GOOD BYE, NML...:::sniff:::sniff::::: I Think I'm gonna Miss you.

[kris54]

Well...... Over 130 days for me SMOKEFREE.  I am proud of myself........ but as I stand here... without my No Man's Land T-Shirt on...... I wonder what I might use for my excuses when things get hairy.  Before..... I told myself I was in NML and this was perfectly normal to still be dealing with the urges......................  WHAT NOW?

I feel great.  I go for days with out a craving or even thinking of smoking.  BUT... there are still the 'Moments' when the little ~nicotine demon~ rears its ugly head.... and I find myself wishing for just one 'puff'.... just one.  I know I never will...... but do I dare ask the Elders here...... Do you ever get that little craving every once in awhile?  Or have I just not learned my lessons?

I want to go the rest of my life..... without ever having the fear of smoking again.... and I know in my heart I will accomplish this...... but I still have the little 'voice' in the back of my mind that just won't leave....... or hasn't yet.  (I guess he loves me...ugh!)

There are so many new quitters here since I made the BEST decision of my life and I am THRILLED to see them!  One by One we are slowly winning the war against cigarettes and the companies who sell them.  Each person who joins us and gives the ultimate gift to themself....... is one more battle won!

The people here are amazing in their care.... and speaking from experience.... they have carried me through my quit...... held my hand.... wiped my tears....... and lifted my spirits....... and made me feel important.  Thank you guys... all of you...... I will never be able to say Thank you enough for all the goodess you gave to me.

I haven't had the kind of time to be here as much as I'd like to, as I am getting my Laboratories in line for two ISO audits....... but when all is said and done....  I will be here daily again..... trying to continue giving back... the wonderful things I have recieved! ♥

[mikecity]

Congratulations on over 130 days !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It keeps getting better and better !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Patty-cake]

What a great testimonial Kris!

Congrats on moving on from NML. You are strong.

[IrishRose]

Congratulations on 130 days, you former NML Lady you!  Everyone is different.  You will probably run into situations where you want one, yes, but you must be firm in your commitment that you just don't do that anymore.  Stay firm to that believe, and time will pass to where you will not even think of smoking.  Your body and mind will get used to your new life.  At my point in my quit, I loathe the smell of coffin nails now.  I do not enjoy getting a blast of smoke mixed in with the fresh air when I walk by a smoker nor the stink that lingers on.  

Stay committed, My Friend!!!

[JonesCarpeDiem]

leaving no mans land doesn't mean you won't have an occasional urge, it just means you've been through the hardest part of quitting and should be able to handle most anything that comes your way without choosing smoking.

You will experience emotional and seasonal triggers for the first couple years that you did not experience in the first 4 months of your quit.

But, you've learned how to push through.

One day, it will just be a distant memory without urges.

[kris54]

OK..... THEN....... I made it through NML!!!  Whew..... I was thinking maybe i shouldn't have left!  Thanks, Dale.... I really do not get urges anymore at all... but the occassional one is still there.

Skipping now.........................

[Marti7]

Great letter and I can hardly wait to say I have been smoke free for 130 days.  Seems so far away at day 13 but I know I will get there!

You are an inspiration!  Thank you!   🙂

[warriorprincess]

I kinda feel 'lost" myself. Ive been hanging out in the shadows reading blogs but feeling like Im not "qualified' to give out advice yet. My cravings are almost none, but I feel somewhat in limbo. Congrats on making it this far! I was thinking about you last night as i was grazing through the blogs. I noticed you hadnt blogged in a while. Glad to see that you are still doing great!!!

[Ex_Nancy]

Yes, like Dale said, occasional and seasonal triggers:( like after carving the Halloween pumpkin, you used to smoke...after putting up the Xmas tree with all the ornaments, you used to smoke)  Or the most unexpected ones like having boring in-laws over that just make us feel awkward,and we used to smoke to "waste" time...at this stage you probably still have some old bainwashing left in your head which is WHY you still keep thinking of that "just one" every once in awhile. It is NOT sexy or attractive...it is a filthy,disgusting, disease-producing addiction....over time, the thoughts will become less and less...remember NOPE and this photo.....  img alt="" src="" />  

[nickmillerz]

Congrats Kris!  😄   I just did my exit walk from NML a week ago. We are done with the worst part of the whoooole quit.  Lets remember the reasons why we quit smoking and we will be fine for the next 2 years...and beyond  😉

[nauticalnut2011]

I felt a lot like you are feeling now between NML and closing in on one year.  Kept thinking I was thinking too much about smoking and wondering if it would ever end.  Maybe it will, maybe it won't.  But what it does is it becomes a fleeting thought, easily pushed aside.

You've heard people who have been quit for years say they still think about them or they still 'want one'.  I've always been afraid I'd be one of 'those' people, and that was one of my addictive excuses not to quit.

Now I know that I might be one of 'those' people.  But its okay because now I know it doesn't hurt.  It's nothing like the first hours, days, weeks, months of your quit.  The thought or memory is there, and then it's gone...no pain!  I can live with that, and so can you  : D

[Bonnie11.3.2009]

We smoked for years and years and years and somehow we expect that we should never have another memory, thought, reminder of smoking for the rest of our lives??

REality is you will have some reminders at various times.  No big deal.  NBD ville.

Acknowledge it and remember you don't do that anymore, no matter what and walk on by, resuming your fresh air in your new smoke free life!  

[Junior7]

Over 130 days!  Right on!  You rock!  Keep it up!

[ginger34]

Great Job.Keep up the fantastic work!

[brelar]

Happy 130 days Kris!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂

[Patty70]

WTG Khris. 

[Rick_M]

Good going Kris. You are doin great. Never look back......

[Mike.n.Atlanta]

Congrats on getting through NML Kris. We’re all proud of you too.

A little fear is a good thing. It’ll keep you on your toes. No fear & there's a danger of complacency. Complacency can lead to us trying ourselves & we know where that leads. There are so many people that have lost quits of many years more than mine. We can’t tempt ourselves.

This is just another step in your quit & something new to learn. You’ll come through with flying colors I’m sure. Yes through the years things will happen & for the briefest of moments you’ll feel that you should be smoking. But you’ll say no & then laugh at yourself wondering where the hell that thought came from. Just a buried trigger that pops out on occasion.

As far as when ol Nick Deemon shows his ugly head, just mosey over to his page & give him hell. That’s what he’s here for.

From beautiful downtown Tucker ;o)
M n @

[kris54]

(Thanks, Mike!!  🙂