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Share your quitting journey

4 Years Smober!

Ladybug--7-3-12
Member
1 17 102
‎07-03-2016 01:54 PM

Four Years ago today I made a life changing CHOICE & COMMITMENT to myself to quit smoking.  It feels great to be in control instead of nicotine running my life.  It is totally within my power to remain smoke free.

Every once in a while Nic O. Demon still presents itself as an option for my consideration.  I recognize & accept that smoking was such a big part of me while I dealt with life (events, people & emotions) for many, many years so that's OK.  Smoking memories or reminders of my smoking past are just that & are not commands for me to smoke.

In fact, I don't necessarily want to entirely kill the nic addict in me because it serves me well in maintenance now -- a reminder -- my Personal Relapse Insurance Policy.  I've become friends with mine (it IS a part of me after all).  I acknowledge it, laugh at the stinker & then dismiss it from my mind whenever it shows up (I don't romance it).  It moves along fairly quickly now due to my time smoke free & from practice.

I am GRATEFUL to be free of smoking & continue to appreciate & treasure my smobriety every day.  It's been such an awesome journey of self-discovery & still is as my personal healing & recovery continues at 4 Years Smoke & Nic Free (& Counting).  I wish the same Freedom for all of you too.

***************************************

A NOTE TO NEWBIES (or those struggling in their "Stay Quit"):  If my smoke free time seems daunting to you just remember -- I have not smoked today.  If you have not smoked today either then we have the same time.  One Day.  Today.  It is the only day that counts.  That's how we all do it.  One Day At a Time. 

IF YOU ARE STILL SMOKING:  I encourage you to quit to have a better QUALITY of life & to make a better ending for yourself.  Smoking kills but when it doesn't -- it maims.  Choose self-esteem, empowerment & control rather than remaining an active nic addict and continuing to choose instant gratification & auto pilot smoking (& living)

JUST KEEP IT SIMPLE:  Quit and then no matter how you may feel, or what you may tell yourself (keep your self-talk positive!), or whatever happens to you in life -- DO NOT SMOKE!  It will always be YOUR choice.

****************************************

Patty -- 4 Years & Counting! 

17 Comments
About the Author
My quit is over for me. I no longer have to decide to stay smoke free, or reconsider it each & every day (or month or year). The choice to not smoke was made by me a long time ago, it’s been kept by me for a while, and being smoke free is now my normal way of living. Yes, I took smoking again off the table for me as an option from Day One/Won. Yes, I acknowledge that I will always be physically addicted to nicotine. Yes, I know I can’t have “even” just one or I will put myself at risk of a return to full-fledged smoking again. So what?! I chose to quit smoking. So I did it. I’m quit. The only requirement in order to Stay Quit is that I don’t smoke. As long as I don’t smoke my addiction to nicotine lies dormant. I don’t crave one and if I get a smoking “memory” it passes easily enough for me now (time & patience!) and life goes on smoke free. Smoking is never a solution to anything. It never has been & never will be for anyone. Smoking just adds a new problem to everything else. There will come a time in your smoke free life when you’ll need to just stop quitting & let everything having to do with the old smoking you go. I’ve arrived. I am at peace and so very grateful for my smoke free life. When you get there yourself you will be able to take the training wheels off & just get on with the living of the rest of your life. This is when your “End Journey” becomes the "New Journey" you get to actually design & live out smoke free for yourself. It's doable for everyone regardless of their circumstances or obstacles. It truly is and it's worth every bit of angst it takes to "arrive". Believe in yourself so you can achieve it too. Change what smoking means to you (educate yourself about nicotine addiction!) and then just begin. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Just Begin … "Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative or creation there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: That the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would otherwise never have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of incidents and meetings and material assistance which no one would have believed would have come one's way. Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace, and power in it." W.H. Murray The Scottish Himalaya Expedition * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Helpful Resources: http://www.whyquit.com (Educate yourself on your nicotine addiction!) http://www.quitsmokingonline.com/course (Helpful for mindset. Free!) https://www.addictionsandrecovery.org/post-acute-withdrawal.htm (It IS an addiction not just a bad habit.) "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking" -- Allen Carr (Works for some; find & do whatever it takes for YOU!) * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *