KEL

Hi and welcome. The best I can recommend (and I am sure the more seasoned folks will jump in shortly) is read everything on this site. Its critical to understand the components of addiction and how we get tricked into believing we need to smoke. There's also great ideas/suggestions about dealing with cravings, etc. It does get easier!

And reach out for help! I think it really is a lot easier when we realize we are all in this challenge together.

NOPE!

Good Morning Quit Trainers. Last night I dreamed I smoked two cigarettes with a friend (long-time smoking companion). Before I had the third, the thought was to post an admission, to let @jillar and @Doreensfree know I fell off the train but was going to get right back on. I felt super disconcerted until I realized it was a dream. The best part though is that my QT buddies have apparently infiltrated my deep subconscious. Thank you!

NOPE.

My first driving experience was in a Pinto. I crashed it.

NOPE!

Congrats! That has got to feel really good....

NOPE!

Welcome! It is the perfect time to quit. Smoking doesn't get any better but not smoking does!

Yippee! Happy you are reaching out. It does get better, even a few weeks in as you know. Its a HUGE relief not to have to smoke.

Nope.

NOPE

Probably against the "rules," but I woke up this morning feeling really positive and its been a long time coming. So I am going to double down on my "NOPE" today and wishing for each and every one of you a great day!

@Leenyc3 Don't know if you have read Allen Carr's book, "Easy Way.." but that certainly helped me understand my addiction in a different way. Or maybe I was ready to understand it in a different way. The "cutting down" only serves to keep the addiction alive. I would venture to guess there are folks out there who can do that. But I am not one of them. Wishing you strength on your journey.

@BooYes. Its so fascinating to see what works for each person. For me, I just got tired of the GUILT. Once I made the serious attempt (4 years ago) and failed so many times since, it was like a pervasive fog. I felt so crappy about myself. I couldn't even argue with it anymore because I knew how it did feel to be free. So much better than smoking for sure. @Leenyc3Just stick with it. Stay close to these folks because they sure know what they are talking about. Gratitude for each and everyone on the QuitTrain. K

NOPE!

@Angeleek Thank you for coming back and responding. Helps those of us in the earlier stage navigate this journey. I have no idea of what "normal" is. I think those of us who are drug addicts got some wiring crossed way back when. There is a part of our brain that seeks the pleasure/pain cycle. It takes a bit to get comfortable with peace. At least that is what I sense. My prayer is that I will be back to update this thought in October of 2023 when I have two years! Thanks again...

NOPE.

I love this as well. However, in this world, money will always control. There is huge money to be made in all "illicit" substances. And sadly it seems that vaping is still acceptable. I am so grateful I didn't get hooked on that as a substitute. I tried it a number of times but it seemed silly if the goal was to quit smoking-I was still putting crap into my lungs. Now having read the materials on this site am doubly grateful.

@KrisThe biggest part of recovery for me is the "rigorous honesty." The fact that you feel like crap and are owning it is the medicine. I write letters I never send. It helps me to see what is inside waiting to be healed. I used to do all kinds of burning ceremonies as a way to physically surrender that which has past. Be kind to yourself. Sending strength and love to you.

I so look forward to @Cbdavebeautiful pictures every day and taking the pledge. I treat the smoking cessation the same as my recovery from alcohol which I do think about every day (21 years later). But the difference is that I am so f--king GRATEFUL I no longer have to drink. And its the same with smoking. Not to say there isn't still hourly work to be done. But I shift pretty darn quickly into gratitude. Appreciate all of you.

@Christian99Originally from Cali and moved to Colorado 7 years ago. Not as progressive certainly but they also don't have the population. I did teach (business law) at the Department of Corrections and there is no smoking on the "campus(es)." I found that pretty interesting, i.e. go to prison and quit smoking. One way to do it! I am super open about my sobriety but not about my quit. Not yet anyway. I remember someone just like you who was really open about recovery. I overheard him talk about his AA meeting in court one day. I never forgot what he said and it did light the spark that took two years later. Ironically, he was in my courtroom when I was a judge five years later and I was able to thank him for being so open. You (we) may not realize it, but our recovery does help others. Thanks for your post.

NOPE!