NML & In-betweener Weekly Check in - 1/29/2018

[Roller831]

We do this blog every Monday to offer encouragement and camaraderie to those in No Man’s Land -- months 2-3-4 of a quit and for those between NML and the 6% club (1 year of a quit). Regardless of how long you’ve been quit, anyone who likes the conversation and wants to offer support is welcome to participate!

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This week’s topic: Are you in No Man’s Land?

Are you about a month into your quit? Are you feeling a little down, a little lost? Don’t fret – you’re entering No Man’s Land, the 100 days that start at the end of your first month.

The first month of a quit is emotional and exhausting; you’re living in the moment and focusing all of your energy on your brand new quit. Around the one-month mark, things start to change, and you spend the next 100 days or so in a place called “No Man’s Land.”

In No Man’s Land, you’ve come a long way, but still have a long way to go. The routine cravings are gone but the surprise cravings can really catch you off guard. Your family and friends think you should be “over it” while you still feel quite fragile sometimes. Your relationships with smoking friends/family may be feeling strained. Your inner junkie is still around, still whispering to you, and the temptation to give in can be overwhelming at times.

But here’s the good news. In these same 100 days, for most people, your circulation has improved substantially, walking has become easier, and your overall lung function has increased noticeably. Sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath have decreased. Your body's overall energy has increased. The roller coaster is smoothing out, and you are feeling calmer and stronger overall. Good things are happening! 

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If you're in NML or an In-betweener right now, give a shout!  Reach out and find each other! 

Click here to read Dale’s helpful blog about No Man’s Land:https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/groups/best-of-ex/blog/2011/05/24/no-mans-land-days-30-to130-appr...  

Click here to read what to expect in the first four months: /blogs/jonescarp.aka.dale.Jan_2007-blog/2011/06/26/what-to-expect-in-the-first-four-months  

Checking in here will help you get through NML and on your way to the first year where you can celebrate being in the 6% Club and graduate to eventually become an Elder!

Please let me know if you are interested in posting the NML Weekly Check In.  I am happy to continue it, share it, or pass it to the nEXt EXer in NML who is ready, willing, and able.

[Roller831]

Hi everyone!  Let me first start by apologizing!  I am an accountant and the company I work for has a calendar close which means I am super busy from now until well into the end of April.  I do try to pop on daily and read, but sometime it is very hard for me to juggle work, home, health, and life in general.  I am strong in my quit and feel great!  Being an ex-smoker is more and more natural for me these days.

I can't wait to hear how my fellow in-betweeners are doing and I would love to welcome our new NMLers for all of those who quit at the beginning of the year!

Please read the two blogs above.  They are very helpful!  I don't want to see anyone caught in NML.  Yes, it can happen, but be vigilant and reach out for help.  We are here.

Roller 222 DOF

[MichelleDiane]

rollercoaster831 , I can't believe I have not seen this before.  Goes to show you that you can learn something wonderfully new everyday.  Blogged this morning about feeling blah.  I'm going on day 29 smoke free (made it 4 weeks...wow).  I'm staying close to this site because the Elders are amazing and it's nice to take the ride with newbies like myself.  Make it a wonderful day and treat yourself kindly during this tax season.

-Michelle

[Roller831]

Feeling blah is normal.  you are living as an ex-smoker now and a lot of the newness of quitting has worn off.  You are getting your stride and could easily be caught off-guard.  Don't worry, though....be aware and you won't get caught.  You can search on NML and find other blogs out there.  Also...look for content from OldBones-Larry‌ - He is the true NML Caravan Master and led many through NML....through desolation point and past relapse rocks.  It's very good stuff!  Welcome to NML...where it doesn't have to be all blah. 

[MichelleDiane]

Thank you

[AnnetteMM]

Ooh, MichelleDiane we are at similar points in our quits and I am also feeling it. The last few days have been rough, and many many times I've imagined smoking again. What keeps you centered?  For me, it's the promise I made to myself that I'd have to throw away my new ring and my 30 day coin. Shallow, I know, but so far so good.

[MichelleDiane]

Not shallow AnnetteMM.  I am having a rough time today, but do keep thinking about how far I've come and this isn't a distance race.  It's a healthy lifestyle choice that will go the distance.  Just feeling like I'm going through the paces today, but still saying N.O.P.E.

-Michelle

[minihorses]

Whatever works for you Annette to keep you smoke free is a great thing.  Hang on to that ring and twist it on your finger the next time you crave a nasty smoke!

Julie

92 DOF

[OldBones-Larry]

Your camel is hitched right over there ===============>. Your journey through the desert of NML begins tomorrow.

Everything you need for your journey should be strapped to the saddle. 

Follow the trail blazed across the desert by those that have gone before. Beware the traps that Ol' Nic and his crew might have set out there. Sing out loudly if you run into difficulties. 

When you get to Desolation Point in the Relapse Rocks, be extremely careful. I try to keep the trail there in good condition and the traps cleared, but Nic and his bunch continue to set traps and try to destroy the trail there. The fall there is very long and dangerous. 

Safe journey.....

One step, and then another, will get you to where you want to be.

Larry the Caravan Master

[MichelleDiane]

Thanks Larry.  My saddle is full and my eyes are watchful.