Good morning, fellow Ex'ers. Just my Saturday blog to check out a few sites on here for you newbies and for us oldies but goodies on here. Sometimes a little reminder doesn't hurt. I think of the beginning of any quit as learning how to ride a bike. We were scared to have someone let go of that bike as we were pedaling along. I'll fall. I'll hurt myself. Let's compare that to smoking. We're scared to quit smoking. We've done it for X many years. How could I even imagine myself going through a whole day without smoking. I know I'll fail. I have failed in the past. Then we eventually got the hang of riding that bike, maintaining our balance as we pedaled along. Sure we fell down once or twice but we got right back on it again. As time went on, we became pros at riding a bike and celebrating as we did it with no hands. Weeeeeeeee.
This reminds me of a few of you that have quit and then smoked. Quit again and then smoked. Rest assured that one day a light comes on and it stretches to 30 days to 60 days to 200 days. I personally think that light that comes on is our determination finally kicking in. Our firm resolve that that's it. I'm done with this. Why am I giving this stupid white stick of poison the power and not myself having the power. Finally, unbelievable, we're doing this. Look, Mom, no hands, Weeeeeeeeeeee. This recovery as with any recovery from addition can be obtained by staying committed, having acceptance, stay the course, ride out the rough waves and stick with it, you'll do just fine. Just resolve yourself to accept that that's just something that you don't do anymore. It's always going to be there, but you just don't do that anymore.
Give yourself a break once in a while. Be gentle with yourself. We all know life is full of stress, frustration, but you know what, that's just the way it is. It's important to learn how to react differently to the actions that we did for so many years, light up and puff our problems away. It's also important to look on the positive side instead of the negative. Check out Positive Affirmations for Success: You can take what you want and leave the rest. And you can always find and contribute your own. When you click the Group Button just to the right of the Blog button and when that window comes up look for the featured group button we are the first group listed Also we are on the Home Page under Featured Groups or just click this link https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/positive-affirmations-and-support
But don't miss the daily interactive discussion called Love Yourself. Whether you're dropping in to say hello, offer love and support to your friends or need a place where you will truly feel listened to, we are there - every single day! Take a look and feel free to join us! ALL are welcome!
https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/thread/3533-love-yourself
Sometimes we just need a laugh to get our minds back on track. Be sure to visit https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/laughter-is-the-best-medicine to bring a smile to your face daily or just a pleasant distraction. Sometimes that little hit of dopamine from laughter is the trick.
At times it helps to reaffirm our quit by pledging with others to not smoke for that day. Be sure to join others by going to: https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/daily-pledge/ to virtually hold hands with other members and pledge not to smoke for that day. That day adds up to 30 days, 60 days, for the rest of your life days.
We'd love to have you join us!
