I have been on both sides of this.
When I first came to Ex, back in 2008 or so I think, my heart really was really not into 'quitting' . I was testing the waters, seeing what was available to help me quit should I truly want to stop....for good.
I lurked along time. I saw all these strong people and I wanted what they had, freedom from the smokes, but I was certain it was unobtainable for me. Off and on I would read some material they suggested but I never stuck it out.
I loved smoking. Period. I was not ready.
This went on for a long time, some of what I had read kicked it. It's like a seed. You have to water that thought for it to grow, or it dries up and nothing ever becomes of it. Sound familiar???
Well I decided it was important for me to quit, not only for my health but for my family and their health. I made a choice. It was finally time. time to Buckle down the hatches and get busy with this quit. But where to start? I still enjoyed smoking and although I feared I would never succeed, I had to give it a go.
I came back here.
For the first several months I lurked, read much material and finally got the confidence up to participate in discussions/blogs. I would do very well then something would happen in my life and I would make the CHOICE to smoke. Just one, but I would smoke and ended up crawling back to this room to confess to all my wonderful support people and whine to them how justified I was for having only one cigarette.
i expected Love and kindness and surely they would support and understand me.
I got a heavy dose of tuff love that sent me packing for another long time. it finally occurred to me that I not only had to read the material but I needed to apply it daily to my life. I had a thick skull, so it took awhile for that message to resonate in there, lol. But it finally did and I am so grateful for the tuff love I got theses days.
I stayed away to long though. Recently I got an email explaining this site would be under new construction. I hadn't stopped by here for so long, would they remember me? I was certain many like Dale and Nancy, Mikecity would be here. And yes...they are. Sadly others are gone.
Even though it took a heavy dose of tuff love and me making the choice to really work this program and apply it to my like, which I have since September 2,2014....I wish I would have never left. I should have been here to concratulate and help people and support people like it was given to me.
I cannot change the past but I am here now to do just that. I can't post everyday but I will stop in here and offer any help I can. I needed the TUFF LOVE and I u derstand now its importance. It is work. Work that those who have gone before me have done to gain their freedom. This is no game. This is your life. My life. I cannot afford to be so non chalant over my quit. They gave me the tools to get on with life and get busy living without the smokes and I ( at that time) didn't take it as seriously. I have learned since, because of this site, that life happens and I learned how to navigate life's hurdles without smoking over it. There's no justification left for me now to ever smoke again. Thank God.
you are ALL wonderful. This is a good place to be to learn about your addiction and APPLY the tools suggested to gain the FREEDOM your lungs so desire.
Make this year be the year you take back the control over your choices your body and your health. I never dreamed it would be doable , but I am enjoying such a freedom from this addiction thatI cannot imagine ever going back for any reason. now you will learn to know what it's really like to LIVE and FEEL without the cigs.
It is amazing. I wish everyone the best today. Hugs, Missy
