Reason why I'm not thát active here...

[Evelyn]

... If I come here and post a lot it makes me think more about smoking so I only post an SOS when needed and do the NOPE pledge every day; it's not out of disinterest I'm not here often... so you know! 

[Chrysalis]

Well, Evelyn, you obviously have the right to participate as much or as little as you like. But experience with thousands and thousands of quitters over many years has shown that the two things that are most closely associated with long-term success are: 1) continuously educating yourself about the nature of nicotine addiction and how to overcome it, and 2) reading and posting frequently on the forum. This is just a fact.

 

I know that when I first quit--well, actually, for many months after I quit-- I thought about smoking off and on all day every day. I won't say that the thoughts always rose to the level of a craving, but the thoughts were there. By coming to the board every day (sometimes several times a day) I was reassured that what I was going through was normal and temporary, other people went through the same things and came out the other side. I learned how to deal with the physical and mental withdrawal symptoms, and I got a lot of distraction and a lot of laughs when I was feeling bored or depressed (especially from the "Non smoking Cats, Dogs, Animals, etc" threads). 

 

If you have never relapsed and don't think that you ever will relapse and if you really hardly ever think about smoking unless and until you come here, then by all means stay away from the boards. But if you are like the overwhelming majority of ex-smokers, frequent participation in the forums and continual self-education about your addiction are the KEYS to a successful quit. You are not a "special snowflake". You are most probably just like the rest of  us. The voice inside your head that is telling you that reading and posting on the forum is a bad thing is probably your junkie brain. Don't listen to it. 

[El Bandito]

Hey Evelyn

 

Sometimes I felt that way too. Chrysalis makes some very good points.

 

At the end of the day we all make our own journey in our own ways.

 

Your quit is going great, well done!

[Still winning]

Whatever works for you...is the right way. Trust your instincts. x

[Sazerac]

...  I come here and post a lot

 

it makes me think more about smoking 

 

 

 

 

I come here and post a lot

 

it makes me think more about

 

  NOT smoking. 

 

 

I know it feels like you are never going to get smoking/not smoking out of your brain

 

and maybe we never do...maybe we never should do. 

 

Issues about smoking/not smoking are still in my head

 

but,  that's just fine, they now serve to strengthen my quit. 

 

 

Evelyn,  I wish you would hang out more.

 

It relieves boredom for sure !

 

and people need to hear your experience, your wisdoms.

 

You never know who you are going to touch.

 

Love,

S

[Doreensfree]

When I first quit....not kidding you Hun....I was on the board nearly 24 hrs a day.....

Nap board,nap board,it went on for a while....then slowly I slept more....,then finally back to a good nights sleep....

I needed to be here....even if it was only the fun stuff....posting often,supporting others...made it easier for me....

But...we are all different.....in the end it's what is working for you......

You have a month now ....so you are doing just fine....keep marchin......

Hugs xx

[Evelyn]

I come here and post a lot

 

it makes me think more about

 

  NOT smoking. 

 

 

I know it feels like you are never going to get smoking/not smoking out of your brain

 

and maybe we never do...maybe we never should do. 

 

Issues about smoking/not smoking are still in my head

 

but,  that's just fine, they now serve to strengthen my quit. 

 

 

Evelyn,  I wish you would hang out more.

 

It relieves boredom for sure !

 

and people need to hear your experience, your wisdoms.

 

You never know who you are going to touch.

 

Love,

S

 

 

Maybe, you're right - I've abandoned my computer... Thank you

[action]

You do what you need to do Evelyn - we will always be here, waiting, in case you need us.