KEL

NOPE.

@Edycongratulations. Ten days in is terrific. @intoxicated yodaWord. Truth. I do believe there is a connection with sugar and addiction. When I got off booze, I ate chocolate all day long. With this quit, I have had some chocolate but the exercise has balanced any weight gain. And then it just really becomes about the freedom. We don't crave stuff that is bad for us anymore. Or so we hope. Thanks for sharing the journey today! K

The gifts from quitting just keep coming so I hope you will stick with it.

You keep rocking it yoda. I'm right behind you.

Welcome! I used gum on my first quit but this time went cold-turkey. I'd defer to other members on their experience but just wanted to congratulate you on your 21 days. That is an amazing accomplishment. Stick around-this is a good place!

Yippee! And well done. Hoping things are starting to smooth out on the Train for us newcomers...

@BooSuper helpful and really intuitive. Our bodies are constantly changing. In fact, the only certain thing is change. We are physically not the same person we were when we were little as everything regenerates. We don't look the same certainly. So why wouldn't our brains change just like everything else? It takes practice-thank you for the reminder.

NOPE.

Thanks to my QT friends for responding. Just needed to get the thoughts out there for my own quit and maybe, just maybe, it helps others. I know that when anyone posts about their challenges, it helps me a ton. I've jumped over to NicA (Nicotine Anonymous) and have started to do step work around my nicotine addiction which is, perhaps, different from the alcohol. There is a great fellowship and meetings on line if anyone needs more support which apparently I do. Not trying to detract from the magic of the QT-everyone has their own process and all that matters is that WE are relieved from the horror of the nicotine addiction. I'm going to pursue all the support I can as I am under no illusion this is an easy road. But the alternative is way worse. Have a wonderful day everyone....

It's not an SOS. Just ran into some challenges and could feel the draw towards smoking. It was my companion in the dark and messy spaces for decades so it makes sense. Reminding myself it is not a failure to think about it. Its too soon to not still see smoking as my go-to when I feel emotionally vulnerable. The cigarettes told me they were helping me to feel stronger. We all know that was a lie. I am shifting to gratitude that I did not have to smoke. Truthfully, I don't want to. I can feel the smoke penetrating my lungs and the pain that comes from inhaling after a period of abstinence. Then the headache. Then the self-flagellation that comes from giving up 5 minutes before the miracle. We have all been there before. Thanks for listening and hope your evening is peaceful.

NOPE.

@Wayne045Nicely done with the "half full" glass there!

NOPE

NOPE

Congratulations! That is wonderful.

@DoreensfreeI sure hope she does. Ironically (or not so much) we both bought Allen's book at the same time then shared. I think she'll do it since her new circumstances will help (no smoking rental and high altitude). I think it did bring up more than I realized so I jumped on a couple of Nicotine Anonymous meetings since as it helps me to be in touch. Seems to be a robust group of quitters over on those forums for anyone who just needs to hear themselves talk. Hope everyone is having a great night! Karen

@intoxicated yodaI just hung out with one of my dearest friends who is a smoker. I did not smoke. But I sat with her while she did. She wants to be where (we) are. The "suckage" of smoking is worse than that of quitting methinks! Hope you have a peaceful night....

NOPE!

Truly wonderful Kris! Congrats.

@intoxicated yodaHope you got some sleep. I understand how you feel and I think everyone who uses substance to cope with life does as well. Its what is underneath when we stop using. Lately I've been seeing it as a yawing chasm that is parallel to my path. My job is to understand it is there but not to allow myself to be consumed by it. In other words, its about just letting whatever it is arise, to be, without trying to change it. Easier said than done but I am reminded it is a practice. We got really good at smoking so now we have to get really good at not smoking! With smoking, we were always able to change how we felt or at least feel as though we had some control over it. It was not a good option but it was our go-to. Now we have to deal with whatever we feel without picking up and that is really uncomfortable for a long time. Probably doesn't help much but I think we all deal with an emptiness that we try to fill. When we can't we think there is something wrong with us when its really just the nature of the gig. However, it sounds as though you are doing some really good things for yourself. It takes TIME to heal; at least I keep reminding myself of that. Thanks for sharing and sending peaceful vibes your way....

NOPE

Also, it is a grieving process. Most (if not all) of us used cigarettes as a substitute for connection. For me, it started when I was in a devastating relationship with alcohol (and a man-it all fits together). I got rid of the booze, the man and I healed but the smokes remained. They became my companion as life just didn't seem to turn out the way I had hoped. Finally, through a lot of hard work and the help of these loving souls on the QT, I was able to put down the cigarettes. Today I am headed out to see a former smoking companion. She is still smoking but knows I am not. I know there is a trigger there but am trusting it will unfold for both of us in a healthy way-she wants to quit so maybe instead of me feeling sad that we don't "share" that anymore, I can be excited that there is a new chapter for us. Anyway its super normal to feel sad but smoking will not change that. Rather you will feel sad and angry that you are in a toxic relationship if you pick up again. Sorry for the ramble but I hope something in here helps to give you strength.

@EdyWelcome! I too lost a brother to addiction. Its really quite common; I think we are all addicted to something. I agree with @Lindato dedicate our actions to those we love who, for whatever reason, couldn't do it. This is not an easy road being an addict. But there is a way out and everyone here is committed to supporting you get to the other side. Best wishes!

@Gusam I imagining things? It says only 9 months. Congrats again and thanks for the inspiration.

Its been fun to explore different things now that there is so much more time to do so. Also, any activity helps keep the quit, at least that has been my experience.