Okay, Now What?

[TurboRose]

“Okay, Now What?” is the question that’s been dancing in my head. It started once I hit 1 year as an ex-smoker. It’s been like, okay, you made it to 1 year without smoking, now what? Of course the answer is to continue to be an ex-smoker, duh. I think there’s a deeper meaning to the question. I don’t think it's solely about not smoking.  I feel like a bird being kicked out the nest. I feel like I’m in a void.

In the beginning, there’s the beginning. In my desire to stop smoking, I found this community. It felt good to be connected with people who know what it’s like being a smoker and being a smoker trying to quit. I was glad to get support and understanding versus judgment and condemnation. I felt safe sharing my thoughts and feeling.  I didn’t feel alone.  I didn’t come here every day. I found a rhythm that worked for me. I made it through those first days, weeks and months. I entered NOML then the In-betweens. I made some daily pledges and road the Freedom Train.  I struggled through the last 8 weeks leading to up to a year smoke free. Voila, I made 1 year as an ex-smoker.

Now, what?

I’m grateful and kind of surprised I’ve made it this long being smoke free.  I feel like something’s missing and I think I know what it is.  I felt comforted knowing I was "expected" to show-up during NOML and whenever I did show up, I was acknowledged. I felt seen, celebrated and supported by the Freedom Train. “You never know what you got till it’s gone.” I didn’t realize the emotional voids this community has filled until now. I’ve gotten more than smoking cessation support. I’ve gotten some emotional needs met.   It’s been nice feeling seen, understood, expected and welcomed.

Will I float off into the sunset? Will I return now and then to wave a flag when I reach a milestone or just because I’ve made it another day? Will I come back to check on others maybe offer advice to a newbie? Will I take a daily pledge when I’m feeling triggered or when I’m feeling strong and proud? Will I come back to feel seen, understood, welcomed and missed when I show up?  

Now what?

TurboRose 382 DOF

[maryfreecig]

      Thoughtful blog TurboRose. Thanks for sharing. I'm on the smobriety road too. And there isn't one sign that has said, this is it, all done. If I've become accustomed to this road, then it's mostly in knowing that there will be peaks and valleys, surprises and disappointments. Most of all, I've come to believe that my smobriety foundation cannot be finished or taken for granted. Now what? There is always more. And I've come to believe that sharing smobriety is a worthwhile part of the journey.

      Fantastic that you have a year! Big hug and congratulations. Keep meditating about the journey!

[Mandolinrain]

Give back to what was given to you. It will help you maintain your quit, bless you with even more friends than you can ever imagine and fill your heart with joy...knowing your reaching out to help someone else as your own journey continues.

[YoungAtHeart]

We don't stop being a part of your quit journey after a year, or even two.  Come visit us as often as you want or need to- you will ALWAYS be welcome.

Nancy

[SimplySheri]

Isn't it nice to know that now it's up to you!!  It's up to you to decide if you want to ride off into the sunset or stay here and help others as you were helped or if you want to.....do anything you want   You have shown your courage and your strength and now you are showing your wisdom.  So it's truly up to you to take whatever next step feels right.  You will always be a part of the ex community whether you ride off right now or hang out.  You will always be noticed because...well...you're noticeable   Unique and delightful! 

Sheri

[JACKIE1-25-15]

What you are feeling is normal.  The best part is life continues to get better as long as NOPE.  Every area.  Life does not stop at 1 year quit.  It gets better and better.  You start to open doors that were once closed in your mind.  You start looking under the rocks to find what you may have missed.  It is an enjoyable life.  I would never give it up for a puff.  It is not just rhetoric the journey really does continue...Live Love Laugh

[MarilynH]

This is a great blog Turbo thank you so much for sharing and a super duper Congratulations on your splendiferous 382 glorious DOF, YAY and YAY again for Smokefree living and yay for each and every Day WON ......

[karenjones]

You darn well better come back!!!  You are well on your way to being an elder here.  Elders are the foundation of this whole enterprise. Sheesh, you have a year??? Congratulations, I have 120 days, I see people posting here who have 2 days or 10 days and i have empathy for them. And because you have one year does not mean you should be come complacent.  At all. So ever viligant. You are not a non-smoker.  It is not like you never smoked. Someone who has never smoked is a non-smoker. We are EX Smokers.  Hey, and Proud of it.  Stick around. 

[elvan]

You will always be appreciated here...I have been smoke free for over four years and I still feel a sense of great joy when someone reaches a milestone they never expected to reach.  Congratulations on your 382 days of freedom, I am really glad that you are here and really glad that you shared your feelings at this point in your quit.  I have felt like I needed to be here since the beginning and I am, for the most part, here every day.  Every person who comes here has a story to tell and every story is worth reading....you are a ROCK Star!

Ellen

[Barbara145]

Congrats on one year.  Your journey is far from over.  Make sure it is not 'ole nic asking that question.  It takes work and determination to never take another puff.

[freeneasy]

Congrats! Now what? I would say stay smoke-free one day at a time - just like you did while you were working up to a year. You know how to do it. You are an "Elder" by definition here. Continue to participate - take a break when you feel like you need one. Keep enjoying your quit journey!