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Share your quitting journey

No Man's Land Weekly Blog -- Are You in NML?

SarahP
Member
0 8 120

We do this blog every Wednesday afternoon to offer encouragement and camaraderie to those in NML, basically months 2-3-4 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 about the time your first month ends.

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 knock you to your knees. 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 every bit as strong as it was in your first few days.

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, give a shout!  Tell us how long you've been quit and how you're feeling! 

 

 

Click here to read Dale’s helpful blog about No Man’s Land: https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/jonescarp.aka.dale.Jan_2007-blog/2011/05/24/no-mans-land-da...

8 Comments
babs13
Member

@ 86 Days - Enjoying improved breathing. Tests results showing the same! 

melissa131
Member

I just realized a minute ago, that sometimes on a stressful day a toothpick still helps. For some reason I was thinking (I guess) that because I haven't smoked, I dont have a tendancy to want to put something in my mouth. Anyway, I"ve been really busy so busy I am stressed and short on time. Today I am doing taxes, cleaning papers and eh...so I finally stopped and ate, then I grabbbed a toothpick, and now I just feel less stressed out. Ok. that's all I got about No mans Land, I guess my point is, one way to protect the quit is realize that you are an ex smoker, and whatever caused you to do that, also maybe makes you a little prone to putting things in your mouth. lol.. see I'm so stressed I can't even collect my thoughts, hopefully you know what I mean. Carry on. 

melissa131
Member

PS 

I have been quit for 4 Months, 2 Weeks, 6 Days, 5 hours, 24 minutes and 47 seconds (143 days). I have saved $930.95 by not smoking 2,864 cigarettes. I have saved 1 Week, 2 Days, 22 hours and 40 minutes of my life. My Quit Date: 10/9/2011 10:47 AM

JonesCarpeDiem

IF YOU GET THROUGH THESE FIRST 4 MONTHS, YOUR NEXT GOAL IS ONE YEAR.

JUST BE AWAKE AND AWARE.

THE FIRST 4 MONTHS IS YOUR BIG TEST TO MAKE IT INTO THE 6%  CLUB

Denise3
Member

108 days

maxsmiles
Member

I must confess I have had some strong cravings the last several days.  It might have something to do with doing a few outside projects.  I always smoked as a reward for completing a project.  I have missed that .  Or I think I have.  It was a beautiful day here and I was doing yard clean up.  When I was done for the day I sat in the sun and thought about  smoking.  I think I have heard that called romantisizing (sp?) the smoke.  What is the 6% club?  Prosper

lisa11209
Member
I am out of NML and just past six months. As Dale said, next goal is a year. Sarah, you are so right about the physical benefits. I started an exercise program about one month into my quit. This past weekend I went cross country skiing. One day our group was out for five hours, including some pretty good climbs. Could never have enjoyed that if I continued practicing smoking addiction! Staying quit is so worth the maintenance time.
star17
Member
50 days tomorrow! Doing well but did have a surprise craving today. Was a little surprised by it but stopped the thought process before it became full-blown. Feeling good 🙂