DenaliBlues

Staying busy is a good tactic @shy. We've all been where you are - being tired of the grip smoking had on us but feeling very fearful of quitting, and trying to bargain/reduce our smoking, instead. But the only surefire way to stop smoking is... to actually stop smoking. By weaning yourself down you're basically keeping your brain chemistry in a constantly activated state of withdrawal that's longing for its next fix. Counterintuitively, you may feel way better once you let yourself get through that early withdrawal stage and start to feel free and clean. It feels like a big leap, but the distance may be shorter than you think. And we're all here to catch you and help you along the way. Just let go of the smoking and fall... UP!

Hey, Stew. So sorry the cardiac issues keep causing trouble. We go through so much of our lives feeling indestructible, then BLAM. Take good care of yourself, buddy!

So sorry that you hit that fatigue wall @Reciprocity. One step at a time, my friend! You got this.

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Yeah, some ritual associations take longer to re-wire. Good for you for staying strong as you pass through that phase. For me it was writing+smoking and also being outside+smoking. But there's a happy ending in store for you. I'm now able to do both without being triggered (or miserable). The same will be true for you! Stew, I love "Don't Worry" being on your quitting soundtrack. My own soundtrack included, "On My Way" by Rusted Root, "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, "Think" by Aretha Franklin and "Never Goin Back" by Fleetwood Mac. Oh, and sometimes the Rockapella version of "Road to Shambala." It's hard to relapse when you're dancing like a fool in your living room, LOL. @JoJo what songs belong on your quitting "greatest hits" list? KTQ!

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This is a really important insight @JoJo! It’s the difference between an addiction and a “bad habit.” We can readily interrupt or change habits. But addictions dominate our thoughts, becoming the gravitational center of our lives, controlling us regardless of how much damage or mayhem they cause. By quitting you are making a profound shift and are creating room for so much more LIFE to take root and flourish! It’s SO WORTH IT to get thru the pain of withdrawal and the disorientation, the sorrow of missing smoking, etc. They pass. And what’s waiting for you on the other side is really beautiful! Keep rolling on that road to freedom!!

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You can do this @shy! Toss all your smoking paraphernalia, take stock of your your vulnerability points, and dig deep. Time to be free, friend! Time to kick this addiction’s butt!

This winter we lost our elder cat, Herry, to spinal cancer. We were heartbroken… and still are. So we were going to give outselves time to grieve and wait on adopting another cat. But our younger tabby cat named Oliver started to come unglued. He grew restless, cried constantly and wouldn’t settle. So we took the plunge and rescued another cat, a handsome 2-year-old with striking amber eyes and a silver coat. We named him Sterling. He really loves Oliver, who has calmed down a lot. And now our house has four souls in it again, and our laps are rarely empty.

What a milestone @Pilgrim! Keep rolling!

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Woo hoo… you made it to Day 4!! We used to organize our whole lives around smoking, it set the rhythm of our lives. So it’s natural to feel a little adrift at moments when we used to smoke. It gets better. You are 100% right that you can do this. Cravings are not commands, just obnoxious commercials for junk you don’t wanna buy. Good riddance, and stay strong!

Happy quitting anniversary, darling @Doreensfree! Thanks for all of the encouragement, good sense and fun. You’ve helped so many of us find our freedom… and you wield that frying pan with style, lady!

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Welcome aboard @JoJo! I, too, lost a 7-year quit and picked up again for more than a decade. But I found my forever quit this time, thanks in large part to this forum. The early days are tough, but if you stick with your quit IT GETS EASIER! Stay busy and learn everything you can about addiction. Don’t give in to the “stinkin thinkin” that you can’t quit… because you absolutely can. You’re not alone, we’re here for you. Sweet freedom is yours for the taking!

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So glad your “mapping” went well, to make sure your “zapping” is on target! And yes, it’s a good sign that they have reduced the number of exposures. You got this!

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NOPE

So sorry you are having another wave of cravings @Pilgrim. As @QuittingGirl said, it’s not physical at this point - it’s psychological. Addict mind lurks in the tall grass, hoping to catch us unawares. But you don’t need to give in! You’ve built all kinds of strong quitting muscles now. You know like @Minnie Mouse says that cravings are not commands. They’re just noise. And your quit is too precious to throw away. So let those cravings drift on by, like a bad smell that the wind blows away. Going for a run is a great idea, as is staying connected to this forum. NOPE!

Congrats @GonSo! Yeah, those cravings can still sneak up on us. But they no longer hold the power to derail your awesome quit!! Keep up the great quitting work… and fostering work, too. Those babies look small enough to need round the clock feedings!

Well done @SD2026! You’re doing GREAT and I have no doubt that we’ll see you on the Lido Deck shortly. Keep on rockin’ your awesome quit!!

Living proof that quitting works if you stick with it! Well done @Kdad!!

Congrats @Kdad!!!