead of fearful and guilty because: 1) you smoke; and 2) you don't want to smoke but are afraid you can't quit. Every single one of us has been in that same space (right QTers?). If we can do it so can you. Keep close and post often. Looking forward to learning some new vernacular.

I am still in 2021 but wishing us all a happy and SMOKE-FREE 2022! So NOPE.

@MeeI am so sorry to hear of your loss(es). I have had similar challenges with legal things and sibs following my father's death five years ago. I have also seen the story so many times in my work life. My best advice? Let go. There is no point in fighting for relationships that are not balanced. I am not saying walk away from your inheritance if indeed there is one. But be mindful of getting involved in a legal drama as it never ends well. I don't know that grief ever ends. I think we just learn to live with it better. Sending wishes for grace and ease your way.

@notsmokinjoHappy New Year! Not quite there yet....I am going to take the shift at the shelter tonight. Seemed to be the best way to ring in a smoke-free New Year because its really hard not to be grateful there, largely because I am not a permanent resident! Best to all...