"Oldtimers" are to be admired for their strength to hang in here year after year. I am a semi-oldtimer and by that I mean I've been here almost 2 years. There are a few things I have learned during this time. I've learned that after a year the stories of quitting, the methods, the theories, all the sure fire quitting cures , start to repeat. I did it myself,, I go back and read what I wrote daily for a year (except when computer was down) I was experiencing exactly what everyone else was and my revelations were not new. At some point I started to take advice from these "oldtimers."
I admire and commend them today because to be perfectly honest, I never quite had the patience these strong people had. Once the stories and the pitfalls start all over and I realize a new person is going down the wrong path and isn't going to listen because we all "know better" by nature I cop out and just remain silent. I knew better than anyone else,,, but did I?? I think not ,, I was barely quit,, how did I know better than someone who had been quit for years??
So heres to the "Oldtimers" and the next time one makes you mad remember ,, the truth is never all that fun in the beginning , but will eventually set you free. Save yourself some grief and remember as different as we think we are in this journey, (terminally unique) it's called in a structured recovery program,,, we are really the same.
Give these "Oldtimers" a listen ,,, it might just ease your burden. It did for me. Remember,, Why would they intentionally set out to anger or hurt?? What would be a feasible reason for that?? None,, just remember , it's all to guide and help and this is in fact recovery from a drug,, it may hurt before it feels good.
I am James, Happy , Healing for almost 18 months after smoking 2 packs a day for 36 years.(quit almost 30 months now)
Peace!! Congrats on all DECISIONS to quit today and all milestones,,whether it's 1 hour or 1 day 1 week or however long without Nicotine, you are closer to peace and freedom,, let us help.
