Some of the newbies may not know me. I don't usually talk about myself but today for the newbies I will. Of course, this is just a highlight, like speed dating. So let me get started. Some may say I am hardcore Others may say I am real or just plain crazy. I have been called worse but thank God for forgiveness. My dad says I am smart, most parents do. I call it down to earth and honest. I think I am funny, caring but very direct. I am so much a bottom line person that sometimes it sucks if you are on the receiving end. Just a heads up. I am not perfect. I am still a work in progress. If you are still living we all are. I don't believe in holding grudges they are stifling and take too much energy. Yuck! Just the thought leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I can easily let go and let God. Amen. If I say something to offend you let me know. I am not a mind reader. If you don't like me, I can accept that too. I will do my best to honor your wishes. I think fair is fair and will speak out on it when I feel I have to. Some call that opinionated, My EXcuse, I think it is just in my genes.
When I say I am done, I am done. Bottom line. I can be hard headed but for some reason, it is hard to be done with someone who gets lost on their quit smoking journey. I believe I learned that from "Lady E elvan, and Marilyn.H.July.14.14. they never give up on anyone, plus I have witnessed the deaths of those who lost their way. (sigh) Therefore, I may be a bit hardcore because of the reality of death if you get permanently lost.
I learned late in life that I have no control over someone else's, thoughts, opinions or actions so I have to remind myself such and every now and then put duct tape over my mouth. I believe in the Holy Trinity, that I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me. Without Him, I could not have come this far. I have been here for 4 years. If given a chance I may have a tendency to grow on you. lol Yes, I must admit that I am a "little itsy bitsy teenie weenie" hard headed. My only goal is to help and in that helping, I will be as honest as possible. Yes, we addicts get offended when our addiction is challenged or questioned. I often say to myself, "what if I allowed myself to give up just because I did not like what or how someone said something to me about my addiction" Sure it possibly could have been said in a better way, especially to a newbie. We are all human and come short. My opinion, however, I had made a commitment that no matter what,when.,where who, how I was not going to give up. No one could run me away. Not even my own addiction. (hardheaded/hardcore) btw I call a spade a spade. Now I can't be kept away. Gee, I am growing.
I do not have all the answers but in my hardcore mode, I can tell you that giving your quit 100% + can make a difference in your success. No, it is not easy. You will have withdrawals, urges, cravings and at times may want to pull your hair out. You may have to ride an emotional roller coaster to start. Dealing with insomnia or a partner that still smokes may be at the top of your list. You may gain a little weight but ALL of it is worth it and quitting is DOABLE. It is not easy, however, it is not as hard as you THINK, Change the way you think you can change your life.for the better if you just take the first step. 1) Get a PLAN My EX Plan | BecomeAnEX . and 2) WORK it. WORK your QUIT !
I remember one of the elders saying there is a time in our lives that we just have to “grow up” and stop depending on a drug to take us through. Yes, a DRUG that's what nicotine is. Get mad and get rid of all the lighters, ashtrays, butts, cigarettes etc. Whatever is in sight that reminds you of smoking get rid of it! Stop holding on! If you hold on to cigarettes you should question your quit. Say No More! Do whatever is necessary to get started or back on track. Who wants to be smoking for the rest of their life? If you are serious about quitting no matter what, NOPE (not one puff ever) you will/can quit. Those who give themselves an out with doubt may not make it. Step out on faith one day at a time and do this. We are here to help not hurt. Our emotions can be gentle when we first quit. Give us a chance. Give life a chance. The life you save is your own. Get ready, hold on for the ride to freedom from nicotine. We are here to support you.
Wow Jackie thank you for being you and thank you for sharing this great awe inspiring thought provoking blog post with all of us here at Ex as I say quite often if we had a helpful button for blogs I'd be tapping on it right now but I'll have to settle for the like button instead, you are so right if we give our quits 100 % then we'll be successful and living a Smokefree Life which is the gift of LIFE....
From one hard core to another...
Hardcore? I think not. Caring? Absolutely! And there is the difference. You lead with love, Jackie!! And your talent with writing, your generous heart, and your infinite wisdom all make for a successful quit. I just like you
ditto what Dancing said... I often read what you have to say to a newcomer and it straightens out my own mind!
Beautiful Blog Jackie! I think it reaches out to anyone and everyone and it reminds me that we are ALL works in progress.
I think your amazing and I love the approach you take with everyone on here. ...your words have helped me many times, gave me comfort in areas I never discuss on here.
We all have our own stories, don't we? I am sure I have offended some on this site with my own words at times but I can promise you and God knows my heart, it was never done to hurt anyone. If its not brought to my attention or I don't 'see it', I can only hope someone would point it out to me so I can make amends I think really , anyone who comes here regularly is here with honest attempts to help others beat this addiction. I know I do.
Anyway, lovely blog from a lovely woman of faith. Have a beautiful rest of the weekend and thank you for all you do for all of us here xoxo
