To the people who have been doing this for a long time, there is a period of between mid-December and mid-January that we call the "quitting season"! Every year, this is the time that smokers seem to pause, and take stock of what they are doing to themselves! This year we welcomed some very dedicated quitters who are doing an awesome job! Not only are they protecting their own quits, but they are practising "Collateral Kindness"! I have never seen a group being so supportive of those behind them, so early in their own quits! I believe that because these people are so fresh in thier quits, more of the new people, that we are getting now, can relate to those who are offering them help! It seems we are having a second quitting season! I am not implying that the wisdom of the Elders is any less important that it has always been! But now the quitting EXperience is enhanced by a combination of the seasoned veteran and those who are just finding their own way! I am EXcited by this! And, I am prouder than ever to be a part of this community! We are getting bigger and better! That is Fantastic!
Our second wave of quitters, this year, are entering a dangerous part of thier quits! We need to be there for them as much as possible! I am seeing some familar phrases popping up! "I hope" I wish" "I will try"! These word are dangerous! Therefore I am adding some words here, that many of you have heard from me before! I copied this from a copy of a blog from long ago!
I have noticed that some of you seem to be struggling! I read a blog yesterday morning from someone who was hoping to get through the day smoke Free. I looked at it in much the same way one would look at a suicide note! I read it twice and realized that it was to late to save this quit. As it turns out, I was right! Folks please lose the junkie thinking! Lines like; I hope I can, I don't think I can, I wish I could, I do not believe I can, wish me luck. These are all signs that you are not committed! There was a time when I was not committed either, although there were a number of people who thought I should be! I have said this before and I will say it until everyone agrees with me! You have to grow a backbone where your wishbone is! Stop wishing and get it done!
Congrats to all of you who are protecting your quits, while you reach back to save those who are struggling to get to Freedom! Thank you for all that you do! Tommy
