UGH...

[kristine5-27-14]

I know I'm knee deep in NML territory, but what I'm feeling right now doesn't even feel like a craving, it feels more like depression. My logic is fuzzy right now and I'm clinging to the truth that cigarettes dont help anything. at all. ever.  I've been doing SO well this past month, looking towards a future that no longer inclues smoking. And then I woke up this morning with this crazy thought in my head like "maybe someday when I'm very old, I'll be able smoke again. At least I can look forward to that."    I'm so frustrated because I know that sounds stupid and I don't want to ever let smoking back into my life. 

[Storm.3.1.14]

Sounds very much like the Bargaining Phase.

"How about if we just do this..."

"Well, what if we start doing this instead of that, then..."

My addiction attempted to convince me to be a weekend smoker, because 2 packs a week was better than 7, right? Well, in my 28 years of smoking, less that 7 packs a week was NEVER acceptable. I'd be an idiot to think that somehow, magically, it would be doable now.

These thoughts WILL decrease in strength, trust me. You just need to let the grieving process roll through its course WITHOUT caving in.

Keep going!

[Ms.J_11-10-2013]

Ah yes the good days and the bad.  NML is tricking and don't let it get to you.  You see the nicodemon is in the corner~ gasping for breath~ weak~ it needs fed to bring it back alive~ it is slowly dying and doing anything it can to get to you.  All it needs is one puff and it will bring the life back into him, and the quit you worked so hard for is gone.  Do your really want all of those chemicals back into your body~ you have just about cleaned them all out and started healing.  Be strong~ get thru it with deep breathing, or a walk or run or whatever it takes! Things will look brighter in the morning.

All the best

xoxo

Jackie

[annb]

Oh Karen, I hear that!!! A past work friend of mine and I made a deal -that if we really still wanted to smoke - we'd start smoking again together when we're 85! Lol. NML is rough terrain. I'm at 117 days and it feels all uphill right now. Maybe getting close to the exit ramp!!! Hoping to feel the rate of incline decrease soon, reach the summit and start coasting downhill!!! Wheeeee!!!

[Jennifer-Quit]

I think I am just a little ahead of you in days quit - and I can  tell you that what you are feeling is normal.  I got home from work several days and just cried like a baby.  I wasn't really craving a smoke, I just needed to cry.  And the nicodemon starts trying to bargain with you--well that s**t don't work with us any more - no more bargaining or gambling with our lives and our health.  Hang tough - I have had a string of really good days going now - and you will too before you know it!

Jennifer 78 DOF

[beckya2]

I am right there with you.  NML is hard to navigate at times but that is the point.  The demon wants you to fall.  Stay strong my friend.  Don't let the thoughts scare you, they are just thoughts.  They come and they go.  I have had to keep telling myself that  for the last few days.  One step at a time and before you know it, you are out of NML.

Take care....

[summer-07-06-15]

you are just romancing the ciggs, do some deep breathing or what helped in the past that go you thru the early urges. Don't want to go back to beginning  of your quit.

[swilson2]

cigarettes do not solve anything it has however been my rock my go too thing when things are tough when i am happy sad and everything in between, i bargain with my self and tell my self that i too can smoke again when i get old. i have so much too be thankful for my health has improved my cough is gone the junk in my throat and nose is gone my voice is not as raspy i do feel better except for the depression its a real bear, i see myself in so many quitters on this site i am not alone and for that i will always be greatful. have a great and safe weekend.

[JonesCarpeDiem]

I was craving a fresh peach pie all day and ended up eating fresh peaches.

Make it work.

I wanted the taste of the peaches anyway.

You're looking for your mental break. Make it yourself. You don't need a smoke.

Focus on something else, like fresh peach pie and grab some peaches.

[sadiewilliams]

Don't u dare give up this fight, you have come this far and do not want to start over!!  I have been there, where u are.  I am on day 198.   But let me tell u about the first 2 months.  I went through the exact thing you are going through, just alittle worse because my quit date was Jan. 1. All of this took place in Jan and Feb, during a bad winter.  So I felt trapped, at least now u can go outside and get some air or walk.  Trust me my friend, it does get better, I promise!!  - Just remember how hard day 1 through 5 were, and think I don't want to relive that!

[annb]

We've worked too hard to turn back now!!! List all the craves and stressors and triggers and events you've already overcome!!!! You can keep overcoming. I know how wearing it is. But keep moving forward one step at a time and you will get second winds !!