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Give and get support around quitting

JACKIE1-25-15
Member

No Matter What, Never Give Up

In the beginning, it may be hard but believe me, when I say, the hardship doesn’t last forever.  If we throw in the towel we will not experience the freedom and better life that comes from never taking another puff. NOPE  Sure, this may be one of your greatest "challenges" in life but know that it is doable   We won’t succeed if we give up because it gets difficult.   I said difficult, not impossible.   Anything new requires a learning process with the requirement to learn how to endure, compromise, accept and make sacrifices (changes) to accomplish the goal. By committing with willingness to do whatever is necessary to move forward you can make it.

*Make your mind up and know whatever you are going through will not last forever and you will make it.  Each experience that you go through in quitting is a learning tool for the next hurdle you have to cross.   Each time you cross a hurdle and do not succumb to taking a puff you will become stronger.   Trust me on this one it works.  Just never give up no matter what.

There may be days all you can think about is smoking.  Imagine telling yourself for so many years that you need and want a cigarette.  It takes time to change that thought. So start telling yourself that you don't need a cigarette. Literally, out loud.  " No, I do not need a cigarette."  That is reprogramming your brain. Give it time and don’t give up.  It can be done.  Know that this will not last forever and of course just because you think of something does not mean you have to do it. It will be so worth not giving up. 

You may have to deal with some sleepless nights.  Know that it will not last forever.  Make it a priority find ways to make it through with a no matter what attitude.  Take smoking out of the equation.  Do something else. Come here blog, read and learn about nicotine addiction. Take on a hobby, do something you have been procrastinating about  If you have questions, ask.  

There is no quick fix, no drug, no patch, lozenge, gum that is going to totally do it for you. These are only quit tools that help to make it easier until you can stand on your own You have to be willing to do the work to cross each hurdle one at a time.   Do not get ahead of yourself. Even if you don't jump over the hurdle you can climb putting one leg over at a time or crawl under, just continue on this journey by any means necessary.  Quitting smoking takes work, therefore, plan, prepare and practice.  It will get easier just never give up. 

In the meantime, hang tough, stay close, don’t give up, don’t give in protect your quit 

I am a nonsmoker 1643 DOF

Tags (1)
10 Replies
Mandolinrain
Member

Thanks Jackie, this is so important. Everyone these days is looking for a 'quick fix' be it quitting smoking , losing weight, growing out their hair and the list goes on and on. Yes there are plenty of things you can do to speed up to get the result you want but they are also not all necessarily good or healthy ways to go about it.

The bottom line truly is we have to learn how to press forward and make better choices to move forward in the direction we want and achieve lasting results. 

Quick fixes and pacifiers are only good for so long. They wear off and your back to where you started UNLESS you take charge and start being proactive while using them and do the footwork that you need to do so that when you are DONE with the quick fix/pacifier, you have something to show for it and build on.

Wonderful blog!

sweetplt
Member

Another great post today...Dearest Jackie JACKIE1-25-15 I hope like Sheri’s post all come and read this blog...Enjoy your celebration...Congratulations on your Freedom...Thank you for always sharing so much knowledge...Happy Friday ~ Colleen 235 DOF 

Great blog!

MarilynH
Member

Thank you for sharing this great post that I wish had a helpful button because I'd be tapping on it right now but I'll have to settle for the like button instead, I hope everyone will stop and read this......

SimplySheri
Member

Perfect, Jackie!!  Sound advice from someone who knows   You are simply the best at putting it all into perspective!  I just love this.  Never, ever give up

indingrl
Member

Amen and amen SISTER- NEVER TAKE ANOTHER PUFF EVER- one moment at a time - TOGETHER - gentle hug❤

TriGirl
Member

Perfect advice! The hard part is convincing yourself you don't NEED a cigarette. You NEED water, food, shelter, companionship... You don't NEED cigarettes. They don't sustain you. They destroy you. When you learn to live without, you realize there is so much more to live for.

Bonnie
Member

Wonderful post, Jackie.  As a FORMER "serial quitter", "chronic relapser", and "closet smoker", I can attest to many, many quit attempts....and failures. Yet  I hung on to what I read once: that those who continue to keep trying to quit will eventually succeed.  With the help of EX, the wisdom and support of Elders like you, and my decision to not smoke NO MATTER WHAT, I have over a year and a half smober.   And much, much more than just a smoke-free life.  It's almost like the world turned from black-and-white to technicolor.  This has happened for a lot of reasons, but I believe the catalyst was when I stopped smoking. 

My best friend still smokes.  She has never attempted to quit.  Not even once.  We spent a day and night together last weekend.  I love her dearly and always will, but she is stuck.  Stuck in a rut.  A mental, emotional, spiritual and physical rut (her cough just continues to get worse).  She can't see it through the cloud of addictive cigarette smoke (MAN, does she smoke a lot....like I used to, too, when we were together).  We have less and less in common as time goes by...

I had no idea all the amazing changes that would occur once I made the DECISION AND STUCK TO IT.  I NEVER want to be in that dark hole of addiction again.  

Nothing has changed...except for EVERYTHING.  Thank you, God, for EX and for me FINALLY GETTING IT!

Looking at the world through the clear lens of smoke-free living,

Bonnie

566 DOF (Days of Freedom)

Giulia
Member

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