To Old Friends and New Ones

[jp-1.20.16]

I am starting over tomorrow. No more smokes. In 2013, I was a member here and made it for nine months, and then, it happened. I broke down and had a cigarette. I somehow got into a "the hell with it" mood when I was stressed and let it all get away.

This time I want to go much longer...I would say 'forever' but that idea scares the bejeebers out of me!

In the years since 2013, I have had a number of small quits, last summer and fall 5 months, but did not come back to use this site. With humility, I return. I will try my best to regroup and relearn, and to support others as I can.

I need and look forward to the support of great people on this site. Thanks!

[kristen-9-7-15]

Hi JP!  Don't ever be humiliated to come back and try again!  I am glad you are here!  You can do this!

[blaquequeen83]

Welcome back! Glad your here!

[ShawnP]

Welcome back! re-educate yourself! read blogs and keep blogging. Also, helping others, helps you in return! I won't the 'f" word but you will go beyond your last quit. Believe in yourself as we believe in you!

[candylance]

Come on, jp!! YOU CAN DO THIS!! Remember, ONE DAY AT A TIME!! All the help YOU need is right here!! Just remember on your journey of self identity to blog for HELP before you smoke, NOT AFTER!!

[cocos_mom]

I quit and requit several times before I found this site. It's the best support you can have and you know you can do it!

[YoungAtHeart]

Welcome back!

Let's make this your FINAL Day One!  It seems you understand what happened when you made the decision to smoke during your other attempt - so make a plan NOW how you will handle it differently this time.

The most important thing you can do right now is to re- educate yourself on what nicotine does to your body and mind. To that end, I highly recommend Allen Carr's “The Easy Way to Stop Smoking.” This is an easy and entertaining read. Here is a link to a free PDF version of it:

http://media.wix.com/ugd/74fa87_2010cc5496521431188f905b7234a829.pdf

As well, read the sections on this site, and read the blogs, responses and pages of folks you think might be helpful. You might visit whyquit.com and quitsmokingonline.com for the good information contained there. You should also do the tracking and separation exercises suggested on this site

After you have completed the recommended reading, it will be time to make an informed choice of the quit aid, if any, you will use. If you go that route, I personally recommend the aids that don't let the addict control the dose such as the available prescription drugs or the patch. But – any method that you think will work well for you will be best for you.

The idea is to change up your routines so the smoking associations are reduced.  Drink your coffee with your OTHER hand. If you always had that first smoke with your coffee, try putting your tennies on right out of bed, going for a quick walk, then taking your shower and THEN your coffee! Rearrange the furniture in the areas you used to smoke so the view is different.

You need to distract yourself through any craves.  You can take a bite out of a lemon (yup - rind and all), put your head in the freezer and take a deep breath of cold air, do a few jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk or march in place, play a computer game.  Don't let that smoking thought rattle around in your brain unchallenged. Sometimes you need to quit a minute or an hour at a time.  You will need to be disciplined in the early days to distract yourself when a crave hits.  Don't let that smoking thought rattle around your head alone.  Get busy!  Here is a link to a list of things to do instead of smoke if you need some fresh ideas:

https://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/Youngatheart.7.4.12-blog/2013/02/25/100-things-to-do-instea...

The conversation in your head in response to the "I want a cigarette" thought needs to be, "Well, since I have decided not to do that anymore, what shall I do instead for the three minutes this crave will last?"  Then DO it.  You will need to put some effort into this in the early days, but it gets easier and easier to do.

Stay close to us here and ask questions when you have them and for support when you need it. We will be with you every step of the way!

Nancy

[LouiseR]

Welcome back.  We are all here to support you.  Come here every day and read and blog!!

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Hi, Welcome back.  I only have one thing to say. You have to say forever or you leave yourself open to relapse.  Sorry two things.  CLOSE THE FREAKING DOOR! Man I am starting to sound like Dale. mho

[Kimshine]

Welcome back!

I was here in Jan of 2013 also. As a matter of fact, today was my quit date back then.

Like you, I blew it after 10 mos.

You can do this, just stay here and blog when  you need help and support.

[JACKIE1-25-15]

Here is a link o a blog that I wrote several months ago. community.becomeanex.orghttps://excommunity.becomeanex.org/blogs/JACKIE1-25-15-blog/2015/10/21/stay-connected

[TerrieQuit]

Hello, Nice to meet you! I am glad you are here!

[smorgy8513]

Welcome back Friend.     You know how to do this.    You know how to reach me if you need.

glad to see you back!!!

Sharon